If you feel overwhelmed with your household chores – that is when to clean and disinfect – here’s a guide on how frequently to give attention to which areas. Knowing what to focus on daily, weekly and monthly will help to keep a hygienic home.
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Cleaning is not the same as disinfecting, as we all know. Regular cleaning removes dirt and lots of germs, while disinfecting kills germs on surfaces when needed. It’s essential to keep your environment clean but should you disinfect everyday? Not necessarily. Knowing what to clean on a daily, weekly and monthly basis can help you maintain a hygienic home without overdoing it.
Daily:
Focus on high-touch surfaces
Zone in on surfaces that are frequently touched throughout the day such as doorhandles, taps, light switches, kitchen surfaces – and don’t forget remote controls.
Always clean kitchen counters before preparing food and after handling raw meat. Disinfect surfaces that have come in contact with raw meat juices, especially if they’re used for ready-to-eat food. Bathroom taps and toilet flush handles also need more frequent attention, especially in busy households.
Then if someone is ill, disinfect surfaces a bit more frequently. Remember to clean visibly dirty surfaces before you disinfect them.
Weekly:
Give bathrooms and kitchens extra attention
Bathrooms and kitchens particularly need regular cleaning because moisture and food residue can create the perfect conditions for germs to spread.
Clean and disinfect toilet seats, bathroom taps, flush handles and shower surfaces. In the kitchen, focus on bin lids and fridge handles. Remember to wash dishcloths regularly and allow them to dry between uses.
Clean appliances, cupboard handles and other frequently touched surfaces. Not every surface requires disinfectant every week. Just cleaning with soap and detergent is sufficient for areas that are not heavily contaminated.
Monthly:
Overlooked areas
Once a month, take time to clean those spots that are often overlooked. These include cupboard handles, bins, appliance exteriors, and frequently touched storage areas. Clean the inside of your fridge, remove expired foods and wipe the shelves with a suitable cleaning solution.
Monthly cleaning does not mean every item needs disinfecting. Focus on areas that gather grime or are often neglected, and follow manufacturer’s instructions for delicate items, upholstery, and electronics.
Disinfect safely and effectively
Take note of the recommended contact time of the products you’re using and make sure there’s adequate ventilation. Never mix cleaning products, particularly bleach with ammonia or acidic cleaners, in case they release dangerous gases. Always keep disinfectants away from children and pets.
A hygienic home is about consistency, not constant sterilisation. To keep a healthy household, just follow practical ways like regular cleaning, good hand hygiene and targeted disinfection.
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Featured image: Unsplash
