Is Your House Really Clean Enough?


You have more than just your family living in your house. Germs, bacteria, fungus, and dust mites all live with you as well. While daily cleaning can keep most of it at bay, there's a difference between surface clean and deep clean. Do you know which room in your house harbors the most bacteria? It's not the bathroom! Read below for tips on where the major sources of unwanted microorganisms live, and how to cut down on your family's exposure to them.

In the Kitchen
The room where you cook and create meals for your family should be kept bacteria and germ free to avoid spreading them. However, the kitchen is the room that harbors the most bacteria in the house. Sponges are the main culprit. A study by Dr Chuck Gerba, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, found there are 10 million bacteria per square inch in a single sponge. Kill the bacteria by wetting the sponge and popping it in the microwave for at least 2 minutes. A close second for germy surfaces are dish rags, followed by handles on your fridge, faucet, and doors. Even the drain can harbor bacteria, which can be killed with baking soda and a small scrubber like an old toothbrush.

In the Bathroom
Make sure you close the lid when you flush. Flushing creates a spray that reaches farther out than just your toilet bowl. The water (and whatever is in it) can reach the seat, surrounding surfaces, and even your toothbrush. The show Mythbusters did an episode where they tested 24 toothbrushes – and all of them, indeed, came back showing fecal matter. Keep toothbrushes and oral items in a cabinet or covered area to make sure you're not putting bacteria and other unwanted substances into your mouth.

In the Bedroom
No one wants to think about dust mites living in your bed, eating your dead skin cells. But the American Lung Association says four out of five US households have detectable dust mite allergen in at least one bed. A typical mattress has tens of thousands of dust mites. Keeping your room dust free is the best way to control the population. Change your air condition and heating system air filters monthly, preferably with an allergen-trapping filter. Washing bedding and cloth toys in hot water helps as well.

In the Living Room
The living room can hold a broad range of bacteria. Over 41% of adults have never washed their carpets, and over 200,000 microorganisms can live per square inch in this family gathering spot. Anything that the bottom of shoes, pet paws, and bags or purses have touched get nestled in the carpet fibers. Dust mites are abundant here as well, and a weekly vacuuming can reduce their presence. Another germy spot in the living room? The remote control. Wipe it as often as you can with a disinfectant or bleach solution.

As Joan Rivers once said, "I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes and six months later you have to start all over again". Keeping a home clean is tough, and performing a deep clean weekly is even harder. Our highly trained cleaners can visit your home as often as you’d like. To keep your family safe from germs and bacteria, give us a call at 704-992-8898 today. We’ll promptly and efficiently scrub every surface of your home to make sure your place is kept comfortable and hygienic.