By Brooke Chaplan
The home is where families feel the most comfortable and relaxed. It is the place where you are tucked away from the world, safe within your own haven. But germs can post a threat to your health and happiness even at home. From the laundry room to the bedroom, bacteria is surprisingly resilient when it comes to surviving and even thriving within a home. For those that are ready to win the war against viruses and diseases lingering in their own home, it is important to take a methodical approach to cleaning.
Start with Hand Washing
Hand washing should be a consistent habit for any family, especially when flu season begins to roll around. Every sink in the home should have anti-bacterial soap, and the entire family should thoroughly wash their hands for at least 20 or 30 seconds when they first get home, before touching anything in the kitchen, and after exercising.
Replacing Hygienic Items
Hygienic items are actually a breeding ground for bacteria, and one of the most likely places to contract an illness. Some of the most common items to be careful of include toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and razors. These items should be changed as often as possible, and replaced immediately after a family member has gotten ill.
A Look at the Laundry Room
While a washing machine was designed to remove bacteria from the clothes, the actual tub within these appliances is the ideal environment for bacteria. With heat and moisture, bacteria can spread to clothing with each and every load, and this is why these appliances should be sterilized at least once a week. This can be done by running the washing machine on empty and the highest settings with one cup of bleach.
Removing Bugs and Critters
Having bugs and other critters around the home is pretty natural for most of us, yet many do not realize that it is one of the most common ways pathogens are spread. Animals such as cockroaches and rats can spread diseases ranging from E. coli to salmonella. This is why all homeowners should regularly schedule appointments with a Surrey pest control pest detective at least twice a year, or any time visible signs of an infestation are seen.
Beds and Pillows
Beds and bedspreads are not only a good place for mold and germs to spread, residents will continue to be exposed to them night after night. All linens should be washed once a week, and pillows should be replaced yearly. The mattresses themselves should be replaced every seven years, dependent on use.
From dust mites to microbes, one can never be too careful in their own home. With a wealth of bacteria throughout your property, these habits should become second nature in order to avoid common illnesses.
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