5 Common Household Chores That Japanese People Say Are Harmful to Hygiene and Appliances

5 Household Chores That Japanese People Say They Can Stop

In our daily routines, we often perform various tasks without realizing that some of them can negatively affect our hygiene and damage our home appliances. Japanese people have identified certain household chores that they believe should be avoided. Here are five of them:

1. Putting a damp towel in the washing machine:
Many individuals find it convenient to toss wet towels into the washing machine without drying them or soaking them separately. However, this practice can lead to the growth of mold in the washing machine. The moisture from the towels can cause mold to stick to the laundry, resulting in an unpleasant odor. To prevent mold growth, it is recommended to dry the towels before washing them or soak them in a separate container instead of leaving them in the washing machine.

2. Covering the top of the microwave with plastic wrap:
Some people cover the top of their microwave with plastic wrap, thinking it will prevent dust from sticking to it. However, this can hinder the dissipation of heat from the microwave and potentially cause a fire hazard. It is advisable to keep the top of the microwave clean from dust without using plastic wrap.

3. Pouring hot water into the kitchen sink:
Many individuals pour hot water directly into the sink pipe, assuming that it will help kill bacteria. However, hot water can actually cause pipes to break or crack. To avoid this, it is recommended to turn on the cold water simultaneously when pouring hot water into the sink pipe. Alternatively, allow the water to cool down before disposing of it.

4. Adding water to a hot pan:
When cleaning a pan, some people add water immediately after turning off the heat or while the pan is still hot. This can cause the coating of the pan to peel off easily, resulting in damaged pans and a shorter usage time. It is best to wait for the pan to cool down or use kitchen paper towels to clean it.

5. Using a vacuum cleaner to clean the toilet:
In Japan, baths and toilets are usually separate. Many Japanese people use a vacuum cleaner to clean the floor of the toilet. However, the toilet floor may be contaminated with viruses and bacteria. If the same vacuum cleaner is used to clean other areas of the house, it can spread disease-causing microorganisms. It is recommended to use a towel or a specific product to wipe the floor of the toilet instead of using a vacuum cleaner.

It is important to be mindful of these household chores that Japanese people suggest avoiding. By doing so, we can maintain better hygiene and prolong the lifespan of our home appliances. Let’s incorporate these practices into our daily routines for a cleaner and safer living environment.

does washing dishes in hot water kill germs

Using hot water to clean dishes:

In Japan, it is common to use hot water to clean dishes, assuming that it will help kill bacteria. However, research shows that using hot water alone may not effectively eliminate bacteria. In fact, hot water can even cause some types of bacteria to multiply. It is advised to use a dish soap or detergent along with warm water to effectively clean dishes and kill bacteria.

3. Leaving electronic devices plugged in all the time:

In today’s technology-driven world, many people have a tendency to leave electronic devices plugged in, even when they are not in use. This practice can result in unnecessary energy consumption and increase your electricity bill. Moreover, it can also damage the battery life of your devices. It is advisable to unplug your devices when they are fully charged or not in use to save energy and prolong their lifespan.

4. Overcleaning your house:

Japanese people believe that excessive cleaning can be harmful to both your health and your home. Constantly using strong cleaning agents and disinfectants can weaken your immune system. Moreover, scrubbing and using harsh chemicals can damage surfaces and materials, reducing their longevity. It is recommended to clean regularly but in moderation, using mild cleaning agents and tools to maintain cleanliness without causing unnecessary harm.

5. Not cleaning trash bins regularly:

Trash bins can easily become breeding grounds for bacteria and foul odors. However, many people overlook the importance of cleaning them regularly. In Japan, it is common to clean trash bins with a bleach solution or disinfectant once a week to prevent the growth of bacteria and eliminate unpleasant odors.