9 places in the house that are often a source of germs

Most people tend to focus on big, easily visible spots, but, small spots in the house, which are often overlooked, can also be a source of germs. Let’s see which spots in the house should be given attention to in terms of cleanliness before they become a breeding ground for germs and make people in the house sick.

1. Light switch

When we touch light switches many times without cleaning them, they become a place where germs accumulate, but they are invisible to the naked eye.

A study in England found that there were up to 217 bacteria that cause diarrhea per square inch on light switches. Bathroom light switches in particular have many times more germs, making them a source of spreading germs to other people through touch.

Therefore, it is important to clean the light switch regularly. It can be easily cleaned by spraying alcohol on a cloth and wiping the entire light switch before wiping it with a dry cloth again. This will help to keep the light switch free from bacteria and dirt.

2. Faucet

The faucet is another place in the house where dirt often accumulates. It is often a place that many people forget to clean, which can be a source of both mold and bacteria.

The cleaning method is easy, just wipe with hot water or soapy water and rinse. Or if you want to add shine to the faucet, scrub it with baking soda mixed with lemon juice, which will make the faucet clean and shiny again.

3. Bathroom curtain

Bathroom curtains, whether plastic or fabric, are prone to mold growth because the air in bathrooms is usually humid and has high humidity. In addition to being unattractive, mold is also toxic to the body. Toxins from mold often slowly harm various systems, causing chronic illnesses.

How to clean

• If the curtains are made of fabric, they can be removed and washed together with other fabrics. Then, dry them in the sun to eliminate mold.
• If they are plastic curtains, use baking soda to rub the moldy areas first. Then, put them in the washing machine with an old towel. Do not add detergent. Instead, add 1 cup of vinegar. When the washing machine is finished, quickly take them out and dry them in the sun without spinning them. This will remove the mold stains.

4. Doorknob

Door handles or doorknobs are another dangerous germ-infested spot that is often overlooked. Because it is a point that is touched all the time, it is likely to be one of the most germ-infested areas in the house.

The cleaning method is to wipe it with a disinfectant frequently, at least 2-3 times a week, which will help keep the handle or doorknob free of germs.

5. Stair handrails

The same goes for doorknobs, as residents have to touch the handrails every day, especially the elderly who need to use them to support themselves. Therefore, cleaning the handrails will not only make them look nice but will also help prevent germs from entering the body.

For cleaning, mix hot water and vinegar. Then, soak a cloth and wring it out until it is damp. Use it to wipe the handrails, then wipe it again with a dry cloth.

6. House plants

Whether it’s real or fake plants, leaves can be a source of dust and dirt, especially plants in the bedroom because they are the cause of allergic reactions, called allergens or triggers, which can enter the body through the respiratory system, eating food, or skin contact.

The most common type of allergic disease in Thailand is respiratory allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever, approximately 23-50%, and allergic bronchitis or asthma, approximately 10-15%), and the number increases every year. Within the next 20 years, it is expected that the number of allergic patients will increase by 3-4 times.

To clean real plants, lift them and spray them with water to wash away dirt. However, if the plants are too large, use a microfiber cloth to wipe them down one leaf at a time. As for fake plants, they can be easily cleaned by using a hair dryer to blow away the dust. Most importantly, don’t forget to wear a mask to protect your mouth from dust.

7. Trash can

Even if you empty your trash can every day, bacteria and odors can remain and build up in your trash can. So, don’t forget to wash your trash can with a disinfectant and scrub away the dirt. This will ensure that all germs and odors in your trash can are gone.

8. Mosquito nets and blinds

Screens and blinds are a good place for dust to collect because they are difficult to clean. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate. Cleaning screens can be done easily by washing them with soapy water and using a brush to scrub them before letting them dry. In the meantime, use a damp cloth to wipe the screen rails clean.

Dust on the blinds can be removed by using a microfiber cloth soaked in water and wiping each slat. Then use a dry cloth to wipe again to avoid water stains.

9. Furniture

Some furniture often contains a dangerous chemical called formaldehyde, which is commonly used in the paint, adhesive, and coating industries for wood furniture, plywood, and other processed wood. The latent formaldehyde vapors in these items are harmful to occupants.

If exposed to a small amount of volatile substances, it may irritate, such as eye or nose irritation. However, in the long term, it can cause adverse effects on various body systems or even cause cancer.

Therefore, you should choose the furniture to buy or check the furniture that you will bring into your home to see if it has a warning about the use of formaldehyde and has been certified by the Department of Industrial Works for good health in your residence.

In addition, furniture can also be a breeding ground for mold and germs, but it can be easily cleaned by wiping it with a cloth dampened with warm water.

Department of Health’s cleaning recommendations

The Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, recommends 5 simple cleaning principles to reduce the accumulation and spread of germs for everyone’s good health as follows:

1. Store your belongings by arranging necessary items in an orderly manner. Do not store unnecessary items to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt.
2. Sweep away cobwebs, dust, and debris.
3. Wipe away dirt and thoroughly clean.
4. Clean the toilet regularly. 5
5. Separate waste by type, including:

• Organic waste such as food scraps, vegetable scraps, and fruits should be stored in bags that are not easily torn or leaking. The bag should be tied tightly and used to make compost, bio-fermented liquid, or biogas.
• Recyclable waste such as glass, paper, plastic bottles, and metals, is collected and sold.
• Hazardous waste such as batteries, batteries, and light bulbs, is kept in the original container or a tightly closed container, safe, collected, ed and taken to the hazardous waste disposal point.
• General waste, which is waste that can no longer be used, is collected and put in a durable bag that is not easily torn or leaked and tied the bag tightly. Throw it in a bin with a tight lid.

***When cleaning, always wear gloves and a mask to cover your nose and mouth.

As for how to get rid of dust mites and allergens from dust mites in the bedroom and inside the house, clean, sweep, mop the house regularly, and wash bed sheets, pillowcases, mosquito nets, blankets, and doormats every 1-2 weeks to help reduce allergens.

In addition, every house should always maintain orderliness and cleanliness in the area to reduce accidents and the accumulation of germs, mosquitoes, rats, cockroaches, and venomous animals, which are carriers of dengue fever and other infectious diseases.

Some information is provided by the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, and the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.