The bathroom is probably one of the grossest places in your home. Thanks to the high humidity levels in there, bacteria will find it the perfect place to grow and multiply. That’s the number one reason why you shouldn’t keep things that are susceptible to moisture in the bathroom for too long. In fact, sponges, loofahs, and brushes should never even make it past the one month mark. Here’s what else you should replace frequently if you care about your health:
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Bath mats need to be washed at least once a week. They soaked up loads of water in damp conditions and are a hotspot for germs to breed in. Launder your bathmats using your hottest washing machine setting and throw in a cup of bleach or white vinegar for good measure to really get all the grime out.
Did you know that hand towels need to be replaced every single day? They get dirty fast because we’re constantly washing our hands throughout the day. Avoid using fabric softener when washing your hand towels as it will affect it’s softness and fluffiness.
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A facial cleanser is just one of those things that you don’t think about swapping out until it’s finished. By then, it’s probably too late and has passed by its expiry date. Remember, your facial cleanser only lasts for a year, so if you don’t use it up in that time frame, just toss it and buy another.
If you use a face washcloth or those cute little round sponges to cleanse your face, make sure you’re switching them out for new ones regularly. To prevent breakouts and keep your skin clear, it’s ideal to use fresh wash cloths every single day. Fro sponges, one a week is okay as long as you dry them out completely after each use.
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Plastic shower curtains can develop scum, mould or mildew because of the high the humidity levels in your bathroom and low ventilation. If you do notice any sign of mould, try a cold wash using detergent and half a cup of bleach. Then hang to dry in the sun.
These bubble makers and scrubbers look attractive but they can be hiding tons of nasties. Replace things like sponges, loofahs and shower puffs, every three weeks and in between uses try hanging it out on a clothesline or in the sun to make sure they are completely dried out before using again.
(Read more: Do You Know About These Places Where Germs Secretly Hide?)
We didn’t need to tell you that you have to change out your toothebrush every three to four months did we? Also remember to keep your toothbrush far from your toilet or use a protective cover if you need to to keep it clean. Rinse it thoroughly after each use, let it dry completely, and replace as soon as the bristles show any sign of splaying.
If you hang up your towels up after you shower and allow them to dry completely, they should be good to use for up to around three to four times, which means you should grab a fresh one at least once week, but let’s face it, twice a week is probably better.
(Text by bauersyndication.com.au / Additional Reporting by Natalya Molok)