What little things can we do in the home to limit bacteria/disease spread?

Question

What little and often forgotten things can be done (cleaned) in the home to limit the spread of unwanted organisms? For example, cleaning doorknobs - a commonly touched object in every household.

Answer 1

It's an urban myth that doorknobs carry lots of terms. Doorknobs are made of metals on purpose -- metals are very resistant to bacteria.

Anyway, just cleaning the bathroom/toilet and kitchen area, taking out the garbage, and vaccuuming should be plenty.

The largest spread of unwanted organisms (seriously, this is from several science textbooks) is people touching other people. Basically, HANDS are the largest source of infection in the world (aka contact spread). People in the home should wash their hands regularly with lots of soap and rubbing. +) That should be fine.

DON'T FALL FOR THE LYSOL COMMERCIAL -- using too much antibiotic or antibacterial products every day for non-serious reasons is BAD FOR THE HUMAN RACE. Bacteria evolve and build up resistance. Using something as strong as lysol everyday will mean that, in our future, we'll die from super-bacteria that will resist all of our antibiotics. You have been warned.

Answer 2

I spray down doorknobs, toilet handles, toilets, sinks, counters, pretty much everything with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water (half and half) with a squeeze of fresh lemon. I do this every evening and let it air dry. If the peroxide bubbles, its because its encountered organic matter (bacteria, germs) and I know the surface needs cleaning more thoroughly. Try spraying peroxide around the faucets of your kitchen sink-it it foams, there is bacteria present. I also use a steam cleaner to clean things without chemicals. You can get steam cleaners for around 40 dollars, and WOW what a difference they make! I thought I was a good housekeeper until I got one, and was SHOCKED at the dirt and grime that were accumlated along the stovetop, where the kitchen joins the counter, etc.

Answer 3

Wash your hands often; all the time.

You can get little bottles of antibacterial gel to carry in case you cannot wash your hands. I made a conscious effort to wash my hands frequently during the day and I find I have cut down on germ borne illnesses to perhaps one a year or every two years.

Spray phones, desks, and work spaces with antibacterial spray and wipe them down. the average phone has more germs than a public toilet.

Answer 4

we keep alcohol wipes near the computer to wipe keyboard and mouse after we use it we also try to remember to wipe down the phone. I keep antibacterial gel located around the house and remind the kids to wash their hands several times a day. I wash clothes in hot water and use color safe bleach in every load and mop my floors daily with a bleach solution. we also try to remember to leave our shoes at the door and only wear slippers around the house. Once a month I wipe all walls and windows with a bleach solution and windows with vinagar. I tend to go overboard but both of my children are immunesuppressed and this has to be done to keep them healthy. Do not forget to wipe down the surfaces of you car sometimes too as they carry alot of germs from out and about.

Answer 5

Wipe counter tops, faucet handles, telephones, door knobs and appliances like microwaves with a wet cloth to remove bacteria and germs. Place tissues around the house so they are easy to access for those who need to sneeze or blow their nose. Have wastebaskets handy for disposal of used tissues. Get rid of all toxic cleaning and laundry products in your home as many are registered pesiticides. Replace them with all natural cleaners etc and take the old products to your nearest hazardous waste recycling place.

Answer 6

well, considering i've been to the most disgusting homes where everyone is healthy and then been to the most sterile where everyone was always sick, i'd say just relax!
when you keep a sterile atmosphere, you will get sick more often because your not exposed to disease...
no sense in worrying too much about the issue, that itself can be a disease.
take it easy and LIVE in your home, dont LIVE for your home!

Answer 7

have dispensible sanitizer available in every room AND use it often (keep it in the car too!!!!). I use it every time I am through playing with the pets or anyone sick touches me or even shaking a guest's hand and/or especially when done playing with the kids. I always make sure I use it prior to touching my face, eyes, lips, ears - any orifice...........

Answer 8

It's really really hard and technically demanding!!!!!!!!

HAND WASHING !!!!!

Normal house keeping,effective dish washing with hot soapy water disposable tissues,and drinking cups in the bathroom.

Answer 9

remove carpets or wash them frequent.
Use Fabree Bacterial Spray and lysol.
And Clorox the house.

Answer 10

cleaniness should be maintained.boil water.use filter.wash hands before eating.