Unnoticed Breeding Grounds for Germs: Do You Also Wash These Items Too Rarely?

Proper house cleaning involves more than just mopping floors and dusting furniture. Have you thought about the carpets, curtains, and other textiles we use in our homes?

We've previously discussed the dangers of old dish sponges (which can carry a surprising amount of dirt and bacteria), but there are other items that could be worse, and we barely think to wash them. Many textiles in our homes are sources of countless microbes and fungi, which pose potential health risks. 

Fortunately there is a way to prevent the spread of bacteria: wash these textiles regularly. By doing so you will reduce the spread of dirt and germs. These are the textiles in your home that you should clean more frequently:

Firstly, bathroom curtains. You may have noticed that mold appears on them over time. This is because bathrooms are an inherently humid environment. Mold can spread quickly throughout the bathroom and even be transmitted through the air via water vapor.

Silverfish and fungal spores love bathroom floor mats. They collect skin flakes and hair, attracting these pests. Clean bathroom mats regularly, once every one to two months.

Hand towels and bath towels also accumulate skin flakes, hair, and your body's natural oils, which serve as food for microorganisms. They can produce an unpleasant odor and transfer to your skin as you dry off after a shower. Change towels at least once a week and wash them at a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius, preferably 90 degrees. Allow towels to dry completely, outdoors if possible, otherwise they will take longer to dry and the damp can linger. 

Kitchen cloths should also be washed at least once a week at a high temperature. You most likely wipe your hands on them when they are dirty, but also when you need to dry your hands. They absorb food residue, grease, and soap, creating an ideal breeding ground for microbes that can then transfer to your skin. 

Don't forget other textiles. Curtains, sofa pillow covers, rugs, and upholstery collect dust, dirt, and bacteria. It's important to clean them periodically. Dog baskets and cat beds are often filled with hair, dander, and dirt particles that can accumulate over time and spread an unpleasant odor. Regularly clean the items and rugs where your pets sleep.