9 Household Items That You May Have Neglected To Clean
Many household items may be overlooked when it comes to cleaning them. The germ buildup and grime tend to become disgusting over time if not cleaned regularly Well, let’s get to it and clean these areas so you and your family can rest in confidence that bacteria and other germs won’t make you sick.
If you believe that your cleaning has been completely thorough, please reconsider. There surely is a thing or two that you may have overlooked. When it comes to the potential health of your family you just cannot be to careful. So, please consider the following list that we here at Let’s Fix It Up have compiled. Grab some warm water and a good disinfecting cleaner and let’s give this a go…
Cleaning Light Switches and Plates
Where have your hands been, where have your kids hands been? Dirty hands come in contact with light switches and lamp knobs several times a day, every day! Fortunately, these areas are easy to clean and you likely have the products in your home to thoroughly clean them. Disinfect the light switch and plate with a cloth and a mixer of warm water and vinegar 1:1 ratio. You can also spray the plate and switch with a light spray of your favorite disinfectant product. Be extremely careful not to apply to much moisture to the switch as there is and electrical shock just millimeters away. Dry with a cloth if desired.
Or, buy an inexpensive replacement…
- Made of polycarbonate thermoplastic material to provide durability, flexibility, and resilience to withstand hard impacts and heavy force
- Heat & fade resistant to temperatures over 100 degrees which protects them against discoloration and fading over time. Flammability UL94, V2 rating
- Easy replacement of any wall plate of the same configuration. Dimensions: 4.50" height x 2.76" length
- Smooth finish without recessed lines and soft edges allows for easy cleaning
- Includes screws to match the wall plate; 1-Year Warranty, UL-listed
Cleaning Your Computer Keyboard and Mouse
When was the last time you cleaned your computer keyboard and mouse? Remember all those times that you have coughed or sneezed, or picked your nose over your keyboard! Yuck! There can be little doubt that bacteria and germs are spreading in your office, growing on your keyboard. To adequately sanitize your computer’s keyboard and mouse, turn the power off to your device, then, using a small soft scrub brush or toothbrush dip it in vinegar and water solution and work the areas throughout gently. Be careful not to over dampen. You could also spray your preferred disinfectant onto a soft cloth and wipe all the components.
Sometimes it’s better to just buy a new set:
- Full-size keyboard and mouse combo for home or office; keyboard with US layout (QWERTY), 20 shortcut keys, and a handy numeric keypad
- Comfortably contoured wireless mouse with textured rubber grips, forward/back thumb buttons, and fast-scrolling wheel for smooth, speedy navigating through large documents and web pages
- 2.4 GHz wireless connection; both use 128-bit AES encryption for added security; each connects via a small USB receiver that can stay plugged into your computer without obstructing other ports
- Plug and play (no drivers needed); each run on 2 AAA batteries (included); compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10
- Keyboard measures 18.3 by 7.3 by 0.8 inches; mouse measures 4 by 2.6 by 1.5 inches; backed by an AmazonBasics limited 1-year warranty
Removing Grease from Kitchen Handles
How often do you prep for dinner, and your in and out of the refrigerator, the oven and several cabinet drawers each and every evening. How often have you done this while having just handled raw meat? If left uncleaned, these handles and surfaces will most certainly become breeding grounds for bacteria that can make you very sick. Disinfect the appliance handles and cabinet handles at a minimum of once a week. This can be accomplished by mixing of 1/2 hot water with 1/2 vinegar. Of course, you can also use disinfectant cleaners that are sold over-the-counter, such as Lysol Spray. The main point here is to just make sure you do it.
- Hard-working orange solvent, penetrates and dissolves difficult buildup around your home
- Concentrated formula removes grease, oil, ink, coffee, grass stains, blood, pet stains and other tough cleaning problems
- Contains no harmful petroleum by-products
- Safe and effective product to clean your homes with
- Convenient 3-Pack, 32-Ounces Each
Disinfecting Handrails & Doorknobs
Utilizing a soft cloth, 1 part warm water and 1 part vinegar, wipe handrails and doorknobs. Again, you may choose to use your preferred disinfectant spray or solution. It is a matter of personal preference whether or not you choose to dry these surfaces with a dry cloth or paper towel.
- Natural and safe 20% industrial strength white vinegar
- Multi-use and perfect for cleaning, laundry, automotive and gardening to name a few
- Concentrated vinegar is widely used to replace many harmful and expensive commercial cleaning products
- Made in the USA
Cleaning Lamp and Lighting Fixture Switches
Dirt bacteria laced hands come in contact with light switches and lamp knobs every day, sometimes several times a day. Please don’t overlook these important areas as a regular cleaning and disinfecting is a must. Disinfect the light switch plate, switch and various light knobs with a slightly damp cloth soaked in hot water and vinegar. Or use your favorite disinfectant spray.
- CleanSmart Disinfecting Spray: Kills bacteria and viruses that may lurk in CPAP and BIPAP machines, Neti pots too. No harsh fumes or chemical residue left behind. No rinse required.
- Kills 99.9% of germs: Use on CPAP, highchairs, toys, kitchen counters, & toilet seats. Spray, air-dry and know surfaces are germ-free. CleanSmart kills cold, flu and Strep germs
- SIMPLE INGREDIENTS, SMART SCIENCE: Does your all purpose cleaner leave chemical residue? Cleaning supplies don't need to be harsh, & CleanSmart's no rinse, no residue technology is simple & effective.
- HYPOCHLOROUS ACID TECHNOLOGY: Hypochlorous has been used in medical fields for disinfecting for years & is baby & pet friendly. Called nature's germ killer, it's naturally found in the immune system.
- HEALTHIER, SAFER CLEANING SUPPLIES: CleanSmart sanitizing & disinfecting sprays are earth & kid friendly cleaners. Try if you've used cleaners like Lysol, Seventh Generation, Pine Sol, Mr Clean & 409.
Cleaning Bathroom Cabinet Handles And Toothbrush Drawer
If your top drawer in the bathroom is anything like mine, you are going to want to empty the content of the drawer out on a bi-monthly basis! Using the solution of 1:1 ratio vinegar and water, or with your favorite disinfectant spray, wipe out the interior of the drawer in addition to its contents. While you are at it, give the drawer handles a good wipe down as well. Wipe the toothbrush handle, and if you happen to use a toothbrush holder, throw it in the dishwasher when you are ready to do your next load.
Cleaning Dirty Water Bottles
At times I have let my water bottle remain in the car for a month, and dare I say, maybe two before I remember to pull it out and clean it! Fill your sink with hot soapy water and submerge your water bottles, letting them fill up and soak for 10-15 minutes. Using a bottle washing brush, scrub the entirety of the interior and exterior, don’t forget to soak and scrub the lid as well. Rinse thoroughly and let drip dry. You can also throw the bottles in the dishwasher as another option.
- Magnetic Handle: Keeps the cap stowed while drinking
- Angled Spout: Provides an ergonomic drink interface that delivers a high flow of water without sloshing or spilling
- Comfortable To Carry: Handle designed to comfortably carry a full bottle with two fingers
- BPA, BPS & BPF Free: Taste your beverage, not the bottle
- Wide-Mouth Opening: Easy to fill with ice and water and a breeze to clean
Disinfecting Faucet Handles
Faucets just might be the dirtiest, most germ and bacteria infested item in your home. Make it a point to wash the handles thoroughly each day using hot soapy water. To prevent sickness this is of paramount importance.
Washing Reusable Cloth Shopping Bags
So many more people are using reusable shopping bags, this is an awesome thing as we are doing a much better job at using less plastic. That’s a great thing! The bags are an exceptional alternative, but they do need regular cleanings to keep them free of bacteria and smell. Simply throw the bags into the washing machine as you would with any article of clothing, doing this on a regular basis will keep you and your family free of any germ that might be present. While you are at it, throw any washing cloths and sponges in for a good disinfecting as well.
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Jessie is a skilled craftsman & DIY expert – with years of general contracting and real estate development experience, Jessie founded LetsFixItUp.com as an authoritative resource for home renovation, design and DIY projects.