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Spring Clean for a Healthier Home
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Sure, you keep the surfaces all over your home clear and spotless throughout the year-but now's the time to acknowledge those areas that are out of sight.
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Attack the germs where they thrive.
A study by NSF International showed that six of the 10 most germ-infested items in the average home are in the kitchen, including:
- Dish sponge/rag
- Sink
- Coffee reservoir
- Countertops
- Stove knobs
- Cutting boards
Out of all the dishrags tested, for example, more than 75 percent were found to have Coliform bacteria, the family of bacteria that includes E. coli and Salmonella*.
Some of these are easy fixes, such as swapping out your sponges and rags, but a deep cleaning of every surface will help tackle other issues.
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High-traffic areas are high-germ areas.
The floor may be the most used part of your house. Everyone who comes through walks on it. So how dirty is it? Very dirty.
Cleaning these surfaces is important, and spring is a great time to give floors a serious cleaning. Most hard surfaces can be cleaned with a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner mixed with water-or specific wood cleaner, depending on your flooring. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner you use.
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Don't forget your air.
When spring cleaning, never forget these to-dos:
- Change your air filter. Make sure you're changing it at least every three months.
- Attack pet dander. Your pooch's dander is far from your best friend. Vacuum every corner and wash the upholstery to remove any allergens left behind.
- Destroy mold. Anywhere with moisture can attract mold, such as bathrooms, basements and tiled floors.
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