December 14, 2021

Wipe Out Household Germs *Infographic*

These days germs are a huge concern. Whether you’re worried about the pandemic or just flu season, you’ll want to minimize your exposure. Keep your home clear of common household germs and limit what you bring in by following these tips.

• Wash hands. Keep the germs you pick up outside of your home from getting in by washing your hands every time you return home. Properly washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds reduces your chance of encountering food borne illness and respiratory viruses.

• In the kitchen. A clean kitchen prevents your food from becoming contaminated. Because kitchens are such a busy area, you should clean them daily with soap to kill germs and bacteria related to humans and food. A single bacteria cell can turn into 8 million overnight so keep them in check! Sponges are the worst place for bacteria to multiply. Zap your kitchen sponge in the microwave for two minutes to kill everything harmful in it.

• Fruit and veggies. The FDA provides guidelines for washing produce to avoid harmful illnesses like E Coli or salmonella. Make sure you wash your hands first and wash produce before you peel to avoid contamination.

• Bathroom. Clean all your bathroom surfaces weekly. While most bacteria from human waste dies quickly without a host, Time magazine published a sobering study about toothbrush holders. We won’t share the grimy details but make sure you clean yours regularly!

• Devices. Another Time article suggests that your cell phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. Gross. Besides maybe not using your phone in the bathroom, the best way to minimize this problem goes back to #1 – wash your hands. But it’s a good idea to regularly clean and disinfect your devices too.

Germs and bacteria are all around us, it would be impossible to avoid them entirely. Practice good hygiene daily and follow these tips to keep your home from becoming a breeding ground for unwanted illness.