Where Germs Are Hiding in Your Home
The amount of germs that share our living spaces might come as a surprise to many. Microorganisms are ever-present in our environment and in our bodies, and many are known to be beneficial — or even essential — for our health. Germs may accumulate easy but ridding them from a home simply requires some regular upkeep.
1.
Carpet
Bacteria thrive in
moist environments, so why are there a lot of microscopic critters in carpet? Germs such as E. coli flourish
there, thanks to the crumbs that make up an endless food supply. Regular vacuuming will help. Our
recommendation is a professional carpet
cleaning.
2. TV remotes, telephones and video game controllers
What do you do when
you’re sick? You jump in bed with the TV remote. Clean these regularly with a disinfectant wipe to banish
flu and cold viruses.
3. Coffee tables
Like to put your feet up after a long day? Odds are
you’re sprinkling salmonella, campylobacter and other fecal bacteria on your coffee table. So consider
leaving your shoes at the door.
4. Towels, linens and pet beds
Up to 30 percent of people
unknowingly carry staph bacteria on their bodies, and a portion of those carry a drug-resistant and
sometimes deadly strain called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). All linens should be
washed weekly in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. And don’t forget a high-heat cycle in the dryer for the
family pet’s bed, which is also a hotspot for MRSA.
5. Nightstands
Nightstands can be a
breeding ground for bacteria. Some people eat in bed and the spilled crumbs, along with irregular cleaning,
give bacteria the time and food they need to flourish. Other people may be wiping down the nightstand with
the germy sponge used to clean the bathroom. Clean nightstands frequently with a clean, damp
cloth.
Source:
https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/home-improvement/info-03-2011/germs-in-your-house.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319750
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/04/household-germs-bacteria-fungi-pathogens-spd/