I heard some great comments about the last blog regarding all the dirty places in our homes! Many of these places we didn’t even know existed. I have some more to share with you this week:

BBQ Grill – The grill, including the preparation area around it, may have more than double the bacteria of the average toilet seat, according to a British survey. Food or utensils placed there could be contaminated by raw meat or animal feces from outdoor exposure. Use an ammonia-based cleaner to sanitize before each use.

Light Switches – Light switches are one of the dirtiest items in your home, which results in an abundance of germs. To clean, spray a cloth with all-purpose cleaner or a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water. Gently wipe the faceplate and switch (Tip: I try to clean my light fixtures, door knobs, computer keys/mouse and TV remotes all at the same time with a pull-up disinfecting wipe).

Toothbrush – Water alone won’t sanitize months of growing bacteria. Put your toothbrush in the dishwasher, or use a UV cleaner for 10 minutes to get rid of bacteria. Also, if your toilet is near where you store your toothbrush, etc., remember to always close the toilet lid whenever you flush. Nearby surfaces get contaminated. (Not something we want to think about!)

Bathroom Shower Curtain – Getting rid of mold on your shower curtains is easier than you think. Spray plastic shower liners with a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water, or bathroom spray cleaner and run fabric curtains through the washing machine once a month. Best way to prevent mold? Keep your curtains open all the way after each shower so it can dry completely.

Kitchen Faucet – The aerator on your faucet, the little screen at the bottom of the spout, is a hotbed of bacteria. Remove and soak it in white vinegar every couple months to get rid of germs and lime buildup.

Garbage Disposal – The garbage disposal can also produce a foul odor if not cleaned regularly. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture bubble for a few minutes, and then pour a bucket of hot water down the drain to rinse. Grind a half a lemon in the disposal for extra cleaning power and a fresh scent.

Oven Knobs – Just like light switches and door handles, we touch oven knobs frequently while handling food. Pull the knobs off, and give them a good cleaning with the 1:1 vinegar and water mixture. Also, keep stove and oven clean and any food pieces wiped away.

Dog Bowls – I never would have thought this was important until I touched my little Toby’s water bowl and felt slime! If possible, run them through the dishwasher or hand wash with dish soap often.

Door Handles When Away from Home – I know this sounds very OCD, but I heard a doctor on TV share this and I think it makes sense. Try to use something other than your hands when opening a public door, holding a hand rail, or turning off the water in a bathroom. And remember to keep your hands washed as much as possible to keep yourself well!

Manna from Heaven

While we are trying to keep our home clean and free of dirt, the Bible teaches us to free ourselves from another type of “internal dirt”:

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another.”  Ephesians 4:31-32

The Greek word translated “get rid of” is artheto and it means to lift something for the purpose of carrying it off or putting it away. Getting rid of sinful and destructive behavior requires that we allow the Holy Spirit to remove those things that mark our former life.