How clean we keep our homes can have a big impact on how often we catch coughs and colds. Germs spread easily when we touch surfaces and then touch our faces (eyes, nose, mouth). During cold/flu season or if someone in the household is ill, cleaning becomes critical.

When you think of germ hot spots at home you might relegate them to the bathroom, the place we all think of as the dirtiest. But research shows that many of the worst offenders are surprisingly everyday, and all over the house. Some viruses (including the ones that cause colds/flu) survive on surfaces for hours or days depending on surface and humidity. Food-borne bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella etc) are often involved when kitchen surfaces are contaminated. Identifying where these germs are, means we can keep on top of them before they spread.

 

Kitchen sponges & dish cloths

It makes sense that what you use to clean your dishes is going to harbour germs - specifically coliform bacteria (the type that includes E. coli and Salmonella) and mould.

Cloths, sponges and brushes are often damp and in contact with food debris, and rarely disinfected. And then we go and wipe them over surfaces to ‘clean them’ which only redistributes them further.

Deep clean: Run sponges through the dishwasher and wash cloths on a high temperature every few days. Replace heavily used sponges, cloths and brushes every 1-2 weeks.

Faucet handles

Faucet handles in the kitchen and bathroom may look shiny and clean, but they’re a bacteria and mould breeding ground. Touched regularly with dirty hands, and often overlooked when cleaning. Also, don’t forget doorknobs and light switches — a quick weekly wipe-down can make a big difference to germ build up.

Deep clean: When you’re cleaning, don’t forget handles. Clean them every other day and be sure to wash your hands frequently at home to minimise the germs.

Toothbrush holders

A toothbrush holder is a major germ culprit. Aerosolised particles from flushing (widely known as the “toilet plume”) can deposit microbes on nearby surfaces, including toothbrush holders.
Deep clean: Put the toothbrush holder weekly in the dishwasher (if applicable) or hot soapy water. Keep toothbrushes upright, separate, and as far as possible from the toilet bowl aerosol zone (and ideally flush with the toilet seat down). Wipe faucets and handles in bathrooms regularly.

 

Remote control

The TV remote is a surface that gets touched often and rarely gets a good clean – a prime time germ magnet. Throw in your computer keyboard and mobile phone, and it’s a bacterial and viral buffet.  It’s worth remembering that viruses can survive on plastic remotes and keyboards for up to three days.
Deep cleaning: Wipe down remotes and keyboards with a disinfectant that’s safe for electronics, and regularly clean mobile phones (especially if your kids are touching them).

Pet bowls

If you have pets, their bowls and toys can become germ reservoirs. Pet bowls contain high counts of microorganisms and pet toys tested also showed staphylococcus bacteria, mould and coliforms.
Deep clean: Wash pet bowls daily with hot soapy water (or run through dishwasher if safe). Clean toys every week (or more often if they go outside). If pets are allowed on furniture/couches, vacuum regularly and consider an extra wipe-down.

 

Kitchen sink

With raw food prep, plate rinsing, lots of moisture, and sometimes food particle residue, the kitchen sink is another hot spot for microbes.
Deep clean: Disinfect and clean the sink basin, sides, strainers and plug hole at least twice a week.

Kitchen surfaces

Even surfaces when surfaces appear clean, they can harbour dirty surprises. The worst zones can be around the sink or near where sponges/cloths are used.
Deep clean: Before and after cooking, wipe down surfaces with a suitable disinfectant, especially after handling raw meat/fish/vegetables. Keep non-food items (bags, backpacks, etc.) off counter surfaces to reduce contamination.

 

How To Defend Your Home Against Germs

Daily: After dinner clean up well: wipe sponges/cloths, rinse sinks, wipe surfaces (like handles, switches)

Weekly: Deep wipe the kitchen counters, clean pet bowls and toys, clean toothbrush holders and bathroom handles

Monthly: Replace sponges and clean drains

When Sickness Strike: Increase cleaning frequency, disinfect remote controls and shared devices, change hand towels often, and avoid sharing cutlery or glasses when someone is unwell. Taking a chewable Lactoferrin supplement like Leapfrog IMMUNE can help to defend against viruses and bacteria.