At King of Maids, we know how to clean, but there are certain household items we don’t cover. This “How To Clean” Infographic will inform you of the dirtiest daily used items in your home and how to clean them.

As a matter of fact, if you would like to add it to your website or link to it, the instructions are below the image.

When was the last time you cleaned your toothbrush? Never! What about your hair brush? Again, never!

We use a lot of household items every day. Yet, we never really think about cleaning them regularly.

King of Maids has created an easy-to-read Infographic with 9 everyday household items we need to clean. These overlooked items are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Then, we’ll discuss the importance of cleaning each item, how to clean them, and share some research reports from the experts.

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1. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR EYEGLASSES

65% of Americans wear eyeglasses. It might not be an overlooked cleaning item, but there is a proper way to keep them clean, and it’s not with your shirttail. Moreover, you should never use spit or hot air either.

Sweat, makeup, and daily elements cause bacteria and germ build up on the lenses and frames. To properly clean your eyeglasses, follow these instructions below.

Cleaning Instructions

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Then, rinse your glasses under a slow steady stream of lukewarm water.
• Wish eyeglasses with a mild dish soap.
• Finally, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, clean towel

Tips

• Never use a dry cloth on your glasses. You can scratch the lens.
• If you are traveling, purchase professional cleaner from your eye care professional or local drug store.
• Microfiber is great to use. However, ensure debris is not trapped on the cloth that will scratch your lens.
• Don’t use vinegar. Since vinegar can harm the coating on your lenses, it is a great cleaning agent but not for glasses.

2. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR TOASTER

We’ve heard our parents tell us to never leave the kitchen when cooking. The National Fire Protection Association also includes the toaster. Their 2016 Home Fire Involving Cooking Equipment states toasters and toaster ovens account for a majority of the fires and related deaths associated with portable cooking devices.

Cleaning Instructions

• Unplug toaster.
• Remove the crumb tray and wash it with mild, soapy water. Rinse and allow fully dry before replacing.
• Then, turn your toaster upside down over the sink and shake. This will remove any crumbs stuck on the heating element and within the toaster.
• You can use a small brush or toothbrush to remove food stuck on the heating elements.
• Clean outside and cord with a warm, wet towel.
  Dry outside and cord with a clean, dry towel.
• Finally, make sure the toaster is fully dry before using.

Tips

• Heat producing appliances like toasters should have their own plug to prevent overloading an outlet.
• Never leave unattended while using.
• Replace toaster if the cord is frayed, or it shoots sparks.
• Unplug when not using
• Most importantly, never submerge your toaster underwater to clean.

3. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR COFFEE POT

CBS News swabbed their one-cup coffee maker in 2015. They took the samples to Loyola University. As a result, the experts found bacteria like Staphylococcus (Staph Infection) and e-Coli. Experts recommend cleaning your coffee maker at least once a month.

Cleaning Instructions

• Fill the reservoir with half white vinegar and water.
• Begin the brewing process until the pot is half full.
• Stop the brewing process and allow to sit for 30 minutes.
• Finish the brewing process and empty the pot.
• Rinse thoroughly pot.
• Next, fill the reservoir with clean water and fully brew again.
• Wash the pot (carafe), filter basket with warm, soapy water.
• Rinse and allow to dry.
• Wipe down outside of coffee maker, warming plate and cord with a wet towel.
• Finally, use a clean, dry cloth to dry.

Tips

Same advice we gave you for the toaster: never share your coffee maker with another heating element. It causes too much strain on the outlet.
We recommend unplugging all small appliances when not in use.
Never submerge your coffee maker under water when cleaning.

4. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HAIR DRYER

Have you ever read the warning label on your hair dryer cord? The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) takes this small little appliance seriously. In fact, some of the warnings on the label instruct us to unplug after use and do not use near water. Seems like common sense, right?! The most used place for a hair dryer is the bathroom, which is the reason for the warning label. Individuals have died using a hair dryer.

Most hair dryers have screens under the end cap. This prevents lint from entering the dryer’s heating element and catching on fire. Lint builds up over time and needs to be cleaned.

Cleaning Instructions

• Make sure your hair dryer is unplugged before cleaning.
• Then, unscrew vent end cap.
• Rinse filter and clean-off any lint build-up. Allow to fully dry before replacing.
• Use a wet cotton swab to clean the vent grills.
• Replace filter and end cap.
• Clean the outside of hair dryer and cord with a damp cloth.
• Finally, dry with a clean, dry towel.

Tips

• Hair dryers use about 1,500 watts of electricity. This a lot even when compared to a microwave. Breakers are typically rated for 1,800 watts and shut off when overloaded or short circuited. Don’t use your hair dryer when other appliances are running.
• Always unplug your hair dryer.
• Also, don’t store near water especially when plugged into an outlet.
• Never submerge under water.

5. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR HAIRBRUSH

A hairbrush is used almost every day and can harbor nearly 3,500 colonies of bacteria per square inch according to the University of Arizona. One researcher at Ohio State University devised a hairbrush that’s easy to clean after watching his wife painfully cleaning hers.

Cleaning Instructions

• Remove all hair from your brush.
• Then, fill a cup with a warm, soapy water.
• Place brush in cup and swirl. Use finger to remove excess grime.
• Thoroughly rinse brush.
• Finally, allow the brush to air dry.

Tips

You should clean your brush every one to two weeks.

6. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR SCISSORS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocates how important it is to wash our hands. It reduces the transfer of germs, which are easily passed onto surfaces like scissors.

If you find your scissors are looking grimy and sticky, here’s an easy way to keep them clean.

Cleaning Instructions

• Pour white vinegar into a bowl.
• Soak a thick, clean cloth in the bowl.
• Wring cloth to remove the excess vinegar.
• Thoroughly wipe down blades and handle.

Tips

• Never use water on scissors. It can rust the blades.
• Another cleaning option is using rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to remove residue from the blades.
• You should put a couple drops of mineral oil in the pivot on both sides after cleaning.

7. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Toothbrushes harbor bacteria. Food particles get trapped in the bristles. Plus, dust and other forms of dirt/grime collect on the bristles. The American Dental Association recommends using 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash to properly clean your toothbrush.

Cleaning Instructions

• Fill a cup with antibacterial mouthwash.
• Place toothbrush head down into the cup.
• Soak overnight
• Rinse in the morning.

Tips

• Never share your toothbrush with anyone.
• Store toothbrushes in an upright position.
• Placing a wet toothbrush in a closed container promotes bacteria growth.
• Replace toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
• Dishwasher or microwave are not recommended for sterilizing your toothbrush.

8. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CELL PHONE

The following study by the Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials showed cell phones contained various bacteria and could cause infections in hospitals. Furthermore, ABC News reported cell phones were dirtier than toilet seats and can spread staph bacteria. Below are weekly instructions on how to clean your mobile phone.

Cleaning Instructions

• Make a half water/half 70% isopropyl spray mixture.
• Lightly spray the solution on a microfiber cloth.
• Rub the cloth over the entire phone including the cover.

Tips

• Turn off your cell phone before cleaning.
• Use a foam swab instead of a cotton swab for tight areas.
• Never submerge your phone under water.
• Don’t press down hard on your screen. The pressure could cause it to crack.

9. HOW TO CLEAN YOUR IRON

The plate on an iron can get grimy after use. As a result, it gets a sticky build-up to it and becomes hard to use. It can also leave stains on your clothes. Water left on the iron after use can crystallize and block the steam holes.

Cleaning Instructions

• Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda and 2 tablespoons water into a paste.
• Then, use your fingers to spread the paste on the iron plate.
• Clean plate with a warm, wet cloth.
• Next, use cotton swabs to clean inside the steam holes.
• Fill iron reservoir with clean, distilled water.
• Set iron to the hottest setting.
• Finally, iron a clean cloth to finish the cleaning process.

Tips

• Unplug iron when not in use.
• Never leave unattended, especially around children or pets.
• You should empty the reservoir completely if you don’t regularly use.
• Use distilled water.

As you can see from the information above, there are a lot of items we use on a daily basis that need cleaning. If keeping a healthy, clean home is important to you, then this Infographic is a key addition to your house.