Today, people are conditioned from a young age to be fearful of germs. Although the level of concern can sometimes get out of hand, it’s good to be wary.
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Many germs can cause illness, sometimes enough to warrant a trip to a Winter Haven doctor. By identifying the areas of your home that are the most heavily contaminated, you can take steps to control pathogens and keep your family healthy.
Kitchen
Most people think of the bathroom as the most germ-ridden place in their homes, but it’s actually the kitchen.
Residues from raw meat and other foods provide an ideal growth medium for bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium botulinum that can cause serious illness.
The major hot-spots include counters, sinks, dish sponges, and towels or rags. Keep sponges sanitized by thoroughly rinsing them and putting them in the microwave for a few seconds while damp. For sinks and counters, clean them daily with a bleach and water solution.
Also, be sure to regularly launder your dish towels and rags and change them out at least once weekly.
Bathroom
Next up is your bathroom. Given what you do in there, it’s bound to become pretty germy. The most contaminated spots include the toilet, tub, and sink. Clean all parts of your toilet, especially the handle, with a bleach-based toilet cleaner. Don’t forget the floor around your toilet, either.
Treat your bathroom sink and tub the same way, paying special attention to the fixtures. You may also want to consider your toothbrushes. Fecal particles and other airborne filth are right at home on the bristles, which can transmit illness when you brush.
Replace toothbrushes every three months and sanitize them with rubbing alcohol, alcohol-based mouthwash, or near-boiling water each week.
Living room
The living room seems like the least likely place for bacterial accumulation, but stop and consider how many objects you touch there on a daily basis. Remote controls, computer peripherals, and even your sofa are magnets for germs and grime.
Clean your electronics by moistening a cotton ball with isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and wiping them down with it. This both removes the built-up grime and kills potentially harmful pathogens. Your sofa is a special matter. To remove bacteria and allergens, have it steam-cleaned annually.
For better germ control, consider purchasing a washable sofa cover.
You can never eliminate every germ in your home, even the harmful ones. However, by practicing good cleaning and sanitation habits, you can minimize the risk of exposure, thereby reducing your chances of getting sick.
About the Author:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer, graduate of the University of New Mexico, and outdoor enthusiast. She loves to run, write and bike whenever she can. Contact Brooke via Twitter.
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