Combating Household Germs

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

27 Aug 2006 07:00 AM

A few years ago I interviewed the director of our county's Health Department regarding a new effort to teach school children how to properly wash their hands. The department's new program involved having teachers instruct their young students to wash the front and back of both hands for at least 20 seconds or the amount of time it would take them to recite the alphabet twice. It was called the "A-B-C's" of Hand Washing" and I thought it was a brilliant idea. So brilliant that on my way out of the building I shared the idea with the person I was sharing an elevator with. I enthusiastically detailed the Health Department's new initiative, but instead of being met with what I thought would be shared delight, the woman looked at me as though I was crazy... as though I had concocted this hand washing method on my own. (Apparently some people don't appreciate new ways to combat germs.)

No, I did not come up with the idea, but I certainly practice it in the same vein that I do other methods to keep germs from breeding in my home. I didn't make these ideas up either, but I will certainly attest that they have served me well over the years and I hope that you can benefit from them as well.

Kitchen Sink. Studies have proven that the kitchen sink is the dirtiest place in most homes-surpassing even your toilet bowls! It's mainly due to the build up of bacteria from raw meat and other food debris. To get your kitchen sink clean scrub it frequently with chlorine and water.

Sponges. Experts say that you should never use a sponge for more than a month. If you do keep them around for more than one or two uses you should put them in a washing machine with hot water and bleach. Otherwise (and I know this is costly), experts say you should chuck them after one use.

Trashcans. Spray a disinfectant (such as Lysol) every time you change the bag. If your trash bag gets torn and liquid leaks out you, experts recommend taking the can outside and thoroughly washing it with hot water and chlorine.

Bedroom. To prevent dust mites from invading your bedroom, experts recommend vacuuming your mattress, carpet and drapery at the highest setting possible. In addition, you can also use a chemical cleaner available in stores called benzyl benzoate to combat a dust mite problem.

Beds. Experts recommend you wash sheets and pillow casings in water that is at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit once a week. I know it sounds a bit stringent and I will admit, I don't strip my bed on a weekly basis. Rather, I have found that doing so every 10-14 days works for me.

Pillows. Experts say bed pillow should be washed in hot water and bleach once a month and thrown out after 3 years.

Stuffed Animals. Ideally, experts say that you should vacuum stuffed animals on a weekly basis or at the very least throw them in the dryer at a high setting to kill germs. For more information on cleaning stuffed animals click here.

Disposable Razors. Experts say disposable razors should never be used more than three times. After three uses they become dull, knick your skin, and the old skin cells become a breeding ground for infection. For all you Frugal Fredias out there--don't be reluctant to throw them out-they are called "disposable" razors for a reason.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Sheri Fresonke Harper (4092) 27 Aug 2006 09:04 AM

My husband was told by a study at the Boeing company that the worst place for germs were door knobs and light switch covers. I make sure that I give them a good wipe every time I'm cleaning. The bathroom door knob and light especially because when you're sick, you're touching both of those often.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 27 Aug 2006 01:04 PM

Sheri, I believe it!! I like to use those disposable Clorox wipes to clean doorknobs and light switches--especially with kids around. Thanks for the great tips!!!

mama_rhapsody (405) 28 Aug 2006 02:55 PM

Sheri, I realized this same thing after subscribing to the FlyLady reminders! Now I clean them regularly, :)