This is How Often You Should Clean Your Home, Experts Recommend

Different people have different views of cleanliness. While some of us feel the need to wash our clothes after a single wear, others can go for several days before finally putting them in the washer. But cleaning your home isn’t as subjective as personal hygiene, and there are certain standards to consider in order to protect your health.

Most of us tend to neglect cleaning chores because it’s impossible to see the bacteria growing in our house with the naked eye – but if we were able to see the truth through a microscope, we would never go back to our old cleaning routine again. Our spaces are constantly invaded by bacteria, viruses, fungi, dead skin cells, animal and human excretions which make us vulnerable to diseases and infections.

Research shows that the lifespan of microorganisms depends on their type: E. Coli strains are the common culprit behind stomach-related sickness and can live up to a few hours whereas other viruses are capable for surviving for days – and even weeks – in your house waiting to become a biohazard. So how often should you be cleaning your toilet, washing the sheets or wiping the bath tub? Definitely more often than you think.

Changing the Sheets

How Often: No More than Twice a Week

Even though most of the dust that collects on the sheets is harmless, certain bacteria or viruses can transfer to the sheets during sleep and infect your skin causing various conditions like acne and dandruff. To keep the germs from accumulating, wash the sheets at least once a week in hot water.

Cleaning the Sinks

How Often: Every Day

Your sink may be looking nice and clean even days after you last cleaned it, but the truth is that it is one of the most disgusting places in your bathroom and can contain traces of fecal matter due to all the handwashing after using the toilet. Dangerous bacteria like Salmonella can also linger in your kitchen sink if you don’t disinfect the area properly after handling meats. To prevent any health risks, clean your bathroom and kitchen sinks every day.

Vacuuming Carpets and Floors

How Often: Once a Week. Every Other Day if You Have Pets

Floors and carpets catch dust and hair easily which can trigger asthma or allergies. To keep all the allergens at bay, vacuum the carpets every day and wash the floors once every two weeks. If you keep pets in your house, it is advisable to clean the floors more often since animals can spread allergens and fecal matter easily.

Replacing Towels

How Often: Every Other Day

Bathroom towels accumulate traces of fecal matter from wiping the hands and other infection-causing fungi which multiply rapidly if the towel is left damp for too long, which is why it is advisable to let them dry in the sun every day and replace them with fresh clean ones after every two days. Towels in the kitchen are less hazardous and can go for a week without requiring any washing.

Wiping the Door Knobs

How Often: Once a Week

Most people neglect the doorknobs when cleaning the house but they need to be cleaned at least once a week to prevent the accumulation of bacteria. The doorknobs in the bathroom may require more frequent wiping since they can carry traces of fecal matter which can easily transfer to your hands upon direct contact.

Cleaning the bathroom

How Often: At least Once a Week

Your Bathroom is the ultimate spot for the growth of dangerous bacteria like E. Coli which can spread as far as six feet from the sink and toilet seat. The bathtub also needs to be wiped down every two weeks and even the shower curtains require weekly disinfection to prevent the accumulation of mildew.

Replace Sponges

How Often: Every Few Days

The sponges in your kitchen can soak up a lot – including the bacteria and germs from dishes – especially those contaminated with meats. According to Tetro, a sponge can house billions of bacteria – but not all of them are harmful for your health. Simply washing the sponge with water or soap won’t help which is why experts recommend soaking them in hot water for a couple of minutes every day.