Purse or Handbag.
Outside of your bag. Let’s really think about this. That purse has been everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Think about where you set that handbag when you go to those places. In a restaurant, don’t put your purse on the floor. Restaurant floors are typically tidy, but still very dirty. Putting your purse on the floor means you’re taking some of those bacteria home with you, rubbing some against your outfit as you sling it over your shoulder. In the restroom, do not put it on the floor. Again, it may look clean, but bacteria and other microbes are invisible. By now, you’re looking at your handbag with a little bit of suspicion. Clean the outside either with a leather cleaner or mix a little dish soap with water and wipe your bag with a paper towel, rinse with a damp paper towel, and allow to air dry.
Inside your handbag. Try not to put loose cash inside your purse because money is about the dirtiest thing in the world. The flu virus has been known to remain viable for over two weeks on paper money. Vacuum inside your bag once a week. Any time you put your lunch or a piece of fruit in your handbag, be sure to put it in a plastic bag first to keep those germs away from your food.
Remote Control. This device is one of the dirtiest both in your home as well as when you travel. Many people think nothing of using the remote as they are preparing dinner. Think about preparing raw chicken and then transferring those microbes to the remote for everyone in the family to touch. The easiest way to clean a remote is to use a disinfectant wipe once a week. Take packets of wipes with you when you travel and be sure to wipe down the remote in your hotel room before anything else. (Wipe down door handles and light switches too.)
Yoga Mat. This favorite exercise companion needs to be cleaned from time to time. Just like your purse, it’s a magnet for germs and anything on any floor you use for your yoga practice. Every time you use your mat you spread bacteria and sweat all over it. Some people use a sweat cover that is machine washable. Others prefer to just use their mat and scrub it down with dish soap and hot water once a week.
Ice Maker. Generally speaking, germs don’t live in the freezer. But any ice that spends time in your freezer absorbs odors. Dump out any extra ice at the beginning of every month, clean the empty ice container with warm water and a little bit of vinegar. Rinse. If it still smells a little funky, wipe it down with a paste of baking powder and water, then rinse and dry again.
Photo Credit: Cleaning via Go_Greener_OZ
at Flickr