25 Things You Should Be Disinfecting But Probably Aren't

Today I’m sharing 25 Things You Should Be Disinfecting But Probably Aren't

Have you ever stopped to think about the items you touch every day and how many germs they've got on them? Now, my goal is NOT to turn you into a germophobe, but instead to get you thinking about things that probably could use some disinfecting.  With school soon to be back in session the kids will be bringing home germs from everything they touch (YUCK) so let's start with first things first and work our way through the list.  I started with a list of 25 but then in walking through my home I found several more...I stopped before it became a list of 100.

25 Things You Should Be Disinfecting But Probably Aren't

Some of these items you'll want to spray directly but most you'll want to spray your cleaner onto a good quality rag and then wipe the item down either gently or vigorously depending of course on the item.  

I'll give some tips and clues for several of the items.  

My cleaner of choice is Zep Quick Clean Disinfectant any time I want to get rid of bacteria; it kills 99.9% of it, and I can use it everywhere in my home especially the kitchen and bathroom.  

It cleans, disinfects and deodorizes in one simple and easy step! I buy a large bottle and then refill my smaller spray bottle as needed but any good quality disinfectant spray will work.

My Top 25 List of Items to Disinfect to Help Prevent or Limit the Spread of Germs

1.  The hand soap pump.  

Think about it, you touch the top of the pump or grab the soap bottle BEFORE you wash your hands so it's harboring a lot of germs.  You can either spray this and then wipe or spray your cleaner onto a rag and then wipe off.  Either way, this is a good place to start.

2.  Door knobs.  

I've shared before that while I was growing up my house smelled like bleach.  My Mother cleaned everything and I learned this trick from her.  Always, always disinfect your doorknobs inside and outside.  This is the first place hands touch before coming into your house.  You want to be sure it's clean.

3.  Deadbolt lock.  

You can spray your disinfectant of choice directly onto the doorknob or deadbolt lock and wipe clean BUT if your lock is a keyless entry you'll want to spray on the rag first and then wipe clean. You do not want to get liquids unnecessarily in or on the keypad that may be abrasive for your unit.

4.  Kitchen cabinet knobs and handles.  

The scoop handles are especially notorious for hiding germs.  Your hand goes up underneath it so be sure to really clean this area well.

5.  Light switches

I spray my rag and then clean the light switch plate and the switch itself.  NEVER spray anything electrical directly.  Last week the plumber was here and when he left I WIPED everything down that he touched.  I did NOT hear him wash his hands. I was freaking out and this was one of the areas I wiped down first in the bathroom.

6.  Sink Drainer

Spray the drainer totally top and bottom and the silverware holder.

7.  Bathtub Mat

I like to lay mine down bottom side up first, spraying thoroughly and then flipping to the other side and repeating the process.  

8.  Toilet Flush Handle

yep.....not going to explain this one 😉 but I do spray it directly and wipe it off.

9.  Toothbrush Holder

Depending on what yours is made of you can either spray it directly and wipe dry or spray your rag and wipe it clean inside and out.  I rinse mine out before putting the toothbrush back in.

10.  Faucet Handles

Kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

11.  Shower Curtain Liner (if plastic) 

I spray mine and just let it be.  No need to wipe down.

12.  Handrails

Whether you enter my home from the sunroom, family room, garage or front door you have to touch this handrail to get to the main floor of the house.  TOTAL germ collector.  Since mine is wood I spray a rag and wipe it down - top and UNDERNEATH.

13. Alarm Keypads

This may not pertain to you but I have an alarm system that is usually the first thing we touch after we enter the house in order to disarm it.  Again, it's electrical so I spray on a rag and then wipe it down.

Electronics in the Home

14.  Telephone

Spray a rag and wipe it clean front and back plus the cradle.

15.  Smartphones  

Be careful here.  DON'T spray the screen but if your cell phone is made from a material that can withstand a bit of moisture (metal, Kevlar, etc.) spray a rag and gently wipe clean.  If you use a case remove the case and clean it thoroughly.

16.  Remote Controls

17.  Game controllers.

18.  Computer keyboard and mouse

Outside

19.  The keys to your car and house

DON'T directly spray the key fob.  Instead, spray a rag and wipe clean gently.

20.  Garage door opener.

21.  Car door handles inside and out.

22.  Gear shift

23.  Steering wheel....this is another biggie for germs.

24.  Glove box handle.

25.  Dashboard knobs.

26.  Bicycle handlebar grip and brake levers.

27.  Reusable grocery bags.  

Oh boy, the germs these things have on them especially if you use them for raw meats.  Clean these OFTEN and clean them well.

28. Credit and Debit Cards

Wipe these down with an alcohol swab, a cotton ball dipped in alcohol or a disinfectant wipe.

After touching all of these things, you may want to use some hand sanitizer and just in case you can't find any at the stores, you can make your own following this simple 2-ingredient recipe - the key is the alcohol ratio. Check it out.

So tell me what I forgot and what you disinfect? I'd love to compare our lists.

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