re: Which Are The Germiest Spots In Your House?

Valentius — 9/13/2016 7:55:27 AM

Eugh, dish sponges. My family always used them, and the things got stinky so fast that I resented washing dishes. I had a stronger sense of smell than the other members of my family, and I could always perceive that there was real filth growing from the inside of that sponge. Honestly, even with the best care, I think you would have to replace synthetic sponges on a biweekly basis at least.

Natural fabrics do not get so disgusting. Now that I run my own household, I use durable, washable, stink-resistant hemp rags. My cleaning products are generally homemade, involving vinegar, essential oils, baking soda, or Castile soap. Many essential oils are powerful disinfectants, and actually smell good.

I hang rags to dry between uses. Hemp-based fabric dries very quickly. Sometimes I put rags in the washing machine, in which I use the very simple Molly's Suds peppermint laundry powder. I do not have to wash my dish cloths frequently, but I try to keep them looking fresh for peace of mind.

Even my family was never big on disinfecting when hot water and soap would suit. This isn't a 'good enough' mentality; this is taking the safe and effective route after years of observation. I strongly believe I would have been much sicker, like many kids at school, if my parents had been superstitious in their hygiene practices. Regular exposure to 'filth' has made my immunity stronger. When something looks wrong or smells bad, I take greater care. I wash vigorously with soap and hot water after handling raw meat, and other things with greater potential for pathogens. Never tolerated triclosan. Never been ill from salmonella and the like.