5 Ways to Brush Away Germs! March 4, 2015

5 Ways to Brush Away Germs!

As you start your annual Spring cleaning please take note that there are several brushes that should be replaced more often than once a year.  Replacing these brushes will avoid cross contamination and the spread of nasty germs.

Toilet Brush & Plungers

Although toilet brushes and plungers can be cleaned and disinfected by soaking them into a bucket of water and bleach after each use, it is also a good idea to replace them at least twice per year.

I store our plunger in a ceramic flowerpot which is lined with a grocery bag, that way if we need to use it in another bathroom we are not carrying around a ‘naked’ (germy) plunger from one room to the next.

Sponges/Dish Brushes

To sanitize and disinfect a sponge you can always place it into the top rack of your dish dishwasher, but if you are using a sponge to clean the counter tops, make sure to replace it at least once a month, more if it begins to smell or has an odor. Do not use sponges to wipe up meat juices, if so, discard immediately.

MakeUp Brushes/Tools

Makeup brushes should definitely be cleaned regularly, at least weekly using a product like Elf or baby shampoo or even a dishwashing liquid. (Watch this quick tutorial) Replacing your brushes when they begin to show signs of wear, shed bristles or when the handles begin to weaken.


Loofah Pads/Shower Brushes

Loofah and Shower Brushes definitely need to be replaced bi-monthly, if not more often if the bristles begin to bend or if the loofah begins to unravel. Tip – before discarding loofah, use it to give the shower doors a good scrubbing.  Just pour on a little Dawn dishwashing liquid and rub down the glass door to remove dried on soap scum.

Scrub Brushes

Small scrub brushes or scouring pads that are used on the floor, inside the tub or shower should also be replaced monthly. Once the pad begins to flatten or bristles begin to bend, you are exerting more energy to get the area clean.  At that point it’s best to just discard and replace with new.

BTW – hair brushes can be placed in a sink or bowl filled with warm water and shampoo for about 15 minutes, longer if it contains a lot of hair products.  Comb through the bristles using a fine tooth comb, then lay it on it’s side to dry. Hair brushes tend to last a lot longer than most other brushes.

New Year ~ New You