Healthy Habits: Four Germiest Places in a Home

The newest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows flu activity is widespread in more than half the country, 36 states.   In addition to getting a flu shot, the CDC recommends taking steps every day to stop the spread of those yucky, flu infested germs ---  and it requires you to do much more than just wash your hands. 

This is why the local cleaning experts at Two Maids & A Mop, one of the nation’s top residential cleaning companies with a local office, are urging families to pay close attention to some of the germiest places in their homes during flu season.

4 Germiest Places in a Home During Flu Season

1. Door Knobs and handles – Most people who do wash their hands – don’t always do it the right way.  A study by Michigan State University researchers found only five percent of people who used the bathroom, washed their hands long enough to kill germs that can cause infections.   This means a lot of people are walking out of the bathroom and touchy the door and knobs with germs on their hands.

TWO MAIDS & A MOP ADVICE: Frequently use anti-bacteria wipes to wipe down door knobs, switches, even the handle you push to flush the toilet.

2. Hand Towels in a Bathroom –  Bacteria like to grow in wet, moist areas.  A microbiologist at the University of Arizona found more than 90% of bathroom towels he examined to be contaminated.   

TWO MAIDS & A MOP ADVICE: Wash hand towels every two to three days or if you don’t want to frequently change out a hand towel, put out paper hand towels, instead.

3. Kitchen counters – The flu virus may live on a surface for up to 24 hours.  Anyone who is infected can sneeze,  cough or talk spreading infected droplets in the kitchen.   The CDC says people with flu can spread it to others up to six feet away!   

TWO MAIDS & A MOP ADVICE: Frequently wipe down kitchen counters even cabinets with a kitchen disinfectant that is effective against cold and flu viruses.

4. Remote Control – So many hands touch the TV remote, but when was the last time you cleaned it?   It’s an easy fix. 

             TWO MAIDS & A MOP ADVICE: Dab a little alcohol on a cotton ball and get in between the buttons, you can also use any disinfectant wipe to clean  your remote about once a week.