Keeping countertops, tabletops, desktops and dressers clean means more than what you can see with the naked eye. It’s easy to dust, polish or wipe down home surfaces and assume they are clean. It’s what you can’t see that can make you sick. You can’t see germs that can cause illnesses like Salmonella, the flu or E. coli. Without proper disinfecting, these are germs that will thrive on the surfaces in your home eventually infecting those who touch those surfaces.
By disinfecting the surfaces in your home, you can prevent the spread of germs to other areas of the home. Make sure to clean on a cleaning rags and sponges often as they can transfer germs to other areas of the home if they are dirty.
Here are some tips on how to get rid of the germs on the surfaces in your home:
Kitchen
- Before prepping food, wash hands with soap and water.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Clean and disinfect countertops and cutting boards using bleach or an antibacterial cleaner.
- Launder kitchen towels often.
- Clean out the inside of appliances regularly.
Home Office, Desk, Dresser
- Use an antibacterial cleaner or bleach with warm water to wipe down keyboards, surfaces, telephones and office supplies like staplers and scissors.
Living Room
- Tabletops and remote controls should be cleaned with an antibacterial cleaner.
Bathroom
- A bathroom is a big breeding ground for germs. Make sure that the surfaces you clean contain an antibacterial agent to fend of illnesses like influenza.
- Light switches and door handles she also be a focus when cleaning in the bathroom.
Note: Make sure the surface you are cleaning can handle the cleaning product you use. Metal, wood, granite and marble might need a special antibacterial cleaner made just for those surfaces. Key words to look for when buying a cleaning product are “disinfect,” “antibacterial,” “sanitize,” “kill bacteria,” and “disinfectant.”