How To Kill Germs Around The House
No matter how frequently you clean your home, there’s a hidden world teeming with microscopic intruders—germs. There are a range of household germs that live on your kitchen counters, hide on light switches, and linger on your phone screen longer than you’d think.
Although they are invisible to the eye, their impact on your health can be very real, from triggering allergies to spreading colds, flu, and various types of hand, foot, and mouth diseases. But don’t worry—banishing these unwanted guests doesn’t require a science lab or endless hours of scrubbing.
With the right knowledge, a few simple habits, and a variety of specifically designed household disinfectant products that can kill germs, you can turn your home into a fortress of cleanliness.
Ready to find out how? Let’s dive into the easiest, most effective, and best ways to kill germs around the house.
Why does killing germs at home matter?
Keeping your home clean isn’t just about making it look neat—it's about protecting the health of everyone living in it.
Germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can live on surfaces for hours or even days. These invisible intruders are often responsible for common illnesses like the flu, food poisoning, skin infections, and even respiratory issues such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and strep throat.
What’s more, some bacteria can multiply rapidly in warm, damp places like kitchens and bathrooms if not properly cleaned. That’s why regular disinfecting—not just surface-level cleaning—is essential.
By understanding the importance of killing germs and taking proactive steps, you create a safer, healthier living environment. It’s a simple habit, yet it bears powerful long-term benefits for you and your loved ones around you.
1. Start with the washing machine
Modern washing machines often contain numerous plastic parts, which are ideal for the adhesion and development of biofilms— one or more species of bacteria that work together to survive. They can survive in warm, damp environments like washing machines and cause skin infections or, in severe cases, other illnesses if they enter the body through cuts or abrasions.
To prevent this, run your washer empty with a cup of Dettol Antiseptic Liquid once a week to eliminate the bacteria and germs, and wash your laundry at the highest temperature the fabric can stand.
2. Clean bedsheets more
While you are tackling the laundry, wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets (preferably weekly) in a hot water cycle with Dettol Antiseptic Liquid—more often if someone is sick— to eliminate sweat, dead skin, and dust mites. Additionally, pay special attention to pillow protectors and mattress covers, which can also harbor allergens and bacteria over time.
3. Clean towels regularly
Studies show that the fluffy fibers of towels, even when they don't appear visibly dirty, can become breeding grounds for millions of germs commonly found on human skin.
Regularly clean and disinfect them by laundering them in a hot water cycle with a non-poisonous disinfectant, such as Dettol Antiseptic Liquid, to provide all-round family protection against germs. Additionally, replace the towels daily (at most, every two days), depending on usage, and always hang the towels to air dry.
4. Hit high-touch surfaces
Some of the most germiest areas in your home are the ones you touch the most. These high-touch surfaces where germs often hide include countertops, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, appliance handles, stove knobs, microwave touchpads, and faucet handles.
Because these surfaces are used so frequently by multiple people throughout the day, they become prime real estate for germs to thrive and spread.
To minimize the risk of cross-contamination and prevent the spread of germs, it’s important to disinfect them daily using Dettol Disinfectant Surface Spray or Antibacterial Multi-use Wipes.
5. Sanitizing family room
Although it might seem low-risk, the living room is full of shared surfaces that can quietly collect germs. Remote controls, telephones, gaming controllers, coffee tables, and armrests are touched frequently but rarely cleaned.
Use Antibacterial Multi-use Wipes or Dettol Disinfectant Surface Spray on these items at least a few times a week to help you protect your family from illness by preventing the spread of harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses. Plus, soft furnishings such as cushions, rugs, and sofas can trap bacteria and allergens—vacuum them thoroughly and, when possible, use washable covers.
Open windows for ventilation to reduce airborne contaminants. With a little consistency, your living room can stay cozy and clean without becoming a silent hub for germs.
6. Scour the bathroom
Bathrooms naturally harbor moisture, making them a haven for harmful germs and bacteria. Focus on disinfecting toilet seats, flush handles, sink faucets, showerheads, toilet brush, and their holders daily with a strong disinfectant such as Dettol Bathroom Power Cleaner Trigger Spray, as these surfaces are constantly exposed to germs from hands and bodily fluids.
Replace towels every few days and allow them to dry completely between uses. Don't forget the floor—especially in shared bathrooms. A weekly deep clean using Dettol Multipurpose Floor Cleaner, paired with daily spot disinfecting, keeps your bathroom both fresh and hygienic.
7. Disinfecting the kitchen surfaces
The kitchen is a hotspot for germs due to the constant exposure to food, moisture, and frequent handling. Start by disinfecting the kitchen sink, countertops, cutting boards, fridge doors, cabinet knobs, and appliance buttons, with Dettol Kitchen Cleaner Trigger Spray, especially after meal preparation.
Also, pay attention to trash bins—use liners, empty them frequently, and spray them down to keep odors and germs at bay. A clean kitchen isn’t just about appearance—it’s your first line of defense against foodborne illnesses, such as food poisoning.
8. Don’t forget hallways and carpets
Wearing shoes indoors means you're bringing in everything you've stepped on outside, such as E. coli, salmonella, and other harmful bacteria that can lead to illness. For the cleanest floors and carpets and the least mess, leave your shoes at the door. If you wear shoes indoors, vacuum carpets and clean and disinfect floors weekly using Dettol Multipurpose Floor Cleaner.
FAQs
How often should I disinfect high-touch surfaces at home?
Ideally, high-touch surfaces should be disinfected daily, especially during flu season or after guests visit.
What are the most germ-prone areas in a house?
The bathroom, kitchen, and electronic items, especially handheld electronic devices, are among the germiest spots in a house.
Are antibacterial wipes enough to kill viruses like the flu?
Yes, as long as doctors recommend them, offer hygienic protection for skin and surfaces, and use them according to label instructions with the recommended contact (dwell) time.