Your toothbrush holds tons of bacteria that can harm your oral health, and other germs can lurk in places we’ve never thought to clean or simply don’t know how to clean properly.
That’s why it’s essential to be aware of bacteria growth in your home and know how to fight it effectively.
For this reason, we’ve compiled top tips to ensure a thorough cleaning of these tools, so no pathogens affect your family’s well-being.
1. Disinfect Your Toothbrush with Mouthwash
Each time you use your toothbrush, you potentially introduce bathroom-dwelling bacteria into your mouth. If you’re someone who regularly flushes with the lid up, you may be spreading these germs into the air. They can then settle on surfaces and objects. Therefore, disinfect your toothbrush by soaking it in mouthwash for about 2 minutes before use.
2. Clean Your Oven with 1/5 Cup of Ammonia
Simply heat up your oven, then turn it off and place 1/5 cup of ammonia in a bowl on the top rack. Put a bowl of boiling water on the bottom rack and close the door. This will help loosen grime from your oven, making it easy to wipe clean the next day.
3. Microwave Your Sponges
Dish sponges tend to harbor large amounts of harmful bacteria that you don’t want on your dishes while washing. To sterilize your sponge, wet it before microwaving for 1 minute. The extreme heat will kill any bacteria present. Do this every few days, especially if your sponge starts to smell.
4. Care for Your Wooden Kitchen Utensils
Wooden spoons can be affected by the environment in your kitchen. This is especially true if they’re put in the dishwasher or soaked for hours in the sink. To keep them clean and hygienic, rub them with a slice of lemon to neutralize odors. You can also condition these utensils gently with vegetable or coconut oil. This will make them shine and protect them from harmful moisture.
5. Regularly Wipe Down Window Sills
As windows and window sills can accumulate condensation, they are a prime breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Make sure you don’t forget these spots when cleaning, as they can harbor significant amounts of bacteria due to the damp environment.
6. Give Your Hairbrush a Good Wash
Hairbrushes are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, yet they can hold a lot of grime. This is because our hair can pick up germs daily when we’re out and about, which then transfers to our brushes. Clean your brushes once a month by removing any hair buildup and giving them a good wash.
7. Disinfect Your Yoga Mat with Apple Cider Vinegar
Yoga mats can harbor a lot of bacteria, not just from your sweat but also from being placed on the floor, especially at gyms. So, give your mat a good clean after each use. Simply wipe it down with a solution of water and apple cider vinegar.
8. Clean Your Silver Jewelry with Baking Soda and Salt
To restore your silver jewelry’s original shine, use a tray and line it with aluminum foil. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt. Place your jewelry on top and pour over boiling water. By soaking overnight, this solution will dissolve any grime and tarnish on your silver accessories.
9. Clean Your Keyboard with Gel
The gel is very practical for removing the buildup of dust and dirt from the tiny crevices of your keyboard, and it’s easy to make at home.
According to Brightside