Some bacteria and germs are beneficial for your home, but most of them can risk your and your family's lives. Most of the nooks and crannies of your home can be the breeding ground for most harmful bacteria if left untreated. Regular cleaning and sweeping are not enough to maintain the hygiene of your home.  

Kitchen: 

The kitchen is a hot spot for germs. The kitchen is the most germ-infested room in the home, followed by the bathroom. The study found four out of five families surveyed said they never cleaned the kitchen countertops. The study also found that more than half of families did not clean the sink or stovetop after using them. As a result, several parts of the kitchen can be a hotbed for germs like: 

1) Kitchen sink:  

The kitchen sink is most likely where you'll find the highest concentration of microbes. Hot and steamy food-related activities like washing dishes or cooking can lead to microbial growth, so it's essential to keep this area clean. 

How to clean: 

• Regular cleaning will help prevent germ buildup; use organic cleaners for effective cleaning like TheBetterHome's kitchen cleaner, which contains no harmful chemicals.  

• In addition to keeping your kitchen clean, you should also consider disinfecting surfaces frequently when they become soiled or sticky, as well as washing your cutting boards regularly with soap, water, or vinegar. 

2) Cooktop:  

Cooktops are often exposed to high heat, leading to severe burns if you don't wear gloves while cooking. Remove cooked food from the stovetop with tongs or a spatula every time you cook something on it so that leftovers aren't sitting around too long before being disposed of properly in the trash can. 

How to clean: 

• Sprinkle some distilled vinegar and baking soda on top of the sticky residues. 
• Dip a towel in hot water and drape it on the mixture. 
• After 10 minutes, scrape the residue and rinse it off. 
• Finally, spray some vinegar on the top and wipe it. 

3) Refrigerator:  

This appliance's cool temperature and moisture levels make it an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and mould. To fight off bacteria and moulds, wipe down your refrigerator with a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water every week or two. 

How to clean: 

• Mix two tsp of baking soda and hot water in a spray bottle.  
• Spray it all over the inner and outer walls and refrigerator shelves. Ensure you keep the power off and remove all the things while cleaning.  
• Dip a sponge in water and clear the solution residues. 
• Place some coffee grounds to eliminate the nasty odour. 

4) Dish sponge: After countertops, dish sponges are one of your home's most frequently used items. A dirty dish sponge can be the breeding ground for harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.  

How to clean: 

• Place the wet sponge in the microwave for two minutes. 
• Try to sanitize the sponge with disinfectant water. 
• It's recommended to change dish sponges every 2-3 weeks. 

Bathroom: 

After the kitchen, the most important and germiest corner of your home is the washroom because it is the place where we wash off all our germs and dirt.  

1) Bathroom faucet: The bathroom faucet is another hot spot for germs because it's often used as an area for sharing drinks and eating utensils with family members. Cleaning this fixture regularly will help prevent contamination on your hands/forearms while using it. 

How to clean: 

• Start washing with plain water and plant-based bathroom cleaners.  
• In case of stubborn spots, put some vinegar solution. 
• Clean around the edges with a toothbrush. 

2) Shower curtain:  

Generally, shower curtains are not considered a hot spot when it comes to germs because they're not exposed to direct contact with hands/body fluids or shared between many people. But they can still get contaminated over time if you don't wash them frequently enough (especially if you use scented products that contain fragrances). If possible, hang your shower curtain on a hook instead of letting it dangle off the wall so that water doesn't pool near its edges and allow condensation to seep into its fibres over time. 

How to clean: 

• Remove the curtain from the rings. 
• Fill your washing machine with warm water. 
• Put some drops of cleaner and a cup of white vinegar 
• Make sure the setting is gentle. 

• After finishing, hang it to dry.  
• You can also wash it frequently with cleaning sprays to prevent germ buildup. 

Toothbrush holder: 

Toothbrush holders might be a minor part of your home, but it contains many harmful germs due to regular usage. It is where we keep mouth cleaners and use brushes, and sometimes just washing doesn't help eliminate the germs. 

How to clean: 

• Place the toothbrushes in a sanitizing dishwasher once or twice a week. 
• If you prefer handwashing, wash it with soapy water and rinse it well.  
• To prevent germ buildup, you can also use disinfectant wipes. 

Pet bowl: 

Hygiene and cleaning are also crucial for your furry friend. Sticky food residues and impromptu cleaning can spread a lot of germs even in your home.  

How to clean: 

• If possible, scrub pet dishes daily with soapy water after every meal. 
• If there are sticky residues, soak the dish in the water and ensure you use pet-safe cleaners for homes with no harmful chemicals. 

Stove knobs: 

Along with utensils, stove knobs sometimes have sticky residues and can easily spread germs. Sometimes we also touch it with dirty hands, making it a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria.  

How to clean: 

• It's recommended to clean it daily with warm soapy water. 

• You can apply a light coating of wax to maintain the shine.