While tackling the basics of spring cleaning, it’s essential to address areas that might not come to mind right away. Eileen Yaney, MS, MT (ASCP), CIC, Director of Infection Prevention & Control at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, mentions five often overlooked cleaning tasks to add to your cleaning list not just for the spring, but all year.
Water Bottles. Reusable water bottles are great, but they are not immune to bacteria and fungi. In fact, the damp enclosed space is a perfect breeding ground for germs, so it’s a good idea to wash your bottle every day. Hot water and soap are strong enough to do the trick, but for tall bottles or ones with slimmer openings, consider trying a bottle brush.
Reusable Grocery Bags. These bags can accumulate dirt, bacteria, and food residue over time, especially if they come into contact with raw meats or other perishable items. Washing them regularly helps remove these contaminants, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
Electronics. Our electronic devices accumulate dust, dirt, and fingerprints over time. This includes not just your phone, but also remotes, computer keyboards, and more. To avoid damaging your device with a spray cleaner, instead wipe down your phone with a disinfecting wipe or solution on a paper towel.
Kitchen Appliances. While you may regularly clean the surfaces of your kitchen appliances, it’s easy to overlook the areas underneath and behind them. Food particles can serve as a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. They can get on your hands or spread to foods. Key things to clean in your kitchen include the sink, coffee makers, faucets, and sponges.
Inside Your Car. Keeping the inside of your car clean, especially high-touch areas is important for reducing the spread of germs. Remove trash, vacuum and wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes or a spray including the steering wheel, door handles, buttons, and touch screens.
And don’t forget, regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.
If you find yourself needing to see a doctor this spring, it's easy to connect virtually with an RWJBarnabas Health primary care doctor or a specialist. To learn more, visit the RWJBarnabas Health TelMed website.