Items cleaning experts say you need to wash every single week

IF YOU thought you were the Queen of Clean, you might want to think again — after a cleaning expert in the UK revealed how often we should actually be washing everyday items around the home.

The cleaning experts at Mattress Online have revealed how often you should wash everything from your pillow cases to make-up brushes and your work keyboard, and their answers might shock you, reports The Sun.

If you thought your house was squeaky clean, you may be surprised to hear that your make-up brush should be washed once a week — using a cleanser or shampoo.

The bacteria streptococcus can live in the bristles, causing a series of illnesses such as scarlet fever, impetigo and strep throat, if not cleaned regularly.

The experts have also recommended your pillowcases be washed every other day, your mattress vacuumed once a fortnight, and your keyboard cleaned once a week to stop the spread of germs.

Make-up brushes: Wash weekly. A make-up brush cleanser is best, or you can use shampoo.

Exercise clothing: Machine wash 40C after every wear

Silk items: Wash after every wear. Check labels for ideal washing conditions.

Soft toys: Wash once a week. Check the label. Putting in the freezer overnight will kill dust mites.

Keyboard: Wash once a week with a can of compressed air to spray between the keys and a sanitising wipe.

Mattress: Air your mattress daily and wash bedding weekly. Pillowcases should be washed every other day.

Pet toys/bowl/bed: Toys should be washed once a week. Bowl should get a rinse in warm water every other day, and the bed should be machine washed once a week.

Bath mat: Air after every use and wash once a week. Towels should be washed at 40C every two days.

Door handles: Wipe them down with an antibacterial wipe every week.

Kitchen bin: Wash once a week with warm, soapy water.

Handbag: Should be vacuumed with a fabric brush attachment once a week.

Toaster: Clean once a week by tipping removing any crumbs, and wipe down with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water.