Most people are aware of the prevalence of germs in public places. However, they rarely consider those in their own homes, and according to a recent international study, most homes are brimming with germs.
International Home Hygiene Study
The Hygiene Council, composed of an international board of experts in health and infectious diseases, recently released the results of its 2009 International Home Hygiene Study. The study examined bacteria found in homes in eight countries, including the United States, and identified the most germ-laden areas. (McMains, 2009)
According to Vanessa McMains of the Chicago Tribune (2009), when asked to identify the dirtiest areas in the home, Joe Rubino, council member and director of research and development at Reckitt Benckiser (a sponsor of the council and maker of Lysol products), stated there are eight primary offenders; and his conclusions were supported by a study conducted by the Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community at Simmons College in Boston.
The Dirtiest Areas in the Home
According to both the Hygiene Council and the Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community, these are the most germ-laden areas in a home:
- Kitchen dishcloths and sponges (Seventy percent of sponges contain high levels of bacteria.)
- Kitchen sink faucets (Half of the faucets in American homes surveyed were covered in bacteria.)
- Bathroom tubs and showers (A bathtub might contain 100 times more bacteria than a trashcan, and the shower is the third most germ-laden area in a home.)
- Pet food dishes (Pets do not practice good hygiene; plus, most people infrequently wash pet dishes.)
- Microwave touch-screens (People put raw meat into the microwave, program the timer, and leave behind E. coli or salmonella on the touch-screen.)
- TV remotes (The remote is seldom cleaned and frequently used, so it’s covered with germs.)
- Light switches (Bathroom light switches can contain as many germs as a trashcan)
- Baby-changing tables (When someone is changing a dirty diaper, anything on or around the area can become contaminated with bacteria)
(Source: McMains, 2009)
Tips from the Professionals
According to professional housecleaners, although it is impossible to eradicate all germs from a home, there are yet steps people can take to reduce and even eliminate most germs, not only on the surfaces identified by the Council but other surfaces as well.
Eliminating Germs in the Kitchen
Professionals agree with the Council that sponges should be tossed frequently into the dishwasher and dishcloths cleaned in the hot cycle of the washer; however, professionals say that sponges can be placed in the microwave for a few seconds, which effectively kills the germs, and they also suggest that sponges be replaced often and not used for months on end.
The Council advises using a disinfectant spray on the faucets and wiping the microwave’s touch-screen with a disinfectant cleanser (McMains, 2009). Professionals’ additional recommendations are that homeowners use a disinfectant cleanser on all kitchen surfaces, including handles on the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher; hardware on cabinet doors and drawers; in and around the sink; light switches; and countertops.
Eliminating Germs in the Bathrooms
The Hygiene Council advises that showers and tubs be disinfected twice a week to rid them of dead-skin cells that carry germs (McMains, 2009); but professionals recommend that homeowners also disinfect sink basins, commode seats, and faucets, since germs accumulate in these areas as well, especially commode seats. In addition, they recommend using a disinfectant spray around baseboards and wiping them down on a regular basis.
In additional, professionals say that since mold and mildew accumulate in showers and around the tub, these areas should be treated with a bleach-based product at least every two weeks. (However, they warn that bleach-based products should not be mixed with other cleansers since doing so can create harmful fumes.)
Eliminating Germs in Other Rooms
The Council advises sanitizing TV remotes on a regular basis; disinfecting light switches twice a week, or daily if someone is sick; washing pet dishes; and if one has a baby, frequently cleaning the changing table (McMains, 2009). Additional recommendations by professionals include:
- Wiping or spraying all doorknobs with a disinfectant weekly; daily if someone is ill.
- Replacing air-conditioner filters monthly because not only does dust accumulate on filters, but also germs.
- Disinfecting not only wall light switches, but also switches on lamps.
- Disposing of dirty diapers in an airtight container and emptying it frequently.
- Cleaning fan blades since dust tends to build up on them.
- Wiping out the kitchen sink at least every other day instead of waiting a week for the cleaning service to do it.
Indeed, no home will ever be totally germfree; however, by taking certain precautionary steps, people can, if not totally eradicate all germs, at least eliminate many and, in the process, safeguard not only their own health but also that of their loved ones.
Readers who found this article interesting might also enjoy reading "How to Clean a House Like a Professional," which provides additional housecleaning tips.
Sources:
- McMains, V., “Germs abound in the home,” Chicago Tribune, Monday, August 24, 2009, pittsburghlive.com
- Personal Interview with area housecleaning professionals, Lafayette, Louisiana: August 28-29, 2009
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