The Dirty Truth About Your Home- Learn to REALLY clean your house 

There are so many hidden germs and bacteria in our homes.

How many times a week do you clean your kids tooth brush holder, the remote control to the t.v. and your kitchen knobs? I try to clean my kitchen knobs once a month, but if I knew how dirty kitchen cabinet knobs are, I would be doing it at least once a week.  It is one of the dirtiest places in your home.

No matter how much you clean your home, germs and dirt will still find a way in.  Some of my friends are crazy about cleaning and some aren’t, either way you might think twice about not cleaning your remote control when you know it can have more germs than a toilet handle.

Here are some tips for you and your family not to get sick from your own home.

Throw out old kitchen sponges

Dr. Oz says there is more bacteria in a sponge then there is in any other object in your home. Upset stomachs can be traced to sponges.  You can keep them clean by placing them in the dishwasher or washing machine once a week.  If they stink get rid of them.  You can use a dishcloth instead.

Wash your pillows and children’s stuffed animals

Pillows tend to harbor dust mites.  If you have allergies this could make it worse if you aren’t changing them often or covering them during the day with a protector.

Everyone loves stuffed animals.  My kids love burying each other in them (or me), taking them on vacation and dragging them all over the house.  It is fun but they can get so dirty and dingy and if they are sleeping with their stuffed animals at night they are going to have a higher risk of getting or making allergies worse.

A quick fix to this problem is to throw the stuffed animals and pillows in the washing machine and lay flat to dry.  I also make sure to wash my kids baby blankets that they love to take everywhere.  Once a week has worked for me.  But I know twice a week is better.

Computer key pads 

Computer key pads have 21,000 germs per sq. inch on desk tops.  Wash your hands often and clean with sanitation wipes

Phones, keys and letter openers

Make sure to sanitize phones, remote controls, car keys. letter openers and telephones.  This is another thing I am horrible with cleaning.  It seems so simple but I never make time for it. Try to clean these items once a week.  It will help you to stay healthier.

Keep your shoes outside or by the front door

I never was good at taking my shoes off growing up with six kids but I lived in Germany for a while and NO shoes were allowed in the house.  We wore house shoes.  Now in my own house we take off our shoes because we are walking around all day outside and I want to keep the toxins and germs outside.

Also try to always take your shoes off when you go into someone else’s home.  Or make sure you ask what their shoe policy is.  They might have a baby crawling on the floor and they don’t want him or her to get sick.

Vacuum Cleaners

When you get a vacuum read the directions on how often you should clean your filter.  Mine needs to be cleaned every 2-3 months.  The best vacuum cleaner should have a HEPA filter.  HEPA stands forHigh Efficiency particulate air.

I also try and clean my carpets and rugs every 6-8 months especially if I have a pet that is on the rug all the time.

Change your air filters and air ducts

Air ducts should be cleaned every couple of years. Filters should be changed every 6 months.

Cleaning your air filters can help with allergies and better air quality in your home.

Clean bath mats and towels

Your bath mats can get moldy when too much water gets on them.  Try to dry off as much as you can in the shower before you step on the bath mat.  Washing bath mats once a week is best.

Wash bath towels every 3-5 uses.  Also remember to hang your towel up after every single use.  Mold and mildew are hard to remove from towels so hanging them up to dry is best.

Staircase banisters

Beware of banisters.  My bannisters can turn black and dingy over night.  I try to sanitize and clean with warm soapy water once a week but sometimes I forget and it’s more like twice a month.  Think about how many times you go up and down your stairs.  It is pretty important to keep your banisters germ free.

Clean out your refrigerator 

A clean refrigerator is a must.  If I open my fridge and it smells funky that means I have waited too long to give it a cleaning.  I try to do a deep clean twice a month but a quick clean once a week with all natural products is better to keep your family safe.  Vinegar and water is always best.

Here is a list of some other dirty things in your home

-pet bowl

-bathroom walls next to your toilet;

-door knobs

-kitchen cutting boards

-light switches

-kitchen sink

The most important thing that I have learned from writing this article is not to stress too much about always cleaning.  I just try to do one thing a day.  I’ll grab a sanitation wipe and wipe off phones, keys and computer key boards while I’m on the phone with my friend and then the next day I’ll throw all the bath mats in the washing machine.  Don’t try to do it all in one day unless that is easier for you.

What other dirty things are taking over your home?

Ashley

 Now that you are a PRO at knowing how to REALLY clean your house, I know you’ll LOVE these tips on encouraging your kids to help!

 Check out this adorable idea to help kids do a really great job cleaning the house: Germ Bugs!

Did you know we have an AMAZING Ebook – Your Top 12 Contest Winning Homemade Cleaning Recipes PLUS Printables?! This has some awesome recipes for homemade cleaners that you’ll love and will save you lots of money. Check it out!