Give germs lurking in your home the brush-off

An obsession with cleaning our homes during lockdown has seen a massive increase in online searches for products to combat any germs that may be lurking in our sanctuaries.

Searches for ‘coronavirus cleaning’ have rocketed by +1,150% since the Government imposed restrictions on our movements outside the home.

Kitchen sponge

Dirty kitchen sponges can harbour can harbour dangerous bacteria like E. coli. If you can’t replace them every week, follow these hints for cleaning them thoroughly:

Mix 3/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water and soak the sponge for five minutes, then rinse.

Soak your sponge in full-strength vinegar for five minutes, then rinse.

Place the sponge in the microwave, saturating it in water (1/4 cup for scrub sponges and 1/2 cup for cellulose), then heat on high for one minute (scrub) or two minutes (cellulose). Reportedly this can zap 99.9% of germs.

Add your sponge to a regular dishwasher load, using the “heated dry” setting.

Mop head

Dunking mops in dirty water can cause a build-up of bacteria over time. You should replace mop heads every two months. In the meantime, make sure to rinse and wring dry after use.

Cleaning rags

Like sponges, cleaning rags are a breeding ground for bacteria - especially if they’re being used daily for tasks like wiping down your working from home station. You will only need to replace cleaning rags every two months if you keep them clean. Wash weekly and air dry to prevent “damp” odour.

Rubber gloves

The gloves you wear for washing up or scrubbing the toilet should last a long time if cared for.

Clean gloves with warm water and soap after every use – and only replace after signs of degradation!

Scrubbing brush

Plastic scrubbing brushes last a long time and tend to be more durable than cloths and sponges.

You will need to replace brushes after signs of degradation, such as bristles thinning, and give them a good rinse and tap after every use.

Vacuum cleaner

High-quality vacuum cleaners should last years with regular maintenance. Replace bags and clean suction nozzles as needed. Check the manufacturer’s guide and have it examined by a professional if it’s no longer working.