We can’t avoid having some germs in our homes — and in fact, some are actually good for us. But smart cleaning strategies and a regular routine can help to keep the bad bugs at bay and reduce our risk for illness.

So where are the germs lurking? Here are some of the hotspots — and tips for banishing harmful bacteria and viruses.

Light switches and door and fridge handles. It makes sense that high traffic areas or commonly touched items tend to be a hotspot for germs. Be sure to sanitize these surfaces daily – and prevent the spreading and picking up of harmful bugs by frequent hand washing. Note: To disinfect most surfaces, experts recommend using bleach or vinegar water. (For bleach, use 10 parts water to one part bleach; and for vinegar, use ½ vinegar and ½ water.)

Salt and pepper shakers. The meal is over and you’ve wiped down the table, but what about the salt and pepper shakers? Research has shown that they consistently test positive for cold viruses. So make it part of your daily routine to wipe down the salt, pepper and other seasonings when you clean the table.

Kitchen sink, faucet taps and other culprits. Did you know that your kitchen sink can contain more harmful bacteria than your toilet? Food from dishes left to soak (or rinsed before loading into the dishwasher) can become a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.

Rinsing your sink with water is not enough to kill bacteria, experts warn. After cleaning your dishes, wash the sink, faucet tap and drain plugs thoroughly, preferably with an all-purpose cleaner with bleach or a solution of bleach (or vinegar) and water, allowing it to run down the drain. Follow by rinsing the sink well with hot water.

Another little known hiding place for germs is the faucet spigot. When you clean food like spinach or mushrooms, the dirt can splash back onto the spigot of your sink. To clean, you’ll need to unscrew the spigot to remove the screen filter and run hot water through it. Afterward, wash the screen with hot soapy water, rinse and then reassemble.

Other kitchen culprits include surfaces, cutting boards, fridge handles, microwave control buttons and rubbish bins. Be sure to sanitize these surfaces before and after preparing food. Kitchen towels, cleaning clothes and sponges should be laundered or replaced at least once per week.

Tech toys. They seem to be our constant companions: we work and relax with them, and sometimes even eat and sleep with them. They’re sneezed at, coughed on, and often shared among family members. Use mild pre-moistened antibacterial wipes to clean your tech toys frequently, including your computer keyboard and mouse, telephone hand pieces, iPods, MP3 players, cell phones, video game controllers and television remote controls.

Bathrooms. Clean and disinfect your bathroom frequently, including the toilet seat and flush handle, sink, bath and shower. (Find out how taking a shower can make you ill.)