I’m a celeb cleaning expert – the secret spots people forget to scrub… and 1 in 4 kids’ cuddly toys have POO on them
IS that teddy bear ready for a wash?
They are handled by sticky fingers and chewed on by tiny tots – but nearly half of parents confess that they only clean their kids’ toys when they are filthy.
An exclusive poll of Sun readers found that 46 per cent of parents admit they don’t regularly clean their children’s playthings and only 28 per cent of parents wash or wipe them more than once a week.
But how important is it to keep toys and household items hygienic?
Celebrity cleaning queen Aggie MacKenzie says: “Not all bacteria is bad for you but there is that one per cent that can lead to serious illness, especially if it gets in a cut or you ingest it.
“Things that look clean are often laden with germs.
“It’s worth thinking about where those items are going and how they are being used.
“The key message is to keep on top of things and be sensible.
“Take shoes off when you come inside and, most important of all, wash your hands after using the toilet and before preparing and eating food.”
Here Aggie tells ALEX LLOYD which germ hotspots get neglected – and how they could damage your health.
REMOTE CONTROLS
THESE are notorious for carrying germs.
A 2020 study found traces of bacteria, yeast and mould on a selection of remotes – and experts say they could be 20 times dirtier than a toilet.
This is mainly because your remote tends to be used by multiple people, some of whom haven’t washed their hands.
You might also use it while eating crisps and then transfer the bacteria into your mouth.
Don’t wipe remotes with disposable wipes – they are expensive and bad for the environment.
Instead, take out the batteries and use a cloth soaked in a little soapy water and wrung out.
Make it part of your general cleaning routine.
Gaming controls, light switches and door handles have the same problem so clean them regularly too.
CUDDLY TOYS
YOUR child’s favourite teddy is most likely teeming with bacteria.
It’s no wonder – they are chewed and might even have snot and food on them.
Not all of this bacteria is bad for you – in fact, much of it helps protect us and our immune system.
But there is that one per cent, like e.coli, which is dangerous and can lead to serious illness.
A 2015 study found one in four cuddly toys have traces of faecal matter on them.
That’s why regular cleaning is key – not just when things look dirty.
Machine wash them at 30C – and make sure they are completely dry inside and out before using again.
That will cut down on the bacterial load without making things too sterile.
It goes without saying that you should do this more frequently if your kids are ill.
TOOTHBRUSH MUG
THESE are a haven for germs and my pet hate when it comes to cleaning.
At the bottom is a build-up of stale water and saliva, which festers over time.
One 2018 study claimed that coliform, an intestinal bacteria, is found in more than a quarter of toothbrush holders.
Either put a little diluted bleach in the bottom when you clean the bathroom and soak for a bit or put it in the dishwasher once a week.
You could give the toothbrush handles a wipe too, although these tend to be used by one person each and there’s less risk of cross-contamination.
My other pet hate is the string on the light pull – have you seen how filthy it gets?
A little damp cloth and bleach will kill the germs and get it white.
MAKE-UP AND HAIR BRUSHES
YOUR skin – and health – will be better if you clean them every couple of weeks.
Not only do they accumulate dead skin cells, old make-up, dust and pollution, a 2019 study by Aston University found nine in ten are contaminated with bacteria capable of causing illness such as skin infections and even blood poisoning.
Fill the sink or a bowl with warm water and use a gentle baby shampoo to clean the bristles with your thumb and soak sponges.
Leave to air dry.
They will smell so much nicer afterwards.
As for hairbrushes, if you use products which can build up on the bristles, such as dry shampoo, clean them often, too.
LAPTOP AND MOUSE
LIKE remotes and gaming controllers, these have heavy use from hands that might not be as clean as you think.
Not to mention all the crumbs that fall inside the keys if you snack at your desk.
In 2020, Dr Amanda Jones, an associate professor in microbiology at Northumbria University, reported that germs found on a laptop included staphylococci, streptococci and some airborne bacteria such as micrococci.
These can lead to skin infections and sore throats.
If you are the only user, give it a weekly wipe down with a damp cloth soaked in warm, soapy water and wrung out.
For devices which have more heavy use by multiple people, do it every time before using.
My top tip is to invest in a silicon cover for your keys.
My son gave me one and I pop it in the dishwasher.
BATH TOYS
THESE might spend their life in water – but be wary, your rubber ducks aren’t always squeaky clean.
Bath toys can be a secret hiding place for black mould, especially if they have a little plug hole in the bottom.
This mould can end up in your child’s bath water or, worse, they may even swallow it, which can lead to chest infections.
Squeeze all the water out after use and let them air dry properly to avoid any nasty build-ups.
Also, make sure you give them a regular soak in warm water with a tiny bit of diluted bleach or Milton to zap any fungal spores.
They can also take a regular spin in the dishwasher on a hot cycle.
WASHING MACHINE AND DISHWASHER
SO many people don’t realise that you need to wash your cleaning devices, too.
Washing machines get a build-up of soap scum and fats in the pipes, which leads to smells and less-efficient cleaning.
Hard water areas will also get clogged with limescale too.
Don’t buy those expensive products designed for washing machines and dishwashers – throw a cup of white vinegar in the drum and run on a service wash at a high temperature.
Give your dishwasher filter a regular scrub too, to stop bits of food building up inside.
CUSHION COVERS AND BLANKETS
BANNING pets from your sofas and beds is one of the simplest ways to cut down on germs.
Think about where their bare bums might have been.
But even with a dog ban, your cushions and blankets get covered in sweat, skin cells and crumbs.
Washing frequency depends on how heavy your usage is, but I’d put them in the machine every three months, unless they get soiled.
In between, shake them outside on nice days.
Avoid feather-filled cushions if you can – the same goes for pillows.
They’re hell to get dry unless you have a tumble drier.
And if they don’t dry properly, they rot and the smell is so bad.