How do I sanitize my house properly?

Question

I have a 3 month baby in the house, so I'm a little crazy about the germs right now! I wonder if Im cross contiminating and if Im actually killing the germs. Are sponges bad to use? I think all they do is hold bacteria! and if you spray cleaner on the counter directly then wipe away with a cloth is that good enough for the kitchen? How do you make bleach water (how much water and bleach).What other things do you find properly kills the germs in a house?

Thanx

Answer 1

I have always used a 1/4 cup bleach to a 1 1/2 cup water and I used a rag not a sponge, they hold germs like no other. Use a throw away rag or just wash it. I use lysol too for everyday things, and Germ-X hand sanitizer before people would hold my baby when she was little and she has never been sick yet!

Answer 2

I never use sponges... I use paper towels on practically everything. I know it's not eco-friendly but I'm a total germaphobe! I make my own bleach water by using a ratio of one part bleach to four parts water. I don't know if it's the correct ratio...but it has always worked well for me. When I'm in the "deep cleaning" mode I use super hot water (I actually fill my sink 2/3 full of hot water and 1/3 with boiled water...make sure you wear heavy duty gloves) and dawn dishsoap to clean the counters...and I do this with a wash cloth. The hot water kills all the germs so you can keep using the same washcloth on all the countertops, then I throw it in the wash. If you want to use sponges though, you can sanitize them by putting a damp sponge in the microwave for about a minute or so. I also like spraying things down with Lysol like doorknobs, handles, and the garbage. My husband and I never get sick and I think it's because (and this could very well be all in my head) I'm so anal-retentive about germs.

Answer 3

I do throw my sponges in with my hot laundry. But I agree that they can be hotbeds for germs. Soft, lint-free clothes are much better, most times.

I don't have any small infants in the house. But my husband does work in a public service position, so he is exposed to just about everything. So I keep diluted Lysol (approximately 1:10) and diluted bleach (1:1) on hand. I also keep diluted vinegar (1:1) for cleaning glass and other small things.

When he was much smaller, my nephew had a large number of health problems. So my mother also kept a spray bottle of diluted alcohol. I think she used a 1:1 ratio, but I'm not positive.

I hope this helps!

Answer 4

Yes, in order to properly sterilize the tattoo equipment (except needles- they should dispose of them) the tattoo parlor should use an autoclave which is the same thing hospitals use to sterilize equipment. Any good tattoo shop will have their autoclave tested by an independent laboratory at least monthly and will provide you with those records if you ask for them. Also many tattoo shops use disposable tubes which means the part that holds the needles are also single use. One last note- alcohol if used to sanitize must air dry not get wiped off or blow dried and should not be used to sanitize bio-hazardous things like tattoo guns. Hope your brother did not get a tattoo from this guy- there is probably a reason why he used to own a tattoo shop.

Answer 5

Sponges to tend to hold bacteria, so I wouldn't use them to wipe down counters (unless they're new). They are good for helping to get the crud off the dishes that you're putting into the dishwasher though - those don't need sanitized prior to going in the dishwasher.

Hospitals typically use about a 5-10% bleach solution (5 to 10 parts bleach to one part water (I think - mom was a nurse, but it's been a while since she quoted this) - it's a ridiculously low amount of bleach, since it's so caustic. And remember if you use bleach to wipe down any food-processing surfaces, wipe down with water afterward.

Another alternative for quick cleanups is to keep some of the disinfecting wipes on hand (though you should still wipe the area with plain water afterward).

It's great that you're trying so hard to keep the place clean for your infant. Try not to obsess too much about it though. Lots of babies survive quite well even in houses where cleanliness is not a priority :)

Answer 6

I know you are trying to be a good Mum. Please remember that allergies have been linked to being too clean.
What I do with my kitchen sponges, yes they do harbour bacteria. Twice per week I soak it in diluted bleach for 10 minutes. (Enough water to cover the bottom of sink, add say 30 ml bleach). Daily on the days I do not soak in bleach, I microwave the sponge for 1.5 minutes. Do not burn yourself when removing from microwave. This keeps your sponge pretty clean and fine to wipe down bench tops with. Kids need to play in dirt it is good for developing their immune system. Weekly thorough clean of your home and a daily sweep of kitchen floor should be fine. Enjoy you baby 7 have time for self too.

Answer 7

I love Clorox clean up. Don't use sponges. Use rags that you can either throw away or wash. Watch out about all the bleach around the baby. Some babies are very sensitive to the fumes.

Answer 8

bleach everything that can stand it, vinegar if it's acidic life/bacteria will be very slow growing, alcohol if the first 2 won't work...kids are resilient don't worry too much

Answer 9

http://www.gardenandhearth.com/House-Cleaning/clean_ole_fashioned_way.htm

note: some people are uncomfortable with using bleach. You could check out: http://www.saferforyourhome.com/

Answer 10

Rubbing alcohol is a great sanitizer...