Your home may look clean, but hidden germs could be lurking in places you least expect. Bacteria, mold, and viruses thrive in everyday household items, potentially leading to allergies, illnesses, and bad odors. Regular cleaning helps, but proper sanitization is key to keeping your home truly germ-free. Nadia’s House Cleaning would like to reveal the hidden germ hotspots in your home and the best ways to sanitize them.

Kitchen Sponges & Dishcloths

Kitchen sponges and dishcloths are damp, making them the perfect breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. In fact, studies have shown that sponges can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat!
• Microwave Method: Dampen the sponge and microwave it on high for 1–2 minutes to kill bacteria.
• Dishwasher Method: Place sponges in the dishwasher and run them on a hot cycle.
• Bleach Solution: Soak sponges in a mixture of one gallon of water and 3/4 cup of bleach for five minutes.

Cutting Boards

Whether wood or plastic, cutting boards collect bacteria from raw meat, vegetables, and other food items. Even small knife grooves can trap bacteria, making them hard to clean.
• Wash with hot, soapy water after every use.
• Disinfect with a solution of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and fresh produce to prevent cross-contamination.

Kitchen Sink & Faucet Handles

You wash your dishes in the sink, but when was the last time you cleaned the sink itself? Food particles, grease, and bacteria collect in the sink and around faucet handles, making them one of the dirtiest spots in the home.
• Scrub the sink daily with hot water and dish soap.
• Disinfect with a mix of vinegar and baking soda or a commercial disinfectant spray.
• Pay special attention to the drain and garbage disposal, pour boiling water and vinegar down the drain weekly.

Light Switches & Doorknobs

Everyone in your household touches these surfaces daily, transferring germs from hands to switches and knobs. They rarely get cleaned, making them a hotspot for bacteria and viruses.
• Wipe down with disinfectant wipes or a solution of diluted bleach weekly.
• Use a microfiber cloth with an alcohol-based cleaner for a streak-free finish.

TV Remotes & Game Controllers

These items are handled frequently but rarely cleaned, making them a magnet for bacteria, dust, and even food residue.
• Remove batteries before cleaning.
• Use a disinfectant wipe or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean crevices.
• Let the remote dry completely before reinserting the batteries.

Refrigerator Door & Drawer Handles

Refrigerator handles are touched multiple times a day, often with unwashed hands while cooking. Inside the fridge, food spills and bacteria can build up in drawers and shelves.
• Wipe down fridge handles daily with a disinfectant wipe.
• Remove and wash fridge drawers and shelves with warm, soapy water weekly.
• Use baking soda to eliminate odors inside the fridge.

Commercial & Residential Cleaning Services in Boston, Brookline, Lexington, Cambridge, Somerville | Suffolk, Middlesex & Norfolk County Massachusetts

Even the cleanest homes have hidden germ hotspots, but regular sanitization can keep your space fresh and safe. By paying extra attention to these overlooked areas, you can reduce the spread of bacteria and create a healthier living environment for your family. For help ensuring your home is germ free, contact Nadia’s House Cleaning today.