Your Home's Dirty Places You Don't Know About

2/16/2017 (Permalink)

Looks innocent. May hide 2 million bacterial cells.

Most of our work involves major cleanups and restorations like you need after storm, fire, or water damage. So people who haven’t experienced a natural storm disaster restoration often think SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield may not have words of wisdom for them. Today we’d like to disprove that myth. Here’s some information on general cleaning issues that affect us all.

Even neat and clean freaks have hidden places in their homes that are not neat and clean. You may be surprised by where the most disgusting places in homes tend to be and how to make them shine.

Most Overlooked Dirty Place In Many Homes
In a 2015 survey conducted by cleaning services startup, Handy of its 500 top-ranked pros, 37 percent of the professional cleaners rated shower curtains as the most overlooked dirty place in clients' homes. How important is this? Well, it's worth noting that in rare cases, mold, mildew, and soap scum buildup can cause serious infections.

How To Clean Those Nasty Shower Curtains
You can eliminate grime and germs on a fabric, plastic, or vinyl curtain by putting it in the washing machine along with a few towels to keep the curtain from wrinkling. Wash in warm water. Use a 1/2 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of laundry detergent. Then immediately hang dry the curtain.

Need Cleaning Help? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836

Clean Here First
Of course, the first place to clean is the bathroom, but did you know that in the bathroom one of the best things you can quickly do is wipe down the sink? That’s what Becky Rapinchuk, Clean Mama blogger and author of The Organically Clean Home book, recommends.

Your Own Cheap Disinfecting Spray
You can easily put together Becky’s inexpensive chemical-free disinfecting spray. Just combine  ½ cup vodka (for germ-killing properties), ½ cup white vinegar, 10 drops lavender essential oil, 10 drops lemon essential oil and 1½ cups water (distilled or boiled and cooled). Spritz your sink and other bathroom areas. Come back in 10 minutes to rub down surfaces. If you have a pedestal sink wipe down the front and sides, all the way to the floor. Now that’s something not all of us do.

Toilet Areas We Often Fail To Clean
If you meticulously scrub the toilet bowl and toilet seat weekly and there's a lingering musty smell, the next order of business is to clean two parts you're likely missing: toilet seat hinges and the base of the bowl. If you don't have a toilet seat with hinges that lift, you'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver to unscrew the hinges to remove the seat completely. Once that's done, spray the hinges and cover them completely with disinfectant. If the hinges are smelly or stained, Becky Rapinchuk suggests sprinkling a bit of baking soda on the hinges and letting that sit. That will take that odor away. Then rinse it and wipe it down. To tackle another possible source of odor, spray the outside of the bowl and behind the toilet, let it sit, and wipe up with a microfiber cloth (or paper towels if really grimy).

Need Cleaning Help? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860.649.0836

Toothbrush Holders Home To Millions Of Germs
The benign-seeming toothbrush holding cup is one of the germiest spots in anyone’s house. Some experts say the average toothbrush holder is holding more than 2 million bacteria cells. Use one that’s dishwasher safe-- brushed stainless steel or plastic, and clean it once or twice a week.

Sponges Often Contain E. Coli
Sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria. It's likely that the one near your sink contains E. coli and salmonella bacteria. A two-minute turn in the microwave can kill most of the viruses, parasites, and spores that grow on sponges. Still you should change your sponges every two weeks or so.

Bathtub And Shower Bacteria
About one in four bathtubs and showers harbored the bacteria known as staphylococci. That bacteria can cause problems with superficial skin lesions and urinary tract infections. Keep these germs at bay by using a mild shower spray daily. Do avoid abrasive cleaners.

For More Information
You’ll find disaster preparation, cleanup, restoration, and other information on this site and our sister site, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield. 

Your Natural Disaster Cleanup and Restoration Service
Again, our expertise is more in natural disaster preparation, cleanup, and restoration. But we hope these cleaning tips are helpful to you. If you suffer fire, water, mold, chemical, or storm damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
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