Photography: Hannah Puechmarin / Styling: Cheryl Carr
You walk through your front door after a day of work. Your clean clothes are sitting waiting in the machine, but you curse yourself for forgetting to throw the sheets in. Last night’s dirty dishes are still in the sink, but it’s OK because your dishwasher still has room — although it’s starting to smell a little funky. You’ve just committed at least five household crimes that are more gross than you think, and it’s not even dinnertime.
Although they feel like no big deal, many people’s “normal” habits can add up to a bunch of bacteria and even viruses that can harm our homes and our health over time. So, from leaving washing in the machine for too long to the controversial shoes on or off debate, we’re airing out the metaphorical (and literal) dirty laundry to reveal the 7 gross things you need to stop doing — stat.
Leaving washing in the machine
Ever popped your washing in the machine and forgotten about it until the next day? Still clean, right? Probably not, say experts. So exactly how long is too long to leave your wet clothes in the machine? The optimal goal is no more than 4 hours — after that, you might start noticing a tell-tale musty smell, especially in warm and humid climates. After 8 hours, you’re really starting to run the risk of mould and mildew growth, and beyond 12? Forget it. Thankfully, all is forgiven with a rewash, but if you make it a habit, you run the risk of permanent damage to your clothes and even your washing machine. Speaking of your machine, it’s best to leave the door slightly ajar after your wash cycle has finished to let the interior dry.
Not changing your sheets enough
In the same vein, not washing (or changing) your sheets often enough is a big bacteria no-no. Exactly how often you should wash your bed sheets can be the cause of heated conversation, but the consensus is every 1 to 2 weeks, or even more regularly if you have pets or allergies, sweat a lot, shower in the morning, bed share or have been sick. While this may not be all too surprising, you may be shocked to discover that pillowcases need to be washed every 2 to 3 days, or at least once a week. Yup! Your skin’s natural oils, sweat, and dead skin cells all contribute to a thriving environment for germs and general gross-ness.
Or your towels
There’s nothing worse than bringing your bath towel up to your face only to breathe in a damp, dank scent. Much like your pillowcases, your bath towels should be washed every 3 to 5 uses and, ideally, air-dried in sunlight, not only for cleanliness, but to prolong their life.
“It’s not harmful for towels to be washed often, as long as you’re following the correct washing and care instructions,” Elle Stephenson, homeware designer for textiles at Country Road, told Home Beautiful.
Neglecting your appliances
Your appliances help to keep your home running smoothly, but who is helping them to run smoothly themselves? The answer should be ‘me’, but many of us are guilty of neglecting this essential task.
Vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, even the rangehood need a good dose of TLC every now and then. Filters full of grease, microwaves splattered with food, too-full vacuum bags; all of these things can transfer onto your clean dishes/floors/clothing/food. We’ve wrapped up the ultimate how-to in an essential guide to spring cleaning your home appliances.
Keeping your shoes on (sorry!)
It’s a highly contentious topic that Home Beautiful editor Elle Lovelock discusses often with guests on The Edit podcast: shoes on, or off? Although we will never judge from a practical point of view, the science firmly rules that, as suspected, shoes off is best. Or, at least, leave your “outside shoes” at the front door to avoid tracking dirt, grit, allergens, bacteria, and even toxic chemicals into your home. Our hot tip to cement this habit? Create a clever shoe storage solution.
Re-using the same kitchen cloth
Did you know that you were supposed to be swapping out your kitchen cloth as much as every single day? Even we were shocked to learn this cleanliness fact. Apparently, your kitchen cloth quickly picks up harmful bacteria and even viruses that are then spread between surfaces as you use it and can quickly become a health hazard, especially if you are cleaning up any raw meat juices or wiping spills off the floor. Between uses, they should also be hung up to properly dry out, as damp environments can equate to more harmful bacteria and bugs.
Dishwashing sponges should be cleaned daily and swapped out every week or so (unless you have reason to believe you should be doing it sooner) and tea towels about as frequently as bath towels, and it’s best to have one for dishes and another for hands.
Waiting too long to clean your fridge and pantry
Admittedly, this last point carries slightly less urgency than the rest, but it’s still important to consider the last time you cleaned out your fridge and pantry. Ideally, your fridge should be cleaned out weekly. In her interview on The Edit podcast, Real Housewives star Krissy Marsh recently revealed the strict rules she never breaks when cleaning her fridge that reduce food waste and make sure it’s properly stocked. When it comes to the pantry, ridding your shelves of out-of-date and stale food can pave the way for a more organised approach to food shopping and, in turn, a reduced weekly spend — and avoid the dreaded pantry moth while you’re at it.
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