There are so many different parts of our lives that need to be cleaned and sanitized on a daily basis that it isn’t difficult to end up forgetting something. This list isn’t going to include any of the obvious things like your kitchen counter, though it is important to clean them, possibly multiple times a day depending on how much they get used. Instead, this list focuses on those things inside and outside of your house that you might not remember to sanitize and are frequently used items that could easily carry germs, viruses, and bacteria to your family and get them sick.
It is more important than ever in these times to make sure our homes are as clean and safe as possible. And while my work life has changed very little during these trying times, my home life has changed immensely. My home is filled with essential workers. They come and go at different hours as well. What that translates to is me cleaning 24/7. And while it somedays feels very tedious and over-whelming, I know that I am giving my family as best a chance I can to not get sick.
I know that some of these lists I have created may seem like over-kill, but I would rather know I did everything I could to keep my family safe than to look back and think I could have done something better. Honestly, what else have I got to do right now anyway? Oh, my mother would be so proud of me and my housekeeping skills right now!
Here is a copy of my daily cleaning checklist:
50 things You might Forget To Sanitize:
Things you should sanitize inside your home:
The inside of your house is the most important place to keep sanitized, because it is the place where everyone is! These spots should all be sanitized regularly and then redone anytime anyone goes out into the outside world. It is only through constant and diligent sanitization that we can keep our families safe. But don’t go overboard either. Sanitizer may not always be easy to get your hands on and if no one is leaving the house then there is no way for viruses to make it inside.
- The Power Button on your Computer
- Books and E-Readers
- Monitor Power Button
- Computer Keyboard and Mouse
- Laptop Keyboard and Mouse
- Wallet
- Your Shoes
- The Inside of Your Fridge
- Toys
- Toy Boxes
- Rugs
- Remotes
- Telephones
- Alarm Keypads
- Cabinet Doors and Handles
- Door Knobs
- Handrails
- Locks
- Light Switches
- Backpacks
- Credit Cards
- Debit Cards
- Delivered Packages
- Food Packaging
- Fresh Fruit and Veggies
- Messenger Bags
- Purses
- Reusable Grocery Bags
- Hand Soap Pumps
- Shower Curtains
- Shower Mat
- Toilet Handle
- Toothbrush Holder
- Detachable Shower Head Handle
Things you should sanitize outside the house:
Sanitizing outside might seem a little bit futile but doing so is actually very important! It gives the viruses and bacteria even further to travel to get inside the house. The bigger the barrier is between the outside world and your family, the better.
- Car Mats
- Car Seats
- Car Door Handles Inside and Out
- Car Gear Shift
- Dashboard and Radio Knobs and Buttons
- Garage Door Opener
- The Gas Door
- The Handle for the Trunk
- Steering Wheel
- Your Keys
- The Garden Hose
- Garden Water Faucets
- Bicycle Handlebars
- Helmets
- The Mailbox
Pet items you should sanitize
- Pet Cage Doors
- Pet Beds
- Pet Food Storage Containers
- Pet Food Bowls
- Pet Toys
- Pet Grooming Tools
And there we have it, more than 50 things all around your house that you might forget to sanitize. Were any of them a surprise to you? Was there anything that I forgot to include that you think should have been on the list? Leave a comment letting me know what it is. Together we can help keep our families safe and healthy at home.
And for those of you that also have essential workers in your home, here is a copy of the checklist I have at my front door: