Tuesday, January 01, 2013

By John Voket Flu season is no joke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this cyclical virus affects as much as 20 percent of the U.S. population each year.

So my attention was drawn to advice from cleaning experts at The Maids, who remind homeowners that while they may already be armed with an array of physical preventatives—from flu-shots to Emergen-C, neti-pots and home remedies—they may not be doing everything it takes to stop the flu from spreading.

The Maids make it a policy to clean for health year-round, and recommend the following tips to stop the flu from invading your home:
• Wash your hands regularly in warm soapy water. For quick clean-up, use antibacterial hand sanitizer. Make an effort not to touch your mouth or nose without first washing your hands.
• Wear rubber gloves when cleaning household items to protect yourself.
• Spray disinfecting spray on a cloth, or use antibacterial wipes on toys, doorknobs, appliance handles, keyboards, remote controls, light switches, phones and facial tissue box covers. Viruses can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces.
• Wash items like towels and bedding in hot water with soap if someone has been sick in the home. Be sure not to share these items until they are thoroughly cleaned.
• Change vacuum bags monthly, or even more frequently.
• Boil toothbrushes for one minute in water and vinegar, run through a dishwasher cycle or purchase new brushes.
• Wash mop heads in a solution of ¼ cup bleach and one gallon water, dry thoroughly, then store. Not only will mop heads pick up germs and dirt, but they also can also grow mold and mildew if they don’t dry out completely.
• Disinfect the bathroom and kitchen, especially the faucet and toilet handles, daily. The kitchen and bathroom are the most used rooms in the home and possibly the most contaminated.

Here's to a flu-free winter for all!

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