Homes are not just places where people live. They are also places where a myriad of bacteria can thrive. But who has time to spend their lives cleaning? Here are the 10 most important things you need to do to keep your home hygienic.

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Under foot. Keeping your floors clean is essential. Dust and grime are carried in and regular washing, sweeping and vacuuming are essential. Dust mites love unvacuumed carpets and create huge problems for people who have allergies.

Spotless surfaces. Surfaces like counters and tabletops need to be wiped and cleaned with a good household detergent. Many different hands touch these surfaces and bacteria and viruses can thrive on these, especially the ones used for food preparation.

Kitchen sponge horror. The average kitchen sponge is much dirtier than the average toilet seat. Kitchen cloths and kitchen sponges are wet and warm – ideal breeding ground for bacteria. These sponges and cloths must be washed in bleach or anti-bacterial detergent daily. They can also be put into the washing machine or the dishwasher, or into the microwave for 30 seconds.

Food fiasco. Leftover food, foodspills and food scraps need to be dealt with instantly. Food left at room temperature provide ideal bacteria breeding grounds. Dispose of unwanted foodstuffs instantly – preferably down the toilet, as it could become a problem in the refuse bin if the collection date is days away. Clean up foodspills instantly.

Bathroom blues. Keep all surfaces in the bathroom spotless. Wash with an anti-bacterial detergent regularly. A dirty toilet, shower or bath can host a myriad of bacteria.

Drains drama. Open drains are at the best of times unhygienic things. Water containing food particles, amongst other things, is often poured into open drains. Open drains often also get clogged up and pose health risks. These drains must be kept clean and open – use a strong disinfectant to prevent germs congregating and unpleasant odours.

Bedding blues. Your bedding comes into contact with your skin for as much as eight hours a day. You wouldn't wear a shirt every day for three weeks without washing it, would you? Bedding should be washed at least once a week, and more often if you've been ill and spending a lot of time in bed.

Towel trauma. In families, many viruses and infections are spread by people using the same towels. Give each person their own towel and wash these regularly. Bacteria love wet towels that get used over and over again.

Get a grip on this. Wash or wipe the things which many people touch every day – these include light switches, door handles, the telephone, computer keyboards, remotes, toilet handles and taps. Most flu viruses get spread by people touching the same things, which do not get cleaned regularly.

Pet problems. Fido and Kitty may be your favourite 'people' in the house, but don't forget that they are animals, who lose hair, who don't brush their teeth and could have fleas, worms and parasites that get passed on to people in the house. Vacuum regularly to get rid of their hair in the house and do not let them onto the beds or couches. – (Susan Erasmus, Health24)

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