The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and temps are finally on the rise. Alas, spring has sprung! Things to Clean But in this year of 2020, something else is in the air, on surfaces, and all around us: COVID-19. We’ll remember it years from now for many reasons, one of which will be the extra efforts we all took to keep our homes extra clean to prevent the spread of the virus.
With that in mind, here are some household items that need to be cleaned more often than others, virus or not.
Doorknobs and Handles –
It’s estimated that airport bathroom door handles have about 2,000 times the number of bacteria than a toilet seat. The point being, doorknobs and other handles – including those in your home – are gathering places for every kind of germ, virus, and more. Wash them frequently with a disinfectant cloth to help protect your family from disease.
Garbage Disposal –
If your kitchen smells a little funky, and you can’t blame last night’s dinner, it could be your garbage disposal. Use an old toothbrush to scrape off any food waste that may be trapped under the splash guard. Rinse with water, then sprinkle with baking soda and rinse again while disposal is running.
Dishwasher –
One would think that the dishwasher does a fine job of cleaning itself with every cycle. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Over time, food particles can get stuck in all those nooks and crannies of your machine, leading to lingering odors and less-than-clean dishes. Remove the racks and utensil holder and scrub all those little crevices with and old toothbrush. Replace the racks and fill a small bowl or mug with distilled white vinegar and place it on the top rack. Run through a full cycle on the hottest water possible (empty, of course).
Central AC System – The dog days of summer will be here before you know it. Is your AC system up to the task of keeping you and your family cool and comfortable? Now’s the perfect time to schedule your annual maintenance. On your own, clean or replace the filter regularly to help keep dirt, dust, and bacteria out of your indoor air.
Exhaust Fan Grill – Over time, your bathroom exhaust fan grill can become caked with dirt, dust, and debris. Add in moisture and humidity that is common in a bathroom and you have a recipe for mold. Carefully remove the exhaust grill and rinse in warm, soapy water. Use a soft bristle brush to loosen stuck on dirt if needed. Let it dry completely before securing it back in place.
Garage Floor – Whether it’s used to park your car, as a workshop, or storage for stuff your probably should get rid of, your garage floor is bound to get dusty and dirty. Remove as many items as you can (tossing or donating things you no longer need), sweep dirt and debris out and give it a good wash. Let it dry before placing items back in. Otherwise, every time you walk from your garage to inside your home, much of that dust, pollen, and other indoor pollutants are travelling inside with you.
For even greater indoor protection, have your plumbing thoroughly inspected once a year. Here at Eagle Service Company, we can detect signs of a hidden water leak, for example, that could be adding to the amount of mold and mildew in the air, and that’s a trend you’d want to halt. Has it been a year or longer since your last plumbing inspection? If so, contact Eagle today.
