A cleaning and laundry expert reveals the ten areas of the home you may missing whilst you clean.
Now more than ever, hygiene and cleanliness is so important. We know you might feel worried, stressed or anxious, which is why we’ve been in touch with the cleaning experts at Dr Beckmann.
The website of cleaning experts has seen a massive 23% increase in traffic since lockdown began and many are looking for cleaning products and tips, to ensure the risk of the virus spreading is low.
Dr Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor, said, “As many of us are now working from home, our houses are playing a dual role as an office and a home, so many areas will need extra cleaning and attention to combat excess dirt and bacteria that may be building up.”
On the increased demand for cleaning products, Susan Fermor added, “We’ve seen an unprecedented demand for our anti-bacterial products and our staff have been working hard to cope with the increased demand.
“We want the nation to feel their homes are getting a robust clean during this pandemic so we’re working as hard as we can to maximise production so there’s enough for every household.”
Here are ten areas you may be overlooking during your weekly clean:
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Washing machine
The washing machine can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. So, we recommend running the machine with a cleaner specially designed to remove bacteria. Ensure the kitchen or laundry room is well ventilated and the washing machine door and drum is left open for a while after use.
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Door knobs and handles
Door knobs, handles and letterboxes are common items that are usually overlooked. Make sure to apply a surface cleaner to the object and wipe every inch and corner — if a small part is missed than it still opens up the risk of spreading germs throughout the house.
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Surfaces
Surfaces in the home are high traffic areas and whether it be in the kitchen or the bathroom, they need to be cleaned with anti-bacterial spray to ensure they remain germ free and ready to use.
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Floors
Floors often have unseen dirt and germs and need a deeper clean. Brushing hard floors and then mopping with anti-bacterial products is a good way to keep on top of the dirt and germs.
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Pillows and cushions
These items are getting some extra use during lockdown, and need to be washed regularly as a result. Wash cushion covers and for cushion pads or pillows use a non-bio detergent and tumble dry.
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Lamps and light fittings
These are easy to forget, but can hoard dust for a long time. They need to be dusted with a soft bristled brush. For fabric shades that maybe tricky to remove, a lint roller can be effective.
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Hallways
Hallways quickly build up dirt, especially along skirting boards, so these need to be wiped often. Pets often leave a dirt trail throughout the hallway once they’ve returned from a walk, so extra care and attention will be required.
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Front doors
As we continue to keep two metres distance when outside, front doors can have multiple germs and bacteria on them. It’s important to regularly wipe down the door handle with soap and water.
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Clothes
Washing clothes in extremely hot temperatures isn’t always required and can be harmful to the environment. Tests have proven that washing your clothes at 60 degrees with a good detergent can be just as effective.
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Oven
The oven will be getting extra use during lockdown, so regular cleaning will be required. Baking soda and vinegar is an effective and cost-efficient way of tackling burnt on food inside of the oven.
These tips are to help you feel safe and secure at home, whilst protecting your health. If you are feeling more anxious, stressed or panicked we remind you to contact Mind for help. You can find them online here, or call 0300 123 3393. If you’d prefer to text, message 86463. #TogetherWeCan overcome this.
