7 bad habits that turn your home into a germ nest

It’s a constant struggle. Despite the established cleanliness regime, dust and dirt seem to enter our homes every day. We instinctively vacuum, wipe the dust with a cloth and remove unsightly fingerprints from the windows. It’s these little things that make sure we’re properly maintaining our home. In fact, some of our habits that we do unconsciously make our homes a neglected environment.

Make your bed when you wake up

We were taught this during our childhood. it is appropriate to make your bed as soon as you wake up. No offense to Marie Kondo and her peers, this habit actually contributes to our poor bedding hygiene, according to infectious disease expert and hygienist Stefan Gaye. In an article on the subject, a specialist explains to us that dust mites, bugs and even microscopic fungi multiply in contact with heat and moisture; because of sweat and dead skin, we give them something to eat and grow better,” explained the doctor. To stop their spread, simply leave the bed wide open and ventilate the bedroom for at least 20-30 minutes. News that will make the laziest people happy.

Flush the toilet with the lid up

Another habit that we should eradicate from our daily life is not closing the toilet lid after each use. According to Dr. Stephan Gaye, a small oversight with serious consequences. “We inhale faecal bacteria that will be dispersed in the air, and particularly on toothbrushes,” explains the expert in an article about the seven golden rules that your bathroom is not. a nest of germs. Enough to convince us right away.

Don’t take your shoes off

If this is a practice accepted in Asia, Scandinavia or even Germany, then it is not accidental. As a sign of respect or simply for reasons of hygiene, it is customary to remove one’s shoes before entering the house. During the day, bacteria, dust and dirt accumulate on our soles, the same bacteria that will then spread throughout our homes. The only solution to break this vicious cycle is to remove the shoes.

Leaving your clothes in the washing machine drum

No need to lie, it happens to all of us from time to time. The car started and despite our best will we let it drag a bit longer than expected. Although we may be tempted to prolong it, it’s a bad idea, according to Herve Soule, a health specialist at the hospital. “This can cause unpleasant odors. Some elements in the washing machine, such as the connection pipes, become clogged over time and worsen the phenomenon of unpleasant odors. Therefore, there is a need to change them regularly when the smell becomes too nauseating”, explained the specialist in one of our sheets hygiene articles.

Bad washing habits

Speaking of sheets, according to Hervé Soule, most of us choose the wrong programs in our washing machines when it’s time to wash them. Therefore, the doctor recommends washing at 40°C or 60°C; “The temperature is the temperature of the water, not the laundry. Microbes present below this temperature are not killed. As for the frequency, “when you maintain personal hygiene, washing a sheet every two weeks is already very good,” emphasizes the specialist.

Place your handbag on surfaces

Our bags accompany us everywhere. Bacteria accumulate in transport, office or restaurants. The same ones that we then invite to our tables, beds or even sofas once at home. “They can stay or not, it all depends on the degree of humidity, the type of bacteria, the environment, etc.,” explains pharmacist Thomas. Kasab in an article about daily activities that are not hygienic. Needless to say, it goes the same with the suitcase.

Keep your pillow for years to come

As scary as it may sound, the lifespan of a pillow is only two years. Beyond this time, it becomes “infested with ticks and their droppings. This is not healthy at all, allergies can occur,” says cardiologist and nutritionist Frederic Saldman in an article about the hygiene mistakes we all make.