7 Things You Should Be Cleaning Every Single Day

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If you’re not a big fan of cleaning (because who is, really?), your family likely only tidies up the necessities each day and leaves the little nooks and crannies for the occasional deep clean.

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but you may be skipping some important areas that actually do need to be cleaned every single day. Making sure you tend to these items means more than just a nice-looking home or apartment; it can help prevent unnecessary germs that could potentially make you sick. During cold and flu season, this could be crucial.

If you’re not sure about which items really need your attention every single day, we’ve got you covered:

1. Kitchen Counter

So many objects touch your kitchen counter: food that you’ve chopped, grocery bags, your bag or purse, even your keys. Wipe down your counter every night with a disinfectant to make sure it stays in tip-top shape for food preparation.

cutting meat photo
Getty Images | Justin Sullivan

2. Dish Towels

Most of us probably don’t think twice about those dish towels hanging in our kitchen, but they’re a breeding ground for bacteria. Dish towels were deemed the most contaminated spot in the kitchen, according to a study by the USDA. Any time you handle something like eggs or raw meat and then wipe your hands on a towel, you’re spreading bacteria that has the potential to get someone sick.

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Pixabay

3. Sponges

A sponge is used to clean, so it must be clean, right? Not so much. According to a study from the University of Arizona, a kitchen sponge is 200,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat, harboring 10 million bacteria per square inch. Wash your sponge in the dishwasher or with hot soap and water—or try soaking it in vinegar for a natural disinfectant.

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Pixabay

4. Remote Control

You probably don’t think to wipe down your remote control daily. But once you think about all the different times it’s handled, you might want to start. Remotes can harbor cold viruses and other germs, so try to clean them as often as possible. (Guess what: Your cell phone is also pretty gross.)

remote control photo
Flickr | wuestenigel

RELATED: Here Are 11 Brilliant Cleaning Shortcuts That Only Professionals Know

5. Bathroom Sink

It’s not uncommon for the bathroom sink to get covered in toothpaste, makeup, hair, and who-knows-what-else. Use some disinfecting wipes or vinegar to wipe down the sink and mirror each day, and don’t forget the faucet. You can also use a Magic Eraser for anything that has splashed onto the walls.

bathroom sink photo

Did you know you can clean lots of objects around the house with cream of tartar? Check out our tips here:

6. Dirty Dishes

Sure, you can leave those dirty dishes for tomorrow. But not only will it make your plates and bowls harder to clean, leaving them in the sink overnight could also attract flies and roaches. (And then you have a whole different problem on your hands.) If you can’t fully wash them, at least rinse them off right away.

dirty dishes photo
Flickr | queercatkitten

 

RELATED: The 12 Simple Habits Of People With Homes That Are Always Clean

7. Kitchen Floor

Let’s be honest — a lot of stuff falls on the floor. You don’t need to scrub the ground each day, but at least do a quick sweep and use a mop, a steam mop, or wet Swiffer to get off most of whatever has stuck to the ground.

kitchen floor photo
Flickr | hodgers

Which items in your house do you clean on a daily basis?

Cleaning & Organization, Home, Tips & Advice
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About the Author
Carina Wolff
Carina is a health and wellness journalist based in Los Angeles. When she’s not writing, doing yoga, or exploring mountains and beaches, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes for her healthy food blog, Kale Me Maybe. Carina is also an ongoing writer for Bustle, Reader's Digest, FabFitFun, and more.

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