Here, the cleaning experts at Mattress Online have revealed how often you should wash everything from your pillowcases to your make-up brushes and even your computer keyboard. If you thought your house was squeaky clean, their answers might shock you.
Make-up Brushes
You may be surprised to hear that your make-up brushes should be washed once a week — using a cleanser or shampoo. The bacteria streptococcus can live in the bristles, causing a series of illnesses such as scarlet fever, impetigo, and strep throat, if not cleaned regularly.
Bedding
Air your mattress daily and wash bedding – sheets and duvet cover – weekly. The experts have also recommended your pillowcases be washed every other day and your mattress vacuumed once a night.
Tea Towels and Dishcloths
Tea towels and dishcloths should be washed daily or every second day, depending on how much you use your kitchen. It’s wise to have a couple of tea towels on the go for different uses: one for food prep, one for drying dishes. Microfiber cleaning cloths can be washed and reused.
Computer Keyboard
Your computer keyboard should be cleaned once a week to stop the spread of germs. Wash once a week with a can of compressed air to spray between the keys and use a sanitizing wipe.
Children’s Toys
Toys should be washed once a week. Use warm soapy water or run them through a dishwasher if they’re durable. Soft toys, like teddy bears, can be cleaned in the washing machine.
Bath Mat and Towels
You should air your bath mat every day, and wash at least once a week. Bath towels and hand towels should be washed at 104F every two days.
Light Switches
Wipe them down with an antibacterial wipe every week. The same goes for TV remotes and other gadgets you use regularly.
Sofa
Your sofas should be vacuumed with a fabric brush attachment at least once a week to get rid of crumbs, dust, dirt and pet hair. You can also use a fabric sanitizer or disinfectant spray to kill germs.