You clean your home regularly—but is it really clean? Most people focus on the obvious areas like floors, countertops, and bathrooms, but the truth is, some of the germ hotspots in your home are the ones you least expect.
At Dust Busters, we know exactly where those hidden germs like to live—and how to properly get rid of them. If you’re in Lakeland, Florida, or the surrounding areas, this guide will help you identify the sneaky spots and ensure your home is truly fresh, healthy, and sanitized.
1. Doorknobs and Light Switches
These high-touch surfaces are some of the dirtiest areas in any home. You touch them multiple times a day, yet they’re rarely wiped down.
How to clean:
Use a disinfecting wipe or a cloth sprayed with an EPA-approved disinfectant. Let the cleaner sit for at least 60 seconds before wiping dry. Do this at least once a week—or daily during cold and flu season.
2. Remote Controls and Game Controllers
Think about it: greasy hands, coughs, sneezes, and snack residue all end up on your remote.
How to clean:
Remove batteries first. Lightly dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol or an electronic-safe cleaner, then wipe all surfaces, including the buttons. Use a cotton swab for tight spaces.
3. Kitchen Sponge and Sink
The kitchen sink is often dirtier than the toilet. Sponges harbor bacteria like E. coli and salmonella—especially in Florida’s humid climate.
How to clean:
Disinfect your sponge by microwaving it damp for 1–2 minutes or replacing it weekly. For the sink, scrub it with baking soda, then spray with a vinegar solution. Rinse thoroughly and sanitize with a disinfectant weekly.
4. Toothbrush Holder
Often located near the toilet, your toothbrush holder collects water, toothpaste residue, and airborne bacteria—especially after flushing.
How to clean:
Wash it weekly with hot, soapy water or run it through the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe. Wipe the base and surrounding counter with disinfectant.
5. Cell Phones and Tablets
These devices go everywhere with you, from the grocery store to the bathroom. Unsurprisingly, they’re one of the most bacteria-covered items in your home.
How to clean:
Turn the device off. Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with a mix of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water. Avoid excess moisture near openings.
6. Refrigerator Handles and Drawer Pulls
You touch them while cooking, prepping raw meat, and handling groceries—yet they often go unnoticed during routine cleaning.
How to clean:
Wipe down handles and drawer pulls weekly using a disinfectant spray or wipe. For deep cleaning, remove interior drawers and shelves monthly to scrub with warm, soapy water.
7. Pet Bowls and Toys
Pet bowls and toys can become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and yeast, especially in Florida’s warm, damp environment.
How to clean:
Wash pet bowls daily with hot, soapy water. Toss rubber or plastic toys in the dishwasher weekly or soak in a vinegar solution and rinse thoroughly.
8. Ceiling Fans and Air Vents
These areas collect dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can circulate germs and allergens throughout your home.
How to clean:
Use a microfiber duster for fan blades. For air vents, vacuum the surface and wipe with a damp cloth. Replace or clean air filters monthly to maintain indoor air quality.
9. Laundry Baskets and Hampers
These are filled with bacteria from dirty clothes, sweaty gym wear, and wet towels—yet they’re rarely cleaned.
How to clean:
Wipe plastic or metal hampers with disinfecting wipes weekly. Fabric liners should be machine-washed in hot water at least once a month.
10. Reusable Grocery Bags
You bring them into stores, load them with raw food, and toss them in your car—where bacteria thrive in warm temps.
How to clean:
Wash cloth bags in hot water with detergent. For insulated bags, wipe with a disinfectant spray and let dry completely before storing.
A Healthier Home Starts with Awareness (and a Little Help)
Florida’s warm, humid weather only makes things worse when it comes to germs and bacteria. That’s why regular cleaning isn’t enough—it has to be the right kind of cleaning.
At Dust Busters, we offer residential, vacation rental, commercial, and post-construction cleaning services in Lakeland, Florida, and nearby areas. Our team knows how to tackle hidden germ zones and provide a deep, lasting clean using eco-friendly, professional-grade products.
Want Peace of Mind? Let Dust Busters Handle The Germ Hotspots In Your Home
Instead of guessing what’s clean and what’s not, trust the pros. Whether it’s a deep home cleaning or routine service, Dust Busters ensures every germ hotspot is addressed—leaving your home not just tidy, but truly sanitized.
