Things You Don’t Usually Clean but Should ASAP! (Part 2)

There are many cleaning freaks on this planet (including me), yet there are areas in our homes that we have neglected. So, roll up your sleeves, put up your gloves and grab your cleaning tools because it’s cleaning time.

Trash Can

You are getting rid of all the garbage in your home and dumping it in the trash can, but have you thought about the trash can getting dirtier and dirtier? I know some people who don’t have the habit of cleaning their dustbins because they use trash bags. However, these bags are not 100% hermetic, these bags can leak and particles of food, for example, can always get out.

For those who are unaware, a trash can is like the breeding habitat for bacteria and mold. When you are throwing away any food junk in the trash can, some residue could splash on the back side, on the outsides and on the bottom of the bin, and when these areas are not cleaned, they become a breeding ground for disease. In fact, by not cleaning the trash can, you’ll be putting you and your family at risk because that disease-causing bacteria can eventually be transferred to the body of one of one of your family members and spread to other members and even pets of the house.

I’ve got people asking how often you need to clean the trash can. Well, that’s completely up to you. You could clean the garbage can once a week or twice a month, but it should be on a regular basis. And, if you find yourself having to hold your breath to throw away something in the already-full trash can, this is a clear indication that your trash can needs immediate attention!

How to Clean a Trash Can?

• A common suggestion for a regular trash can cleaning is to simply hose off the can (don’t forget the detergent and a long-handled scrub brush).
• You could also try the DIY approach, i.e., using baking soda and vinegar to clean your trash can. Here’s the full DIY method.
• Put on some gloves and give the trash can a proper bath with soap and water.
• Cleaning garbage cans with biodegradable detergents are also recommended.

Remote Controls

Honestly, even I didn’t know about this; I learned about it when I was staying in a hotel and I saw the cleaning staff wiping down TV remotes. No matter how much of a cleaning freak you are, you might have overlooked one of the dirtiest objects in your house.

A TV remote control is touched by countless people but cleaned by none. If you are using the remote today, there’s a point when you are going to drop it to the ground. You are sick and you are watching the TV, there’s a point you are going to sneeze on the remote. You’ve got a guest in the house, there’s a point he’s going to touch the remote. A remote is a common household item that goes through spills, sneezes and touches, and yet is left uncleaned. Imagine my surprise when I learned that a few researchers claimed and even proved that a TV remote control could be 20 times dirtier than a toilet.

So, if you are a very health-conscious person, now is the time to clean your remote. So, here are some suggestions:

• If your remote is only dirty on the surface, you can just wipe it down with a clean, soft and damp towel (make sure it’s not soaking wet as the key is not to let water get into the remote).
• Some experts recommend the use of isopropyl alcohol or any other “clear” alcohol. But, be very careful before using it as it could wipe out the letters and numbers of your remote.
• For really dirty, sticky and greasy remote controls, the parts of the remote can be disassembled and cleaned with dish soap and warm water.