It seems like we all know someone who is sick right now.
And if you’re hoping to avoid that same fate, it’s important to make sure you’re regularly cleaning germ hot spots in your home.
“The two biggest places that germs reside in are the kitchen and the bathroom. So, you want to make sure you clean those two areas really well. And I’m talking about the high touch surfaces like light switches, faucets, door handles,” said Dr. Neha Vyas, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic. “In the bathroom, you’ve got your toilet handles, you’ve got your toothbrush. In the kitchen, you have your kitchen sink, you’ve got your appliances, especially like your cutting board.”
Vyas said depending on the type of germs, they can live up to 48 hours -- sometimes longer.
So, what products do you need to clean?
She recommends using a low-bleach formula.
If you plan to use something stronger, make sure you have proper ventilation and are wearing a mask and gloves.
You don’t want to inhale any of those harsh chemicals.
Vyas said some other commonly overlooked items in your house that need to be cleaned include remote controls, cellphones and bedsheets.
“You want to wash your bedsheets on a regular basis, whether that be bi-weekly or weekly, whatever works for you,” she said. “It’s important to do so because germs can linger, dust mites can linger, even bedbugs can occur in bedsheets that aren’t washed frequently. And make sure you wash them in hot water.”
Vyas said, besides cleaning, it’s also important to keep the air clean in your house.
An air purifier can be a good investment.
And the same goes for plants -- certain kinds are known for their ability to remove air pollutants.