There is a hidden battle going on at all times – between humans and germs. Many believe that germs have the advantage, due to the simple fact they can be everywhere at once. And perhaps that is true, especially considering humans don’t have the capacity to do non-stop cleaning, in order to remove germs.
But you know well enough that keeping germs at bay is necessary, in order to keep viruses at bay. That is why it is a good idea to adopt certain speed-cleaning hacks, in order to cope with the situation better.
Know where germs lurk
In general, germs are present on any area in your home, but they are especially dominant in high-traffic places and surfaces that you touch often. For example, the kitchen sink is a well-known germ bank, which accumulates tonnes of them. Other surprising areas include the toothbrush holder. That is because flushing the toilet creates a fine spray, which lands directly on such items.
What should you use to kill germs?
Soap and water are usually enough to remove grime, but that combination only deals with part of the germs. Now, it is enough for most surfaces, but there are certain areas in your home you want to disinfect more thoroughly. A cleaner combined with disinfectant works wonders in regards to speed-cleaning and removing germs. 3 teaspoons of bleach with a gallon of water makes for an easy disinfectant solution. You can apply it on a surface that sees a lot of activity and wait for about 3-5 minutes to do its thing. Rinse with water and leave it dry, or use a paper towel to remove moisture. Don’t forget to wear gloves, in order to protect your hands. For heavy-duty store-brought disinfectants, you will do well to utilise some sort of breathing mask, as the fumes can be unhealthy.
Tips for daily speed-cleaning
Believe it or not, you can really do a lot in the war against germs in just half an hour. It will be even faster, if you don’t have pets and children, as some of the steps can then be skipped. Here is a quick daily-routine:
- Wipe countertops in the kitchen, as well as the handles of the fridge and oven.
- Change dishcloths and towels on a daily basis.
- Clean spills on the floor quickly, so that they don’t attract more bacteria and dirt over time.
- Empty your bathroom wastebaskets and the garbage bin.
- Sanitise bathroom handles and sink faucet.
- Place pet dishes in the dishwasher.
- If you are using a changing table for a child with diapers, disinfect and clean the area.
- In case you have pacifiers for your child, put them on the top of the dishwasher, if they are safe for that. Otherwise, use water and soap to clean the toys.
Tips for weekly speed-cleaning
If you stay on top of your daily chores, the weekly ones won’t be such a bother.
- Place the kitchen sink strainer in the dishwasher.
- Wash the stove knobs.
- Disinfect the kitchen sink and thoroughly clean it.
- Wipe your toothbrush holder with a disinfecting wipe. If it is dishwasher-safe, you can put it there.
- Collect bed linens and bathroom towels and wash them in hot water.
- Vacuum your carpet and mop the floors.
- Clean the bathroom toilet, sink and bath.
- Disinfect your devices – computer keyboard, telephone, tablet, remote control and light switches.
Doing these daily and weekly chores means less bacteria and germs floating around your home. Get into the habit today for a healthier and happier home environment.
Recommended books for further reading:
- The Art of Natural Cleaning: Tips and techniques for a chemical-free, sparkling home
- Sustainable Home: Practical projects, tips and advice for maintaining a more eco-friendly
- Natural Living Style: Inspirational ideas for a beautiful and sustainable home
- Minimal: How to simplify your life and live sustainably
- The Organically Clean Home: 150 Everyday Organic Cleaning Products You Can Make Yourself–The Natural, Chemical-Free Way
