There are so many germs lurking in the items we use everyday that thinking about it might just make you cringe. What’s worse, many of these items can’t be thrown in the washer or rinsed in the sink, which makes them even more bacteria-ridden. Luckily, there are ways to clean them if you take the time to think about where germs most likely hang out. Here are some places that you are likely overlooking.
#1 Your Keyboard
You touch your keyboard all the time, perhaps even while you snack. Being that it gets touched so often, it is one of the dirtiest places in any given setting. Laptops are often even dirtier that desktop computers because they are brought outside and are carried to all different parts of the world. After all, when was the last time you washed your hands before getting on the computer?
Since keyboards can’t be easily cleaned, nor can your trackpad or mouse, these surfaces accumulate countless germs throughout the year. A quick swipe with a disinfectant wipe can help, but be mindful of any moisture around electronics. Instead, dust off your keys and try to get in the habit of washing your hands before using these items to avoid the transfer of more germs.
#2 Your Pillows
Many pillows these days are washable, but very few people wash them. While pulling off the pillowcase and tossing it in the washer is a start, the pillow itself is known to collect all sorts of dust mites and skin cells that make it through your pillow case. If you have feather pillows or another kind that can’t be washed, opt for a pillow protector that will stop anything from getting through to the pillow itself. Wash that protector with your pillow cases and you’ll have a healthier bedroom in no time. Your mattress is the same way, so opt to use a mattress protector.
#3 Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system can do wonders for keeping your home’s internal environment clean. It can bring in fresh, filtered air, for example. But unless you are doing your part to keep those filters and ducts clean, it can actually lead to a build up of dust, dirt, and other debris. Every time the system kicks on, it could be dispersing them throughout your home, too! Routine maintenance for your HVAC system is a must, and so is using a modern system.
If you have an outdated system, consider upgrading to a new one that has the filtration in place to keep your home healthy and clean year-round. Brennan’s HVAC lists a variety of reasons why you may need to upgrade your AC system for both efficiency reasons and your own health.
Stay Healthy
Image via Flickr by Kendyl Young
A healthy home depends on regular maintenance and upkeep, and while you may be dusting and vacuuming regularly, these tasks are only the beginning. By thinking about surfaces like those above, you can help keep your home’s internal environment healthy and hospitable for all.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
