Germs. The sneaky little critters that seem to pop up when we least expect them, like an unwanted guest at a braai. You know the ones. Those pesky microbes that make their homes on your keyboard, your phone, and probably that one doorknob you’ve never thought to clean. They’re everywhere, and if you’re not careful, they’re having a proper party on your surfaces, leaving you with more than just an itchy nose.
But, no worries, we’ve got the scoop on where these germs are really hiding and how to kick them out before they become the unwanted life of the party. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about wiping down your kitchen counters after every meal.
Germ Hotspots
Let’s start with the obvious (and not so obvious) places that germs love to set up camp. Grab your rubber gloves and let’s dive in:
- Door Handles – The gateway for germs, literally. Whether it’s your front door, the door to the loo, or your office door, these little knobs are touched by everyone – multiple times a day. Studies show that door handles are one of the highest germ hotspots, especially in shared spaces. So, next time you’re trying to avoid bringing germs into your home, maybe stop treating the door handle like a sacred object you’d rather not touch.
- Keyboards and Mice – If your keyboard could talk, it would probably tell you it’s a germ-infested minefield. Seriously. The amount of grime, crumbs, and other stuff that builds up between the keys is shocking. And let’s not even talk about the germs hanging out on your computer mouse. Give these office essentials a solid wipe-down every now and then to keep your workspace clean and your immune system happy.
- Smartphones – The very device we spend hours on, bringing germs to our faces, hands, and ears. If you’re not regularly sanitising your phone, you might as well be carrying around a tiny germ convention in your pocket. It’s a hotbed of bacteria – especially after a trip to the shops or a stroll through the mall. Pro tip: try giving it a quick wipe with a disinfectant cloth now and then. (Your phone will thank you.)
- Light Switches – You’d be surprised how much traffic light switches get. Think about it: everyone touches them. They’re in constant rotation, yet many people overlook them during their cleaning routine. They need love too!
- Remotes and TV Controllers – The stuff of lazy Sundays and binge-watching marathons. But all that lounging and snacking means the remote gets a workout – and not the healthy kind. Make sure it gets a clean too. If you need an excuse, just tell everyone it’s for hygiene. We won’t judge.
- The Fridge Handle – How many times a day do you open the fridge without even thinking about it? Between meals, after a quick snack, and maybe even at midnight when you’re craving a cold drink – this handle gets a lot of attention. It’s practically begging for a wipe-down.
How Often Should We Clean These High-Touch Areas?
So, how often should you be sanitising these germ hotspots? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, you should definitely be giving these high-traffic areas a clean at least once a week, and maybe even more frequently if someone in your home is sick or if you’re working in a shared office space.
Let’s face it: the more frequently you clean these surfaces, the better. And don’t forget to focus on the nooks and crannies. A quick swipe isn’t going to cut it. The germs like to hide in those little crevices – so make sure you’re cleaning properly, not just surface-level.
Preventing Cross-Contamination (and Keeping Your House Sane)
Preventing cross-contamination is key in stopping germs from spreading all over your house. Here’s a simple hack to keep things under control:
- Don’t wipe with the same cloth for everything. Have a separate cloth for kitchen surfaces, one for the bathroom, and one for everything else. You wouldn’t use the same sponge to clean the dishes and your floor, right? Same goes for your cleaning cloths.
- Spray and Let It Sit. Most disinfectants need time to work their magic. Don’t just spray and wipe. Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping it down. Your germs will hate you for it.
- Wash your hands (and properly). No, seriously. Give your hands a good scrub after cleaning these hotspots. It’s easy to get caught up in the process, but you’ll want to make sure you’re not transferring any germs from your cleaning materials back onto your fresh surfaces.
Fun Fact: Some Germs Can Live Longer Than You Think!
Did you know? Some germs can survive on surfaces for days, or even weeks, depending on the material. For example, germs can live on plastic for up to 3 days, on stainless steel for 2-3 days, and on cardboard for 24 hours. So, that cup of coffee you left on your desk yesterday? You might want to give it a wipe-down before you dive in.
The Germ-Free Zone You Deserve
There you have it. Your ultimate guide to where germs are hiding and how to stop them from turning your home into a petri dish. It’s simple: clean, sanitise, and repeat. It’s not just about wiping down surfaces; it’s about being smart with your cleaning habits and making sure those invisible invaders don’t get comfortable on your stuff.
So, next time you’re walking around the house or office, give those high-touch areas some extra love. And remember: sanitizing isn’t just a chore, it’s the unsung hero that keeps your space clean and your health on point.
