Hidden Germs at Home: 7 Areas You Need to Pay Extra Attention To

November 10 2023, by AussiePharmaDirect, 16 min reading time

Dust bunnies, forgotten leftovers in the fridge, the clutter in the closet, and that peculiar stain on the living room carpet. When it comes to spring cleaning, most of us focus on the visible mess. Sure, you may diligently wipe down the kitchen counter and scrub the bathroom tiles, and think your home is sparkling clean, but the truth is, some areas are more prone to germs than others.

Germs are not just an aesthetic concern; they can impact your health and well-being. Our intention here is simple: to shed light on these hidden spots at home and provide you with practical tips on how to clean and disinfect these areas properly.

What are some of the common bacteria, germs, fungi and viruses that are found in the household?

Germs are not just an aesthetic concern; they can impact your health and well-being. Some of the most common ones that lie on the nook and crannies of your home include:

Influenza Virus (Flu) - The flu virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, especially in areas with low humidity.

Rhino (Common cold) Viruses - Cold viruses can live on surfaces for up to several days, making them highly contagious.

Norovirus - Responsible for stomach flu, norovirus can survive on surfaces for days or even weeks.

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) - This bacteria can cause skin infections.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) - Commonly associated with food poisoning.

Salmonella - Another common bacteria found in raw meat and eggs, it can lead to severe food poisoning.

Rotavirus - A common cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children, leading to severe diarrhoea and vomiting.

Adenovirus - Causes respiratory and intestinal infections and can survive on surfaces for a long time.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) - This bacteria can cause severe diarrhoea and is resistant to many antibiotics.

Coronaviruses - Including the common cold coronavirus and, more recently, SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Coronaviruses can survive on surfaces for varying lengths of time, depending on the surface type, temperature, and humidity.

Mould and mildew - These fungi can grow in damp and poorly ventilated areas, causing respiratory issues and allergies.

The dirtiest areas at home that you should start pay more attention to

t’s easy to assume that the most obvious culprit—like the bathroom—is the germiest area in our homes, however, reality often surprises us. Some of the spots we consider “clean” might be harbouring more bacteria and germs than we'd ever suspect, and we’re going to list them out for you here.

1. Kitchen

The kitchen stands out as a notorious breeding ground for germs. It’s not just the epicentre of culinary creations; it’s also a bustling hub where bacteria and microbes find ample opportunities to thrive.

According to a study conducted by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), Coliform bacteria, a group of microorganisms used as indicators of faecal contamination are found in:

Dish sponges/rags (more than 75%)
Kitchen sinks (45%)
Countertops (32%)
Cutting boards (18%)

Why is the kitchen considered one of the dirtiest areas at home?

Raw meats, particularly poultry, beef, and fish, carry a multitude of bacteria. When these meats come into contact with kitchen surfaces or utensils without proper cleaning, the risk of cross-contamination skyrockets. Every time you prepare a meal, you inadvertently spread germs around, creating a cycle of contamination. Even a tiny amount of contaminated residue can lead to food-borne illnesses.

Items to clean: Kitchen sponges, cutting boards, sink, refrigerator compartments and handles, and kitchen appliances.

Don’t worry; cleaning and disinfecting doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s break it down into simple steps:

Rinse dish sponges and rags well after each use and microwave damp sponges for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria, however, this doesn’t mean it’s totally foolproof against bacteria. It is recommended to change your dish sponges every 2 weeks.
Use hot, soapy water to scrub the sink daily. Don’t forget the faucet handles! Wipe them with disinfectant wipes or a mixture of water and vinegar.
Clean spills immediately with soapy water. Use a kitchen-safe disinfectant spray or wipes for thorough cleaning. Pay attention to corners and edges.
Wash with hot, soapy water after each use. Use a brush to clean grooves.

Bonus tips:

Appliances - Your home appliances should be cleaned at least once every 3 months. Refer to the user manuals for specific cleaning instructions. Especially with stainless steel surfaces or appliances, you can consider going for a more natural cleaning solution to ensure that the integrity of the surfaces are maintained like the Euclove Stainless Steel Cleaner.

Regular maintenance - Empty and clean your fridge regularly, with deep cleaning every 3 or 4 months. Wipe down shelves and drawers with soapy water, then disinfect.
Trash bins - Clean and disinfect them outside using a hose and mild soap. Let them dry completely before bringing them back inside. Do this weekly.

2. Bathroom

Bathrooms are naturally humid due to showers, baths, and sinks. For instance, tinea, the fungus behind athlete's foot thrives in warm, damp environments—making your shower a paradise for tinea growth. In essence, moisture creates an ideal environment for mould, mildew, and bacteria to thrive. They can lurk on shower curtains, grout, and even on toiletries left out in the open.

Items to clean: Toothbrush holders, faucet handles, shower curtains, toilet flush handles, and bathroom doorknobs.

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to clean and disinfect your bathroom once a week. Here’s how:

After each use, dry your shower thoroughly. Invest in a good squeegee to remove excess water from walls and glass doors.
Always dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, after showering or bathing. Bathroom towels and mats should be swapped every 2 days.
Wearing flip-flops in the bathroom can also minimise direct contact with fungus and bacteria on the floor.
Ensure good ventilation in the bathroom to prevent mould growth. Always air out your bathroom after use to reduce humidity levels. You can also consider using mould-resistant paint and a dehumidifier if necessary.

3. High-touch surfaces

High-trafficked areas are where our hands, the primary carriers of germs, come into contact frequently. These areas often serve as gateways between different parts of the house. People touch these surfaces as they move from one room to another, unknowingly transferring germs from place to place.

Items to clean: Doorknobs, light switches, and stair railings

Cleaning and disinfecting are just as easy. Wipe doorknobs, lightswitches, stair railings and more surfaces using disinfectant wipes or a cloth soaked with a few spritz of disinfectant spray.

Check out: Clinell Universal Wipes

4. Upholstered furniture and carpets

Upholstered furniture and carpets are like sponges, absorbing not only spills but also dirt, sweat, and other bodily fluids. We sit, lie, and walk on these surfaces daily. Every time someone sits down or pet climbs on the sofa, they're unknowingly depositing germs, creating a thriving microbial community. These damp environments are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, mould, and even viruses. Prolonged exposure to these germs can lead to allergies, skin irritations, or even respiratory problems, especially for individuals with allergies or compromised immune systems.

To combat these hidden dangers, consider the following steps:

Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpets frequently, using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap smaller particles.
Periodically hire professional upholstery and carpet cleaning services. They have the tools and expertise to deep clean, sanitise, and remove stubborn germs.
Act quickly if spills occur. Blot stains immediately and use appropriate cleaning agents to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Allow upholstered furniture and carpets to air out in sunlight when possible. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant.

5. Gadgets and gizmos

In the digital age, our electronic devices have become extensions of ourselves, seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and remote controls are touched multiple times a day, transferring germs from our hands directly onto their surfaces. Research found that bacteria was detected on 92% mobiles and 96% of keyboards. Plus, gadgets have intricate designs with tiny crevices, making it challenging to clean thoroughly, allowing germs to thrive in hidden corners.

Items to clean: Smartphones, phones, tablets, keyboards, computer mice, gaming console

Safe cleaning methods for electronics devices:

Use a micro-fiber cloth slightly dampened with surface disinfectant to gently clean screens and surfaces. To prevent damage, avoid excess moisture or use a natural disinfectant such as that of ViroCLEAR disinfectant spray.
For keyboards, use compressed air to dislodge crumbs and debris. Wipe keys with a cloth sprayed with disinfectant, ensuring the keyboard is unplugged or turned off.
Consider UV-C light devices designed to kill bacteria on electronic devices. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe usage.

Make it a habit to wipe down your devices daily, especially after outdoor use or sharing with others, and perform a more thorough cleaning at least once a week, paying attention to corners, edges, and crevices.

6. Laundry

Your laundry area may be fresh-smelling with detergent, and looks to be one of the most less-likely area to be breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Well, we hate to break it to you - it actually does.

Germ residue in the laundry room:

Detergent drawer - The detergent drawer, where residual soap and water often accumulate, can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew.
Door seals - The rubber seals around washing machine doors can trap moisture, providing an ideal environment for germ growth.

We recommend cleaning your laundry area, and especially your washing machine at least once a month. Here are some tips for cleaning and disinfecting:

Wipe the detergent drawer and door seals with a mixture of water and vinegar or a surface disinfectant regularly.
After each use, leave the washing machine door ajar and the detergent drawer pulled out to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
Wash towels, bed linens, especially pillowcases, in hot water to eliminate germs. Use a dryer on a high heat setting or sun-dry them for added disinfection.
Avoid leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for more than 30 minutes after the cycle ends. Bacteria can start breeding in damp, dark environments during this time.
If you’re folding freshly dried clothes on the laundry countertop, make sure to wipe the surface beforehand to make sure that germs do not transfer onto the clothes.
Clean the lint filter in your dryer regularly and inspect the washing machine’s drain filter for any debris to prevent germs from accumulating.

7. Air-conditioner unit

Air conditioners create a cool environment, but they also generate moisture. When combined with dust accumulation, this moisture provides the perfect breeding ground for mould in your air conditioner unit.

Types of mould: Various moulds, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium, thrive in the moist, dark conditions inside air conditioning units. Mould spores are microscopic and can easily become airborne. Once circulated through the air conditioner’s vents, these spores can be inhaled, causing allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems.

Here’s how to prevent mould from building up in your air conditioner:

Schedule regular professional maintenance (twice yearly) for your air conditioning units. Cleaning, disinfecting, and replacing filters can prevent mould buildup.

Every 1-2 months, you can wipe the exterior of the air conditioner unit. You can even remove the parts such as the filters and coils before spraying the interior surfaces of the air conditioner with a surface disinfectant, and wipe it.

Air conditioners create a cool environment, but they also generate moisture. When combined with dust accumulation, this moisture provides the perfect breeding ground for mould in your air conditioner unit.

Types of mould: Various moulds, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium, thrive in the moist, dark conditions inside air conditioning units. Mould spores are microscopic and can easily become airborne. Once circulated through the air conditioner’s vents, these spores can be inhaled, causing allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems.

Here’s how to prevent mould from building up in your air conditioner:

Schedule regular professional maintenance (twice yearly) for your air conditioning units. Cleaning, disinfecting, and replacing filters can prevent mould buildup.

Every 1-2 months, you can wipe the exterior of the air conditioner unit. You can even remove the parts such as the filters and coils before spraying the interior surfaces of the air conditioner with a surface disinfectant, and wipe it.

Beyond bacteria and germs: Addressing bugs, mites, and odours at home

When it comes to spring cleaning, it's not just bacteria and germs that should be on your radar. Your living spaces, especially the bedroom, can play host to other unwelcome intruders like bugs and mites. Aside from the seasonal spring cleaning, it's crucial to establish a regular washing schedule for your bedding. Sheets and pillowcases should ideally be washed at least once a week.

Eliminate odours and bugs:

Before putting on fresh linens, consider using a natural solution like Euclove Bedding and Mattress Spray. This innovative product doesn't just eliminate odours; it also helps repel bugs and mites. Infused with essential oils, this bedding spray acts as a powerful yet gentle deterrent, ensuring your bed remains a clean and pest-free haven for relaxation.

Keep your spaces inviting:

Maintaining a pleasant aroma in your living spaces is vital for your comfort. Bad smells can quickly spoil the ambiance of your home, affecting your overall well-being. Home and room sprays like the Euclove Home Air Freshener offer an easy and effective solution. With natural fragrances, it not only masks unpleasant odours but also adds a delightful freshness to your rooms, creating not only a welcoming atmosphere but also making your living spaces more enjoyable for you and your guests.

Summary

From air conditioning units to electronic gadgets, upholstery, and even laundry rooms, germs find their way into unexpected corners, posing risks to our health. Which is why when you’re doing your cleaning routine, it’s good to keep in mind these areas that are prone to germs and bacteria, to ensure that you’re not just cleaning the visible dirts and grimes but also the unseen threats lurking in unsuspecting places.