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When it comes to keeping your home or office clean, most people focus on obvious areas like floors, kitchen counters, and bathroom surfaces. However, some of the most germ-infested spots are the ones you least expect. Hidden germ hotspots can harbour bacteria, viruses, and mould, quietly impacting your health and hygiene.
At Merci Cleaning, we’ve seen first-hand how easily these areas can be overlooked. Here are 5 hidden germ hotspots you might be missing and how to tackle them effectively.
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Light Switches and Door Handles – Biggest Germ Hotspots
Light switches and door handles are among the most frequently touched surfaces in any home or workplace. Every time you touch them, you transfer oils, dirt, and potentially harmful microbes. Despite this, these surfaces are rarely part of regular cleaning routines.
The Germ Risk:
Studies have shown that door handles can host bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, especially if hands aren’t washed thoroughly after using the bathroom.
How to Clean Them:
- Wipe down light switches and handles regularly with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a solution of water and a mild disinfectant.
- Focus on high-traffic areas, such as bathroom doors, kitchen handles, and bedroom switches.
- Avoid excessive moisture on electrical switches; use a lightly damp cloth instead.
Pro Tip:
Incorporate this into your weekly cleaning schedule to keep germs at bay.
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Remote Controls
Whether it’s a TV remote or an air conditioning controller, these small devices are handled multiple times a day but rarely cleaned. Remotes can gather crumbs, sweat, and bacteria, making them a breeding ground for germs.
The Germ Risk:
Research indicates that remote controls can carry more bacteria than toilet seats, including harmful pathogens like Salmonella and cold viruses.
How to Clean Them:
- Remove the batteries before cleaning.
- Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth with rubbing alcohol to gently clean the surface and buttons.
- Use cotton buds to clean the crevices where grime can collect.
Pro Tip:
Encourage regular handwashing in homes or workplaces, especially during cold and flu season, to reduce germ transfer.
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Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths – Frequent Germ Hotspots
Kitchen sponges and dishcloths are designed to clean, but they often do the opposite. Damp and frequently reused, they create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
The Germ Risk:
Studies have found that kitchen sponges can contain bacteria such as E. coli and Listeria, which are harmful if transferred to food preparation surfaces.
How to Clean Them:
- Replace kitchen sponges regularly (at least every 1-2 weeks).
- Microwave damp sponges for 1 minute to kill bacteria.
- Wash dishcloths in hot water with detergent and allow them to dry thoroughly after each use.
Pro Tip:
Consider using antibacterial sponges or switching to reusable silicone sponges that are easier to clean.
You might also like: 5 tips for cleaning your kitchen to a shine
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Mobile Phones and Tablets
Your mobile phone goes everywhere with you—from your bed to public restrooms and even the kitchen. Studies show that the average phone is touched over 2,000 times a day, making it a significant germ carrier.
The Germ Risk:
Phones can harbour viruses like the flu and bacteria like Staphylococcus. When you touch your phone and then your face, you risk transferring these germs.
How to Clean Them:
- Turn off the device and use a microfiber cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or specialised electronics wipes.
- Avoid spraying liquids directly onto devices.
- Clean phone cases regularly and let them dry before reattaching.
Pro Tip:
Try to avoid using your phone while eating to minimise cross-contamination.
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Reusable Shopping Bags – Hidden Germ Hotspots
Reusable shopping bags are a great eco-friendly choice, but they often carry more than groceries. Bacteria from raw meat, dirty vegetables, and unwashed hands can linger and transfer to other items.
The Germ Risk:
Studies show that reusable shopping bags can harbour bacteria like E. coli if not cleaned regularly, increasing the risk of food contamination.
How to Clean Them:
- Wash fabric bags in the washing machine with hot water and detergent.
- For plastic or insulated bags, wipe them down with disinfectant wipes and allow them to air dry.
- Dedicate separate bags for raw meats, fruits, and household items to avoid cross-contamination.
Pro Tip:
Clean reusable bags after every major grocery trip, especially if they carry raw meat or vegetables.
Why It’s Important to Target These Hidden Germ Hotspots?
Hidden germ hotspots can easily go unnoticed, but their impact on health and hygiene is significant. Bacteria and viruses thrive on frequently touched surfaces, and without regular cleaning, they can contribute to illnesses like colds, food poisoning, and even respiratory infections.
By adding these areas to your regular cleaning schedule, you can dramatically reduce the spread of harmful microbes in your home or workplace.
Stay on Top of Cleaning with Professional Help
Keeping your environment truly clean requires time, attention to detail, and the right products. At Merci Cleaning, we specialise in professional domestic and commercial cleaning services that tackle both visible dirt and hidden germ hotspots.
Our team ensures your home or business stays spotless and germ-free, so you can focus on what matters most. Feel free to contact us and request a cleaning quote. You can find more info about our cleaning services at Merci Cleaning London or on our official Facebook page.
You may also like: 5 reasons for hiring a professional house cleaner
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