15 Things To Clean For An Illness-Free Home

Keep your family healthy and safe! Find out how to stay on top of germs with this list of things we often forget to clean.

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“Wash your hands!”

This is always the first thing we think of when it comes to preventing sickness. Especially in light of current events.

We love our families and want to keep them safe and healthy. We also know what it’s like when sickness enters a home with kids. It just keeps goin’ ‘round and ‘round…

Well, as a mom of 4 kids, I know what that’s like. I also know that it’s impossible to keep our homes completely illness-free forever.

But by taking a few simple measures to stay on top of germs, we can better protect our homes and our families. We can stay healthier and keep sickness to a minimum.

So if you’re looking for a list of things to clean to keep everyone healthy and safe, you’re in the right place. Just keep scrolling!

PRODUCTS OUR FAMILY USES

I know there are greener ways to clean, but when it comes to preventing sickness, I love products that are quick, easy, and get the job done. This also makes it possible for my kids to help!

For killing germs, I use disinfecting wipes (Clorox, Lysol, etc.) on most surfaces. I also like to use Lysol disinfecting spray. For dusting, I like Swiffer products.

These aren’t the only products I use in my house, but they’re used on a regular basis for a quick wipe-down.

Don’t have disinfecting wipes? Try this homemade recipe from Living On A Dime.

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15 THINGS TO CLEAN MORE OFTEN TO STAY HEALTHY

There are things in our homes that collect more bacteria than we realize, yet we often forget to clean them. So if you want to stay on top those germs, here are a few great places to start:

1. DEVICES

Game controllers, remote controls and other handheld devices are notorious germ collectors. But they often get forgotten when it’s time to clean. Just make sure to use a soft cloth to protect sensitive surfaces.

2. PHONES

Our phones are one of the most-used items in the house. Wipe phones often, taking care to keep moisture out of speakers and microphones.

3. LIGHT SWITCHES/DOOR HANDLES

Cleaning light switches and door handles once per week should be plenty. But during sick season, high-traffic areas should get cleaned more often.

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4. STAIR RAILINGS:

If you have stairs at home, run a cleaning cloth over handrails and stair railings. They can collect buildup easily, so it might take more than one pass.

5. KITCHEN SINK:

The kitchen sink might seem clean – it gets dishwashing soap splashed all over it, after all. But it can harbor tons of germs and bacteria. Deep clean the sink at least once per week. And don’t forget about the faucet and garbage disposal!

Quick Tip: To clean and deodorize the drain and garbage disposal, cover them with baking soda followed by white vinegar. Let it fizzle for a minute or so before rinsing.

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6. BEDS/BEDDING:

To keep germs and allergens away, wash bedding often, especially pillowcases. Additionally, vacuum mattresses with the hose attachment and steam pillows with a handheld steamer to keep them fresh.

7. DUST COLLECTORS:

Dust shelves and other surfaces often to keep dust under control. Fans, blinds and the areas underneath couches and chairs collect dust too, so run a duster over these areas as well.

8. AIR FILTERS:

Keep the air as clean as possible by switching out air filters every couple of months. Additionally, add an air purifier in the home if possible.

READ NEXT: How To Fake A Super Clean House

9. TOYS:

Keep toys clean by giving them a good wipedown with a disinfecting wipe. To bulk clean plastic toys, throw them in the dishwasher on a sanitizing cycle, with the more delicate ones on the top rack.

10. MAKEUP BRUSHES:

Keep makeup brushes clean by washing them once per week with baby soap and warm water (don’t let the handles get wet!). Lay them flat on a clean towel to dry.

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11. TOOTHBRUSHES:

Toothbrushes aren’t as clean as we think they are. To disinfect, simply place them head down in some mouthwash overnight.

12. TOWELS:

Hand towels and kitchen towels should be swapped out every couple of days. Body towels can be cleaned at least once per week, though many recommend washing them every two to three uses.

13. GLASSES/SUNGLASSES

Wipe down the frames of glasses and sunglasses with a disinfecting wipe. Clean the lenses with glasses cleaners and cloths.

READ NEXT: 30 Quick And Easy 15-Minute Cleaning Tasks

14. OUTERWEAR:

Wash outerwear frequently (every 1-2 days). This includes jackets, sweaters, gloves, beanies, etc. Spray backpacks and bags with a disinfecting spray.

15. STEERING WHEEL:

This isn’t technically in the house, but it’s part of home life. Make sure to wipe down the steering wheel often to stay safe from germs collected outside of the house.

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