If you're a regular homeowner (and you likely are), there are many areas around your home that you probably don't see the fibers of your cloth or the bristles of your broom on a regular basis. This should worry you because something you forgot to clean can cause bacteria to grow and make you sick.
Of course, you can read this blog and then use any supermarket aisle cleaning product to clean what you forgot. However, unless you follow the manufacturer's directions for exposure times (up to ten minutes or more), the surfaces you clean may not be fully disinfected. We often hear of people applying sanitizer to a surface and then immediately wiping it off with a towel. But even if that's not the case, most cleaning products on store shelves are toxic and leave a residue that needs to be rinsed off after the contact time is up.
We know we know there's always vinegar and hydrogen peroxide and old fashioned soap.
Well, we hate to tell you, but -vinegar only kills some thingsAnd didn't do it effectively. And you have to leave the vinegar on for at least 30 minutes of contact time. Hydrogen peroxide also requires a longer residence time. Plus, it has bleaching properties that lighten the surface. it is alsocontribute to diseaseWhen touched, ingested or inhaled.
So let's talk about dry steam steam systems with TANCSladybug— A safer and faster way to clean forgotten areas.
1. High contact surface
During cold and flu season, it's important to keep high-touch areas clean. However, items such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, cabinet handles, light switches and sink faucets are top items on the list of things people forget to clean at home. Because these surfaces are often vertical, it's impossible to keep chemical sanitizers wet enough on them to not help. Advantages of Steam Systems Equipped with Steamarmored carYes you can simultaneously clean and sanitize surfaces in 2 to 7 seconds without leaving any residue to rinse off.
2. Mattress
When we launder our sheets and pillowcases each week, many of us forget to clean our mattresses—not good for our health or the quality of our sleep. Chemical disinfectants and cleaners are not effective on mattresses. And even when they do, they stay moist for a long time. Dry steam, on the other hand, can quickly clean your mattress and dry it in minutes. We see steam as a double advantage. It cleans your mattress and kills any critters that may be living in it, such as bed bugs and dust mites.
3. Toilet lid hinge
The bottom of the toilet and seat hinges can be dirty. Both are difficult places to clean with chemicals. Hands and knees are where most people scrub those stubborn, awkward spots. But steam and TANCS are the most effective ways to clean a toilet. The superheated steam pushes dirt from the edge of the floor off the hinges and onto the towels, sanitizing everything at the same time. Maid's knees are a thing of the past as the upright toilet can be steam cleaned with an extended handle.
4. Glass sliding door track
Door and window rails—especially bathroom door rails—are always difficult to clean.One of the main problems with shower rods is thatSoap scum that forms every time you shower. Soap residue and lime deposits can build up in the rails. Once established, this can be a nightmare.Try scrubbing everything with a towel, sometimes with the help of a toothbrush or grout brush, much less effective than steam.
5. Furniture your dog rubs against
Over time, your dog's fascination with furniture can lead to some serious problems. Cleaning with chemicals takes a lot of time and can damage or discolor your upholstered furniture. Steam, on the other hand, works really well and won't damage most fabrics, including leather. If you remember to clean your sofa and chairs once a week, the dirt won't build up. You'll be amazed how easy it is and how new and odor-free your furniture will be.
6. Toothbrush
If you can't seem to get rid of a chronically infected flu or cold, you may want to consider cleaning your toothbrush instead of just running it under the tap, TANCS will at the same time. This is important because your toothbrush can harbor bacteria in your mouth, which can multiply if your toothbrush is not sanitized properly.
7. Outdoor decks, steps and walkways
If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, such as in the Pacific Northwest, your outdoor stairs, decks, and sidewalks can become very slippery with mold, mildew, and moss growing on them. You can scrub them with soapy water and chemicals, which is a lot of work, or you can use dry steam, which is easy. You'll be amazed how quickly everything gets clean. You'll also find that your decks and walkways are no longer slippery. Steam works much better on wood than harsh chemicals, and your deck will last longer because you get rid of problematic mold and smelly mildew.
8. Outdoor Trash Cans
The litter box kept getting dirty, sticky, and smelly. They are difficult to scrub and clean. Instead of using dangerous chemicals, some people make a paste of equal parts water and baking soda, and use a brush to scrub the walls, base, and lid. This is time-consuming and troublesome. Use steam instead. The heat quickly cleans the container and eliminates odors. Your litter box will look like new in no time. Thanks to TANCS, they are sterile from the inside out. Baking powder can't do that.
9. Window bars
Screens are difficult to clean and look rough. In spring, we open the windows to let in fresh air. But we also let in the mold and mildew that had been growing on the trellis for months. Of course, pollen blows in too. Chemical cleaners will work, but they're harsh on the screen, and they need to be scrubbed and scrubbed and removed from the scum and smell and everything else that chemical cleaning brings. Steam, on the other hand, not only cleans the screen but also removes odors, keeping the screen cleaner for longer. Keeping it clean is important because the dirtier the screen, the shorter its lifespan. With steam, your screens will look like new again, and the substances that wear them down over time will be removed.
10. A place for your pets
Finally, there are your pet's crib, small food and water bowls, and small toys for them to play with. You know animals don't like chemical cleaning products, but surprisingly, some pet stores recommend that you use a 3% bleach solution throughout your pet's living space. "Please don't do that." Your pet's sense of smell is better than yours, and like humans, bleach isn't good for them. Steam with TANCS cleans and sanitizes your pet's space. It also kills fleas, flea eggs and larvae in your pet's bed and keeps it smelling like new.
So there you have it - there are some areas that we sometimes forget to clean. You can combat them with chemical cleaners and chemical disinfectants. But let's be honest, dry vape steam is done faster and better with TANCS. For anyone who wants to say no to toxic household cleaning products, this know-how is almost invaluable.
FAQs
10 Places People Forget to Clean? ›
“The most important areas to clean frequently are kitchens and bathrooms, where germs tend to accumulate due to the frequent use, but also because of what we tend to do in these areas, such as prepare and eat food, brush our teeth, wash our faces, and more.”
Where do people forget to clean? ›- 01 of 07. Undersides of Furniture. ...
- 02 of 07. Walls and Baseboards. ...
- 03 of 07. Tops of Cabinets, Doors, and Picture Frames. ...
- 04 of 07. Air Filters and Vents. ...
- 05 of 07. Closet Floors. ...
- 06 of 07. Vacuum Cleaners and Cleaning Tools. ...
- 07 of 07. Indoor Plants.
“The most important areas to clean frequently are kitchens and bathrooms, where germs tend to accumulate due to the frequent use, but also because of what we tend to do in these areas, such as prepare and eat food, brush our teeth, wash our faces, and more.”
How do you clean when you have ADHD? ›If it's hard to concentrate on one task, such as folding laundry or washing dishes, all the way to completion, try doing it in increments. One of the easiest cleaning tips is to set a timer for 15 minutes, and stay on task until it goes off. If you think you can keep going, reset the timer.
Why do some people not clean? ›If you don't clean your house, it might mean you are busy and have little time to clean and organize. It might be a sign that you have too much stuff. Or it might be the result of having young kids in the house who are usually not motivated to clean up after themselves.
How do you clean difficult places? ›Dust and grime build up on hard-to-reach surfaces like cabinet tops, forming a sticky substance that can be tough to get clean. Wiping the area with a dry cloth only makes matters worse. Use a grease-fighting dish soap and damp sponge to lift the grime, and then wipe the mess away with a clean rag.
What place should you always keep clean? ›Bathrooms are one of the most important places to keep clean, as they are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Regular cleaning of toilets sinks, and shower stalls should be a top priority, as well as disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and faucets.
What is the most cleanest thing? ›The cleanest objects ever manufactured are the sample return tubes used by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover (which launched on 30 July 2020).
What is the hardest part of the house to clean? ›It's not a secret that the dirtiest and most difficult place to clean is a toilet. There will always be many harmful microorganisms in the bathroom and toilet, even if you wash them systematically.
What are 5 areas in a room that should be cleaned regularly? ›Some areas need to be cleaned more often. These include frequently touched surfaces like door handles, bed rails, phone, taps and light switches. Other areas might need to be cleaned less often. These are usually minimally touched surfaces like floors, walls, ceilings, windows and blinds.
What is the junebugging method? ›
This cleaning technique works the same way. When you clean by junebugging, you pick a spot you want to clean and keep bringing yourself back to that spot, no matter where you wander through the cleaning process. The key is allowing yourself to wander but always coming back to your main spot.
What is ADHD clutter? ›Some ADHD experts believe that a cluttered desk, closet, or house reflects a disorganized mind; others take it as a sign of genius. A lot of adults with ADHD, including me, agree with the latter opinion. Either view can be true, depending on the individual and the degree of his disorganization.
How do you clean a depression room fast? ›- Ask a friend for help. A lot of the time when your room gets really messy, the task of cleaning it can feel so overwhelming that you just don't want to do it. ...
- Make it into a game. ...
- Focus on one thing at a time. ...
- Keep your space clean as you go along. ...
- Set manageable goals for yourself.
Psychology says that messiness can indeed be a sign that a person is having trouble. Just like someone who is suffering from OCD and has to control everything, being a messy person might show that they are dealing with depression or some other mental illness.
Is it OK to live in a messy house? ›There is increasing evidence to suggest that a messy house affects both mental and physical health. In fact, a messy home can make you more susceptible to colds and flus as well as stress and anxiety. While keeping on top of housekeeping can be time-consuming, the health benefits make the time commitment well worth it.
How do I stop living like a slob? ›- Love, forgive and accept yourself exactly as you are.
- Work out what you want your home and life to feel like.
- Ask for help when needed.
- We messy people do not have the luxury of owning as many things as we want - we can drastically reduce the mess by minimizing and organizing our home.
Bathrooms and kitchens are known as 'wet areas'. These often take the most time to clean. That's why they should be first in the order you clean your house. Once you've done step 1 and 3, dust everything and then get down to work in your bathrooms and kitchen.
What is the 1 minute rule for cleaning? ›The rule is simple: If a task can be completed in one minute or less, it should be done immediately, like washing a dish, answering an email or picking up a few things on the floor.
What is the most clean place? ›Dubai has been named the cleanest city in the world for the third time in a row.
What are 3 things that keep us clean? ›- cleaning your body every day.
- washing your hands with soap after going to the toilet.
- brushing your teeth twice a day.
- covering your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your sleeve) when sneezing or coughing.
- washing your hands after handling pets and other animals.
What is the least clean part of your body? ›
Belly button or the navel is probably the most ignored part of the body. If it is not cleaned regularly, it will not only lead to buildup of dirt but also bacteria. The dark, moist environment of the belly button is ideal for breeding of bacteria.
What are high risk cleaning areas? ›Surfaces such as desks, door knobs, light switches, toilets and keyboards can come into contact with many germs that can be spread to each person touching the same surface.
Where is the first place to clean in a house? ›Clean Top to Bottom, Left to Right
Sardone says to start at the top of the room, such as dusting a ceiling fan, and work your way down to the floor to eliminate redundant work. Likewise, cleaning left to right ensures that you cover the entire room instead of darting from place to place.
Here are some reasons why not cleaning enough can make you unhealthy: Polluted air vents and untidy filters can contaminate the air. Soiled sheets and bedding can cause skin rashes and irritations. Dust mites can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
What happens if a house is too clean? ›The common theory goes that if you're never exposed to germs in your squeaky-clean home, you're more likely to catch bugs when out and about. Experts have now debunked this myth: they say that there is no such thing as an over-sanitized home.
What are the 4 standard of good housekeeping? ›The management concept of “5S” is promoted for good housekeeping practice in workplaces, which includes five complementary principles of “Organisation”, “Neatness”, “Cleanliness”, “Standisation” and “Discipline”.
What needs to be cleaned daily in a house? ›- Sponges. We love a good sponge to wipe, absorb, and eliminate spills on all hard surfaces. ...
- Dishes. ...
- Kitchen Counters. ...
- Dining Room Table. ...
- Bathroom Counters. ...
- Computer Keyboard. ...
- Keys. ...
- Remote controls.
Vacuuming and mopping should happen at least once a week. Clean carpets every three to six months. Living rooms and bedrooms should be attacked at least once a week. This is a great time to get the kids involved — it cuts the work and teaches them good cleaning habits.
Where to start when you are overwhelmed by messy house? ›Here are some good places to get started: The floor - Sit and tidy or sort piles of mail or books, grab a broom and sweep up crumbs, or vacuum the living room rug. A cluttered or dirty floor can make everything else in the room appear messier as a result, so starting here can make a big impact.
What does an ADHD shutdown look like? ›Differences in emotions in people with ADHD can lead to 'shutdowns', where someone is so overwhelmed with emotions that they space out, may find it hard to speak or move and may struggle to articulate what they are feeling until they can process their emotions.
Does ADHD cause you to be a slob? ›
Some people are naturally neat. They keep their things fairly organized and try to avoid making a mess. But many kids and adults with ADHD are the opposite — they're messy most of the time.
What is depression nesting? ›This is a messy and disorganized room or home as a result of experiencing depression. It is an outward display of a depressed mental state.
Is a messy room a symptom of depression? ›Is being messy a symptom of depression? Being messy is not necessarily a symptom of depression. However, it can result from symptoms of depression such as hopelessness, lack of motivation, or social isolation.
How do I get motivated to clean when overwhelmed by mess? ›- Just start!
- Set a goal.
- Keep track.
- Visualise success.
- Reward yourself.
- Focus on one thing.
- Set big goals but break them into small chunks.
- Be sure to spend some time on it each day.
A messy room can be a sign of depression or another mental health issue. Clutter affects your mood and can cause more anxiety or stress. Your child can get caught in a cycle of messiness that worsens their mental health and vice versa.
What is messy house syndrome? ›Abstract. The messy house syndrome (Diogenes syndrome) is present when, owing to a disordering of the personality structure, a person is unable to keep order, for example, in the household or his finances. Such persons are also referred to as "messies".
What does a cluttered house say about you? ›Clutter in the living room might suggest blockages in your social life, as well as your relationship with yourself, while a cluttered bedroom might relate to issues surrounding your sexual self, fears of intimacy or gender roles.
What causes someone to not clean their house? ›If you don't clean your house, it might mean you are busy and have little time to clean and organize. It might be a sign that you have too much stuff. Or it might be the result of having young kids in the house who are usually not motivated to clean up after themselves.
How clean are most people's homes? ›Surprisingly, we found that half of American homes are always clean, while just 1% of Americans never lift a finger and do the dirty work. In between these extremes, about 1 in 4 respondents clean once a day and another 23% make at least some effort but let their duties slip on occasion.
How do you deal with someone who doesn't clean? ›- Know they're not doing it on purpose. ...
- Work out your non-negotiables. ...
- Compromise a little. ...
- Draw up a cleaning chart/schedule. ...
- Go shopping together for home organisational things. ...
- Purchase items that make cleaning easier/more entertaining. ...
- Ask them to keep their mess to their corner.
What causes a person to live in clutter? ›
Potential reasons people hold onto clutter include: They feel overwhelmed: It's often a huge job to get rid of things, which can be both physically and mentally exhausting. In the short term, it feels easier to just keep things the same.
Is living in clutter a mental disorder? ›Sheila Woody, a psychologist who specializes in hoarding disorders at UBC, says that although clutter is not a mental illness, it can affect mental health. “It's stressful to be in a cluttered environment,” says Woody. According to Psychology Today, clutter causes stress in part because of its excessive visual stimuli.
What are the characteristics of a slob? ›A slob is someone who's messy or lazy. Tuck your shirt in and wash the dishes, you slob! You may think of your sister as a slob if she never cleans up after herself, leaving crumbs all over the house and clothes all over her room. It's a derogatory term, though, so think twice before you call her a slob out loud.
Why do people with depression have messy rooms? ›People with depression can often find themselves living in messy spaces. This is because feelings of hopelessness, low energy, and lack of motivation can make it hard to keep on top of everyday tasks, such as tidying.
Why do I struggle to clean my room? ›A messy room can also be a sign that you have depression.
If you're feeling a little less than hopeful, you might have a hard time understanding why you should even bother to clean up or organize things since, from where you're standing, everything seems to be going wrong anyway.
Mattress and Bedding
The bedroom is the first place to begin when tackling allergens in your home. This is because you spend most of your time there, making some of the items found there difficult to clean. Cleaning the mattress, washing the pillows, and encasing them in dust-mite proof covers isn't an easy task.
- Make a Plan. Inveterate hoarders have let the house get like this because they have a problem. ...
- Create Different Storage Areas. Initially, one of the biggest problems is the lack of space within which to work. ...
- Clear Hallways and Walkways First. ...
- Work Room by Room. ...
- Clean the Room.
It's what I call “clean house paralysis.” I'll do a deep clean—take out the trash, donate a few items I don't need anymore to Goodwill, wipe every surface with those fancy spray cleaners, light candles. And after all that housework, I still can't bring myself to start my work-work.
How do you clean a room with ADHD fast? ›Straighten Up in Spurts
If it's hard to concentrate on one task, such as folding laundry or washing dishes, all the way to completion, try doing it in increments. One of the easiest cleaning tips is to set a timer for 15 minutes, and stay on task until it goes off. If you think you can keep going, reset the timer.
How long should it take to clean a bedroom? It depends on how large and messy your bedroom is, and whether you're giving it a regular or a deep cleaning. A standard cleaning that includes mopping, vacuuming, dusting, tidying up, and straightening the sheets shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes.
What happens if you never clean your room? ›
Polluted air vents and untidy filters can contaminate the air. Soiled sheets and bedding can cause skin rashes and irritations. Dust mites can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Bugs, pests, vermin, and critters are carriers of germs and many diseases.
What happens if you never clean yourself? ›If you don't wash your body, it makes it easier for germs that cause actual skin infections to flourish. If you didn't wash at all, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells and oil would start to accumulate, and infections or ongoing skin conditions can become more serious, more difficult to manage, and harder to undo.
Who is the cleanest culture in the world? ›Finland ranks first in the world for Environmental Health (99.3) and Air Quality (98.8), as well as achieving perfect 100s for Sanitation & Drinking Water and Heavy Metals Exposure.
How clean does the average person keep their house? ›28% sweep or vacuum every couple of weeks. 1 in 4 hasn't cleaned their fridge in six-plus months. 37% wear shoes in their homes. 6 in 10 have dirty dishes in the sink at any given moment.
What room should I clean first? ›Bathrooms and kitchens are known as 'wet areas'. These often take the most time to clean. That's why they should be first in the order you clean your house. Once you've done step 1 and 3, dust everything and then get down to work in your bathrooms and kitchen.
What happens if you don't clean your belly button? ›Most bellybuttons are a breeding ground for bacteria since they're a dark, moist area where skin often rests against skin. As a result, you could get a yeast infection in your bellybutton. Smell.
How bad is a dusty bedroom? ›When you breathe in the air full of dust and bacteria, you are risking your health, especially if you already suffer from allergies, asthma, or upper respiratory concerns. Even if you don't experience these problems, clean air is still important and linked with improved sleep and overall better health.
Is it OK to not shower for 2 days? ›Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health. It depends in part on your lifestyle.
How long can I go without showering? ›In general, showering every other day or every few days is enough for most people. Keep in mind that showering twice a day or frequently taking hot or long showers can strip your skin of important oils. This can lead to dry, itchy skin.
Is it OK to not shower for a day? ›A daily shower isn't necessary. ' Mitchell suggested showering or bathing once or twice a week, and experts generally say a few times a week rather than daily is plenty. Also, keep showers short and lukewarm, as too much water, particularly hot water, dries out the skin.
What nationality is the most clean? ›
The cleanest country in the world is Denmark as per the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Its EPI value is at 82.5.
Which religion is more hygienic? ›Since the 7th century, Islam has always placed a strong emphasis on hygiene. Other than the need to be ritually clean in time for the daily prayer through Wudu and Ghusl, there are a large number of other hygiene-related rules governing the lives of Muslims. Other issues include the Islamic dietary laws.
How do you tell if a house is really clean? ›- They Keep High-Touch Surfaces Germ-Free. ...
- They Take Off Their Shoes. ...
- They Own a Broom They Love. ...
- They Clean While They Cook. ...
- They Put Their Appliances Away. ...
- They Favor Drawers Over Open Shelves. ...
- They Run the Dishwasher Every. ...
- And Regularly Revisit Their Pantry.
You can incorporate the 80/20 rule in your home by filling in the time between a 'big clean' by tidying 20 percent of your things more regularly. This keeps your home looking tidy on the surface and makes it feel less daunting when it comes to deep cleaning the other 80 percent of your home.
What is considered a messy house? ›What's considered messy? A messy house refers to disorganized clutter that isn't damaging to someone's health. For example, if you have empty water cups, papers scattered, toys out and laundry in the lounge then it's a bit of a mess. But, if there are stains, mould, or bad odours in the house then it is dirty.