Monday, October 25, 2010
Discover “Hidden” Germs and Help Your Family Fight the Flu and Cold Viruses
As you know, washing your hands is #1 defense. Thorough cleaning of hands and fingernails with soap and warm water for 20 seconds will wash those germs away. Remind your kids to wash before eating even a snack, and when getting home – especially if you’ve been to the store or school.
But where else – besides hands – do germs hang out? By being more aware of this you just might be able to prevent your family from getting sick in the first place. Take a look at the following list of germ hangouts.
- Doorknobs and handles on often-used appliances, phones, light switches, remote controls.
Wipe down these major traffic areas with a disinfecting solution. You can make your own with 1 part bleach to 20 parts water, or buy a product that is 5% bleach or that kills 99.9% germs and bacteria. Air sprays might smell good but don’t work because viruses aren’t transmitted through the air.
- Backpacks and lunch boxes.
Wipe these down at least once a week with disinfectant and clean according to manufacturer instructions. And don’t ever set bags on the floor of public restrooms – use the hook instead. The bags can pick up the E coli virus from the floor because the flushing action disperses particles into the air. (This is also a good reason to always flush with the lid down at home.)
- Communal hand towels.
Each person should have their own towel in the bathroom and use paper towels in the kitchen. Also remind your kids that you turned the faucet on with dirty hands, so use the towel to turn it off.
- Your kitchen.
The kitchen is the room you’re most likely to touch a surface and then your face. Microwave wet sponges for 2 minutes to kill germs. Also make sure to clean dishrags often and hang them to dry between uses; otherwise you’re just spreading the germs around.
- Wet laundry.
It’s the heat of the dryer that kills germs in clothing. So don’t transfer wet clothes from the washer to dryer and then handle food without washing your hands.
In addition to avoiding contact with germs in the first place, it’s a good idea to build up your immune system to fight viruses. This means nutritious food, plenty of water, exercise and a good night’s sleep.
Talk to your housekeeper about these simple precautions that you want included into the routine. If you’re between housekeepers and live in the Silicon Valley, contact Simplify, and let us help you find the perfect match for you and your family.
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