09/22

It’s not October yet, but we had the jitters after reading this cleverly-headlined piece about the dirtiest surfaces in a new-to-you home.  

On the surface, your new home looks immaculate. After all, it was probably professionally cleaned a few times during the staging and selling process. However, all of that will be for naught soon because bacteria are still living in some common places, and they will multiply. A home’s light switches (plural) got the most attention in this article, but handrails, doorknobs and your faucet handles are mentioned, too. 

What do all these surfaces have in common? They are touched daily. So, what should you know about cleaning your light switches, anyway? We’re glad you asked!

• They’re a bacterial hotbed. Because they’re known as a “non-porous surface,” viruses and other germs can linger and grow on them for extended periods of time. This means they could easily be one of the dirtiest – if not most dirty – surfaces in your house, especially if they’re in a high-traffic area. 

• You touch some switches up to 10 or 15 times a day. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands regularly and make sure those switches at work and home are cleaned often.

• You can use white vinegar to clean. A mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice should do the trick. However, you can also use popular household cleaners if you prefer. Make sure you apply the cleaning solution to a rag, sponge or paper towel first. Pouring or spraying it directly on the switch could cause electrical issues.   

The critical takeaway is that these high-touch surfaces must be cleaned frequently. Now that you know how to deal with these frightening invaders, there’s no need to scream when you walk into your new home. You’ll have this set of cleaning advice for the germs and a title search and title insurance policy to protect your property rights for as long as you own your home. 

Please excuse us as we go do some extra cleaning now.