Bacteria Hot Spots in the Home

These five bacteria hot spots in your home need to be tamed. While most of us don't have time to clean everything every day, there are special areas of concern that should not be ignored. In your own home, think of the surfaces most often touched and the areas most often used but not always cleaned. Start there and then move onto these bacteria hot spots.

Dishwashing Sponge

If you've ever wiped down a counter top with a sponge and then wondered, "what's that smell," you may have learned about kitchen sponges the hard way. Some people do not use sponges anymore for fear of spreading around bacteria and germs. Sponges can and should be washed in either the dishwasher or in the washing machine using hot water. Or microwave the sponges in the microwave for between two and four full minutes for best results.

Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink should be disinfected everyday, particularly if you find yourself running a mini cafe in your kitchen, preparing two or three meals each day. Use a scouring powder or a homemade abrasive, followed by a vinegar-based disinfectant. When raw meat was present, use a bleach-based cleaner to thoroughly disinfect the sink.

Cutting Boards

According to WebMD cutting boards are not disinfected as often as they should be, if at all. You should use separate cutting boards: a wooden one (or more) for meat, another cutting board, plastic or wooden, for raw vegetables, and one for cheese and bread. Clean the cutting boards with salt and vinegar. You could use water and bleach instead.

Door Knobs, Handles and Switches

These are the places people in your house touch daily but don't think about. Wipe down these surfaces with a disinfectant and a cloth. When someone at home is sick with a stomach bug or flu, wipe these surfaces at least once a day.

Bathroom

If your toothbrush came with a cap use it, if not, store it behind closed doors as far from the toilet as possible. Wipe down the toilet handle, the toilet seat and clean inside the toilet bowl daily. It takes less than five minutes to swipe it with a disinfectant and dry it off with paper towels. Also disinfect the sink handles daily and scrub the inside of the sink and tub once a week.