Today: What it means to disinfect — and how to do it properly. Plus …
You probably don’t need to disinfect as often as you think |
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| Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter |
The terms cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and sterilizing are often used interchangeably, so it can be confusing to know which to do and when. Bottom line: Most of the time, cleaning is all you need. It’s the first and most important line of defense against dirt, grime, and germs in your home.
- What is “cleaning”?: Simply put, we’re talking about using a combination of water and soap or detergent and scrubbing to physically remove microbes. Clean high-touch surfaces, like light switches, doorknobs, and countertops, on a regular basis or when they are visibly dirty.
- When to disinfect: If you need to destroy bacteria, fungi, and viruses on surfaces — like after preparing raw meat or when a family member is sick with something that spreads through direct contact — you’ll need to disinfect. Use chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other disinfectants. Just be mindful not to mix them.
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A step-by-step guide to both — plus, when to sanitize and sterilize→
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Plus: You should be using less laundry detergent |
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| Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter |
When you use too much detergent, your machine won’t be able to fully rinse it out, turning your previously soft wardrobe crunchy, scratchy, and uncomfortable. For most loads, you need 2 tablespoons at most — even if the back of the bottle says otherwise.
Plus, how to remove detergent buildup→
Today’s great deal: A video game for people who love to clean |
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| Amazon |
This cleaning-themed video game requires you to sweep up trash, battle enemies, and explore the afterlife as a broom-wielding cat sentenced to janitorial duty for all eternity. Says our video game expert: “It’s great if you’re looking for a quirky, supernaturally action-packed take on spring cleaning.”
It’s $12 today→
One last thing: The best bar soap |
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| Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter |
To find the very best bars of soap, we lathered and rinsed our way through dozens of options. These three standouts, including a creamy classic for sensitive skin and a bubbly bar made of goats milk, leave skin feeling lush and pampered.
Whisk away dirt, grime, and schmutz→
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Happy cleaning.
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