Allergies acting up? Your home might be harboring germs that you don’t even know about. Here are five germ hot spots that might be causing you and your family to needlessly sniffle and sneeze.
- Your front door. You might be welcoming more than friends through your front door. According to one estimate, 85 percent of germs enter through the front door, contaminating your breathing air and making your skin crawl. Removing your shoes before walking inside eliminates lots of unwanted allergens.
- Corners, cracks and creases. Allergens could be hiding unsuspectingly in the tiniest crevasses in your home. “First, steel yourself,” recommends Aviva Patz of “Ideas That Spark.” “Then, look high — in ceiling corners, on top of shades, blinds and picture frames, and on the blades of ceiling fans — and you’ll find neglected dust.” Check under baseboards, beneath furniture, and in the corners of your kitchen and bathrooms every two weeks, Patz advises — and even more often if you have kids and pets.
- Beds and furniture. Want to live in a pristine environment? “Get your bed and pillows steam-cleaned once a year to sterilize your sleeping environment,” Patz says. “Wash sheets once a week and duvet covers once a month.”
- Shower heads. Nobody wants a gunky shower head. Clean it once a week with a wire brush to avoid biofilm, a layer of slime that creates a yucky crust.
- Sponges and dish towels. Avoid bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella by rinsing sponges and dish towels with soap and water after each cleaning. Here’s a trick: Zap them in the microwave for 60 seconds once or twice a week. That’ll show the germs who’s boss.
For more tips on dealing with sneaky household germs, check out Aviva Patz’ full story.