6 Household Items to Clean in the New Year

It’s almost a new year, which means gearing up for spring cleaning… well, kind of. Before the end of the year comes, you’re not just dusting off the shelves or reorganizing your closet. You’re also cleaning everything in sight, specifically various household items that attract a lot of dirt and germs.

As cleaning experts, our Merry Maids® team cares about your well-being. We recommend cleaning the following household items to keep your home healthy and clean: doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and other surfaces that get a lot of hand contact. These are prime areas for bacteria and viruses to grow and spread. So, make sure to clean them well with a natural disinfectant.

Let’s go into a bit more detail and discuss how to thoroughly sanitize these items for a healthier new year.

1. Doorknobs

The best way to start the new year is with a good, deep clean. Doorknobs can harbor various germs, so make sure to add them to your cleaning routine! Banish those germs with some disinfectant spray and a soft cloth.

Even better, why not upgrade all your doorknobs with a shiny new style this year as part of an easy home improvement project? This simple change can help get your home magazine ready, make maintenance easier, and add an extra touch of class. Make sure to give them extra attention regularly to avoid bacteria build-up.

2. Light Switches

Light switches are items we use every day, yet we rarely think about giving them a little extra love. They should be added to the items you regularly clean because they can be a breeding ground for germs. Because most light switches are made of plastic, cold and flu germs can live on this surface for up to a week. Wiping them down with a damp microfiber cloth regularly is essential in helping to keep your home clean. If you're feeling extra vigilant, reach for an antibacterial cleaner occasionally. Before you know it, light switches will become items you pay attention to as part of your weekly or daily cleaning rounds, just like vacuuming or dusting furniture.

3. Faucets

Cleaning faucets is one of those regular cleaning tasks that you can’t really forget about because of regular trips to the bathroom and kitchen. When it comes to New Year’s cleaning traditions, ensuring those faucets and fixtures look sparkly is always a must. Some people break out the handy dandy toothbrush and elbow grease, while others spritz and wipe with an all-purpose cleaner. Whatever your preference, regularly washing your fixtures keeps them looking their best and helps you avoid a heavy accumulation of bacteria.

4. Toilet Seats

Cleaning toilet seats is essential for maintaining a safe and hygienic bathroom environment. The toilet seat is one of the most frequently touched surfaces in the bathroom, making it a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and germs. According to infectious disease specialist at Henry Ford Health, Dr. Smitha Gudipati, M.D., a toilet seat carries “over 200,000 colony-forming units of bacteria.”

Regularly cleaning surfaces in your bathroom can help prevent the spread of illnesses and infections within your household. By eliminating these microorganisms, you can reduce the risk of cross-contamination and help everyone in your home stay healthy. So, make it a habit to include toilet seat cleaning in your regular cleaning routine to create a cleaner and safer living space for you and your loved ones.

5. Remote Controls

We’ve discussed cleaning remote controls before, but it’s certainly worth reiterating the importance of disinfecting this high-touch item. Remote controls are the unsung heroes of our daily lives. We use them constantly to control TVs, ceiling fans, and other devices, with minimal effort and thought. But they shouldn’t be taken for granted because they tend to attract dust, dirt, and harmful bacteria.

The best way to kill germs on surfaces like a remote control is with disinfectant wipes and a dry cloth. This is an easy but effective way to make sure your home stays as germ-free as possible.

6. Cell Phones

Everyone, for the most part, has their daily cleaning tasks, but is your phone and other smart devices on that cleaning list? If not, no worries! A 2019 survey found that of 1,200 participants, 23% of Americans don’t clean their electronics. Keeping your electronics clean (especially those with touch screens) doesn’t just make them look nice; it also helps extend their life.

Regularly wiping screens and charging ports with an antibacterial cloth can clear away dirt and dust buildup that can cause problems for your device if left unchecked. And with newer technologies such as wireless charging becoming commonplace, having a clean machine is more important than ever. Don’t let regular wear and tear shorten your devices’ lifespans.

Let Merry Maids Help You Deep Clean Before the New Year Starts!

As you take inventory of your home this holiday season, don't forget the little things that need some love, too. Give your doorknobs, light switches, faucets, electronics, remote controls, and toilet seats a good cleaning.

If you need help figuring out where to start or need more time to deep clean everything on your list, contact Merry Maids today. With holiday cleaning and green cleaning available, we can get your home spick and span for the new year!