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The eight most germ laden spots in the home
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With H1N1 flu lurking around every corner, people have become more aware of germs - where they hide, how to kill them, and how to prevent them from breeding in the home. The Hygiene Council - made up of global experts in the field of bacterial health and infectious diseases - recently released the results of its second annual International Home Hygiene Study. The 2009 survey of bacteria found in home surfaces in eight countries, including the United States, shows that the kitchen remains the source of the most germy surfaces.
Kitchen cloths and sponges led the list, with kitchen sinks being second. The next six places, in order, are bathroom tub & shower, pet dishes, microwave handles, remote controls, light switches, and the baby's changing table.
Dish cloths and towels should be changed often and soaked in vinegar before washing. Sponges can be dipped in vinegar, wrung out, then placed inside the microwave for twenty seconds. Bathtubs and showers should be scrubbed at least twice a week with a good shower cleaner, then sprayed with rubbing alcohol or vinegar to fight mold, mildew, and germs. Kitchen sinks should be cleaned with vinegar and water.
The pet dish should be scrubbed at least twice a week, more if needed. Make sure to wash hands after handling the pet dish where germs live. Use vinegar or rubbing alcohol to clean most surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, especially door handles, flat surfaces, light switches, and faucet fixtures.
Clean the television remote with a dishcloth that is wet with vinegar. Try using butcher paper on the baby's changing table. Dispose of paper after each use. Scrub the table twice a week with a vinegar and water solution.
Why not use bleach to clean and disinfect? Bleach kills 99% of germs, vinegar kills 100%. Vinegar is also a green product which releases no harmful chemicals into the environment. Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl) kills mold and mildew.
Cleaning often and washing hands frequently while cooking and cleaning will greatly lessen the build-up of germs in the kitchen. Try filling one side of a double sink with warm water and two cups of vinegar to rinse hands in while cooking to kill the germs that may be on food you prepare. Washing fruits and vegetables with a vinegar and water spray is more beneficial than water only.
Sources: Women's Health Georgia Native Plant Society
For More: H1N1 flu is hitting young adults and children especially hard
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