Germs In Your Home

By Rose Kreller of Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

Germs are lurking everywhere in your home; places you may not have even thought about. Here is a list of areas where germs are most commonly found and ways you can minimize their spread.

Kitchen Sponge

These are the germiest thing in the home. When you use them, you can spread the germs to whatever surface you wipe. What is the best way to disinfect your sponge? Microwave it for 1 minute, then wash it in the dishwasher. Replace kitchen sponges every 2 weeks. Kitchen towels and rags are also notorious for harboring germs. Wash them in hot water with a splash of bleach in the wash machine and replace them every 2 days.

Kitchen Sink

These are next on the list. Yes, they are worse than the toilet seat. Spray the sink with a cleaner after each use then wipe with hot water.

Cutting Board

These often contain more bacteria than the toilet seat also, especially wooden ones. Put them in the dishwasher. Also spray them with 5% vinegar solution, let it set overnight or wipe them with alcohol.

Toothbrushes

These should be stored at the opposite of your toilet, in the upright position. Dunk it in antimicrobial mouthwash, but soak toothbrushes one at a time. Also, replace your toothbrush after you have been sick.

Washing Machine

This is one area not often thought of as harboring germs. Be sure to wash your load of underwear last and by itself. Once monthly, run a hot water cycle with vinegar to clean out germs. Move washed laundry to the dryer as quickly as possible.

Garbage Cans

Especially in the kitchen and bathroom, these should be rinsed routinely with hot water and a cleanser.  The tub is an easy place to do this.

Dishwasher

Your dishwasher can collect food particles and attract mold and mildew around the edges and along the rubber seals. Similarly, the rubber edging around the refrigerator should be monitored. Wipe areas routinely with hot water and a cleanser.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com