Handles and Switches
Think refrigerator door handles, light switches, and, of course, the toilet flush handle. "They're easily overlooked in cleaning because they're small, and most people focus on the big things, like floors and countertops," says Debra Johnson, a training specialist at Merry Maids. "Yet everyone touches them, so they have the most opportunity for germs."
Clean it: Use a microfiber cloth dampened with your favorite cleaning product to wipe down handles and switches during your normal cleaning routine.
Inside the Refrigerator
Sticky takeout containers and long-forgotten leftovers mingle in an awkward space accessed by multiple hands daily. This means refrigerators are destined not only to be dirty, but to land last on the must-clean list -- a serious grime-promoting combo, says Merry Maids' Johnson. Ditto for microwaves.
Clean it: Avoid using chemical cleaners here, Johnson says. Instead, fill your sink with hot water and dishwashing liquid. Remove items from one refrigerator shelf, then remove the shelf itself. Wash it in the sink, wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth, then re-place in the fridge. Repeat for the remaining shelves.
The Walls Around Your Toilet
"You think you know it's bad, but you have no idea," says Christian of My Maid Service. "I have one of those superpowerful black lights that you see on the CSI shows. See what it reveals and it'll make you want to tear out your drywall and start over."
Clean it: The best cleaners for the walls around the toilets contain enzymes to break down the organic material, Christian says. Spray the walls and let sit for at least a few minutes so the enzymes can do their work. Then wipe down with a damp towel.
Remote Controls
Hands in all states of cleanliness handle it often. Yet it's rarely wiped clean, even after a sick day spent channel-flipping. "The TV remote is one of the germiest surfaces in your home," says Harmon of Healthy Clean.
Clean it: Use a disinfectant wipe to clean remotes often. To get in between the buttons, try a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Inside Your Toothbrush Cup
Not only are they hard to clean, they're usually positioned next to the toilet, which sprays small amounts of fecal debris when flushed. This offender is a simple fix: Keep toothbrushes in a moveable, easy-to-clean cup.
Clean it: Soak the cup in warm water mixed with a little bleach for a half hour. Rinse, then soak in clean water for another 30 minutes to remove the bleach residue. Better yet, use a cup you can toss in the dishwasher instead.
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