There are some items we use at home so often that we forget how much dirt and bacteria they accrue.
Experts warn that some household objects – such as our water bottle or sheets – can harbour all kinds of harmful germs if we don’t develop a regular cleaning routine.
You might be surprised by how often experts recommend cleaning these mainstay items. Regular washing can help prevent the spread of bacteria and keep you well this coming winter. From phones to bedding, there are many household items that can seem clean on the surface, but be harbouring a darker secret.
Here is a list of objects we use everyday and how often you’re meant to wash it.
Household items you should be washing more often
Sheets – at least every two weeks
We spend hours in contact with our sheets every night so it’s important for them to be cleaned often.
Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD says a plethora of unwelcome visitors may be sharing our sheets including bacteria, dust mites, dead skin, and pet dander, according to Cleveland Clinic. Other icky substances like beauty products, crumbs, and bodily fluids round out a truly unsavoury list.
Dr. Vij says that dirty sheets can cause health issues like breathing problems, rashes, eczema, and folliculitis.
He recommends cleaning your sheets at least every two weeks.
However, you may consider washing them even more frequently if you own pets, live in a hot climate, sweat in your sleep, are recovering from illness or infection, have allergies or asthma, or sleep naked.
The good news is that other bedding doesn’t need such constant maintenance. Pillows and blankets can be washed every six months.
Water bottle – daily
When was the last time you cleaned your water bottle? Our reusable water bottles blend into our daily routine so well that it can be easy to forget we need to clean them.
They accompany us from work to the doctor to the gym – meaning they’re tracking a lot of germs into your house and your body.
Austin Evangelista, a nurse practitioner at Nuvance Health, warns that your water bottle can make you sick if you don’t clean it often.
He said: “Regularly cleaning your water bottle is essential for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the growth of bacteria and mold. They can become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms if not cleaned regularly.”
The NP recommends cleaning your bottle daily, especially if it holds beverages other than water.
He advises washing it more than once per day if you use the bottle every day, if the bottle holds sugary drinks, or if you use it in a hot environment. These factors can foster rapid bacterial growth.
Signs your bottle needs to be cleaned immediately are odour, visible dirt or residue, and changes in taste.
Cell phone – daily
Phones are another piece of our fast-paced lives that we forget are quite dirty. They may be even more germy than you think, since they are in daily contact with our hands, mouth, and face when we text and speak on the phone, says Northwestern Medicine.
Phones contain 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, a study previously revealed.
Cleaning your phone at least once per day can prevent your phone from getting you sick, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
To clean your phone safely, they recommend following these steps:
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Unplug the device before cleaning.
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Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with soap and water.
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Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the device.
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Avoid aerosol sprays and cleaning solutions that contain bleach or abrasives.
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Keep liquids and moisture away from any openings on the device.
Toothbrush – once per week
While the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, it can be important to sanitise your toothbrush in the meantime.
Our toothbrushes spend a lot of time in our mouth and can accumulate lots of bacteria.
Dr. Daniel Dohnalek at Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics advises cleaning your toothbrush once per week to deter harmful bacteria.
He recommends several easy ways to sanitise it at home:
- Soak it in mouthwash – Soak your toothbrush in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash or rubbing alcohol for a few minutes before or after brushing. Rinse before you use it and you are good to go.
- Boil it – Run it through the dishwasher. You can dip it into a small pot of boiling water for three minutes. Make sure to hold it under some cold water afterwards to bring it back to a safe temperature.
- Store your brush safely – Treat your toothbrush like your other utensils and stick it in the dishwasher for a full cycle.
- Proper storage – Avoid storing your toothbrush in a damp, enclosed area. Allowing it airflow, and keeping it upright in a cup where it can drip dry will deter bacterial growth.
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