Last updated on August 10th, 2023
Just because something looks clean doesn’t mean it is clean. The hidden pathogens in household items can wreak havoc on your health. You may blame the occasional fever or upset stomach on the weather or the chaat you had at your roadside stall. But it could just as well be any of the items you use every day in your home. Foxed? Well, so are we.
We talked to some cleaning companies and came up with some interesting answers. A critical look at the underbelly of your “clean” habits would not be remiss at this stage. If you dare venture into these murky waters, join us.
One: Your Flake-White Pillow Cover
Your pillow takes the brunt of facial grime and oil, not to mention a variety of beauty care products and makeup residue. This hazardous cocktail is not the ideal solution for your acne. A closer look at the pillowcase will tell you that your toilet seat would come out smelling of roses in comparison. This is hard to swallow. But truth has a habit of sticking in the throat.
What the Experts Suggest:
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A weekly wash doesn’t cut it. Wash your pillowcase every three to four days.
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The same goes for your pillow inserts, be it down, foam, or feathers. Wash your pillows monthly.
Two: Your Gym Water Bottle
It’s just water! How dirty can a water bottle get? You will be surprised. Unwashed bottles often have residue at the bottom that could be hazardous to your health.
What the Experts Suggest:
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Give your water bottle a deep cleanse at least once, or preferably twice, a week.
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Soak the bottle in hot, soapy water overnight if it is especially dirty. Pay extra attention to the mouthpiece and the straw.
Three: Your Dry-Clean-Only Garments
When the label says dry-clean only, it’s easy to put it off to avoid the expense and the trip to the laundry. However, many of these items can be washed at home if you use a gentle cycle and detergent.
What the Experts Suggest:
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Wash your dry-clean-only garments either by hand or on a gentle cycle in the washing machine.
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A home wash also saves your garments from damage, as dry-cleaning facilities use harmful chemicals to get the job done.
Four: The Bed Linen and Towels
Much like your pillow covers, bedsheets need to be washed at least once a week. Apart from the body sweat, the sheets are dust magnets and can cause allergies.
What the Experts Suggest:
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Pop all your sheets and towels in the washing machine every week.
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Read the labels for specific washing instructions.
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While your duvets could do with a weekly wash too, it’s a stretch for most households. Wash them at least twice a year.
Five: The Ceiling and the Walls
While this seems like taking it too far, you will be surprised to see tiny balls of dust come off the walls in your dust cloth. The improved, clean, and fresh air after a job well done is proof enough.
What the Experts Suggest:
Cleaning your walls and ceiling means going the whole hog with soapy sponges and wipes. An annual cleaning should do the trick.If you live in polluted zones and have pets in your home, increase the frequency to twice or thrice a year, depending on your circumstances.
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For moldy areas, increase the frequency.
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Deep cleansing isn’t necessary if you give your walls a regular wipe-down.
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A vacuum cleaner is ideal for areas such as the ceiling. Start from the top and work your way down the walls for a clean and fresh environment.
Winding Up
Cleaning chores are rarely on anyone’s favorite list. However, to keep infections at bay, it’s worth the effort. What’s more, if you can’t tackle the chores yourself, you can hire a cleaning company to do the job. Regular cleaning is what makes a tastefully decorated home shine. For more décor and cleaning tips, you know where to look – Homebliss.in. Log in today.