We understand what you might be thinking: “One more thing to add to my already long to-do list?!” However, trust us when we say that there’s a good reason behind these chores – they can significantly improve your home in the long run.
1- Hand Towels: While they may not appear dirty, research funded by the USDA found that kitchen tea towels are among the most contaminated items in the kitchen. The same holds true for the small towels in your bathroom. According to Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab, these towels need to be changed every other day or even daily, especially if you have a large family.
2-Kitchen Counters
When you consider the items that end up on your kitchen counters (car keys, mail, handbags), it becomes evident how dirty they can get, not to mention the crumbs that attract pets. Therefore, it’s essential to wipe down and disinfect them daily. Just remember not to use the same wipe on multiple surfaces to avoid cross-contamination, cautions Michaelle Exhume, a product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab.
3-Shower Walls
Shower Walls: The easiest way to prevent your shower tiles from accumulating grime and mildew is through regular maintenance. Cleaning expert Heloise recommends squeegeeing the tiles after each use. This practice helps keep the walls dry, preventing mold and mildew stains.
4-Your Sinks
Despite washing hands and dishes in the sink, it can still harbor dirt and bacteria along the sides of the bowl. To ensure cleanliness, Mr. Forte suggests using a sponge with gum-like properties (e.g., Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) to remove marks. Follow up by disinfecting the sink: plug the drain, fill it with hot water, and add a tablespoon of bleach. Allow it to sit for five minutes, then rinse and air dry.
5-Dirty Dishes
Leaving leftover sauce and crumbs on dishes overnight not only attracts bugs but also makes washing them the next day more challenging. Instead, wash plates and utensils immediately by hand or place them in the dishwasher (without rinsing) before they sit..
6-Your Coffee Maker
If you’re a daily coffee drinker, your coffee maker can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Cleaning it daily is essential. Mr. Forte recommends washing the removable parts after each use to remove coffee residue, grounds, and oil. These parts can typically be cleaned in the dishwasher. Don’t forget to wipe down the exterior and the hot plate to prevent spills from burning
7-Crumb-Covered Floors
After cooking dinner, it’s common to drop some food on the floor. A quick sweep with a Swiffer or broom after finishing the dishes can pick up these leftovers, preventing unwanted guests from finding them first.
pictres SOURCE : womansday.com/Getty
