Don't Forget To Clean...

When starting your spring cleaning don't forget about these often overlooked places in your home

Recently we posted about why we feel the urge to do a good spring clean on our homes. So you get out the mops and the vacuums and the dust rags...but there are some overlooked places that you should pay attention to for your family's health!

Kitchen handles: think about all the things you touch when prepping dinner. If left untreated, refrigerator, freezer and oven door handles can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. And don't forget about cabinet and drawer handles!

Toothbrush holder: if you've got a cup on the side of the sink, it's a great idea to throw it in the dishwasher once a week, or clean it by hand with hot, soapy water. And while you're at it...you can clean toothbrushes too! Just boil them in water for two to three minutes.

Computer accessories: if you are burning the candle at both ends and eat at your desk, or even simply coughed or sneezed, you need to clean your keyboard and mouse. Detach them, then dip a soft bristled toothbrush in soapy water and gently scrub.

Place mats: regardless of whether they are fabric or plastic, they all get filthy fast. Plastic or vinyl mats can be rinsed with warm, soapy water. Fabric mats of course can go in the washing machine, but anything with embroidery should be washed by hand.

Handrails: for the number of times in a day handrails are touched, you could be picking up a lot of germs. For cleaning wooden handrails, use damp paper towels soaked in hot water and vinegar then dry with a polishing cloth. Use the same process for doorknobs!

Light switches: grimy hands touch light switches every day. Disinfect the plate with a slightly damp cloth soaked in hot water and vinegar then wipe dry with a polishing cloth.

Reusable shopping bags: there's a good chance you have a lot of these; they're a much environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic. However, they can be a nice place for bacteria and mold to grow, especially if something inadvertently spills. You can wash cloth grocery bags in the washing machine, or invest in coated bags that can be easily wiped down.

Ice cube trays: they are susceptible to picking up bits of food or odours inside your freezer. Each time they're empty give them a thorough wash with hot water and dish soap.

Water bottles: reusable coffee mugs and reusable water bottles both need regular deep cleaning. Let the bottles soak in hot, soapy water for five to ten minutes. Use a bottle brush to scrub the interior then use a toothpick to get inside the mouthpiece.

Faucet: they are hands down the dirtiest things in your home. You should be scrubbing the handles daily with hot water and dish soap. For a shiny, spot-free surface make a paste with baking soda and apply to the faucet. Let it sit, and then rinse it off.

Kitchen sponge and scrub brush: after all the cleaning it does, if you're not disinfecting your sponge it's not doing an effective cleaning job. Once a week, you can boil your sponge in boiling water or vinegar. For a deeper clean wash the sponge with bleach or pop it into the microwave.