Germs are found everywhere

I’m frequently asked about germs; where are the spots that most germs accumulate and how best to get rid of them? The word germ is a catchall name for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. To be honest they are everywhere; at home, in your office, and even in your car or truck. The truth be known about 99 percent of them cause no harm to us as human beings; however, it’s that 1 percent that is a real pain to deal with. Those nasty little buggers cause us lots of problems; infections, runny noses, etc. Below is a list of areas you should be aware of:

• Kitchen faucet: The metal aeration screen at the end of your kitchen faucet reduces water flow which is great to conserve water; however, not so good for your health.

The running water keeps the screen moist; it’s a great place for bacterial growth. If you accidentally touch that screen with your mouth, fingers or food, bacteria will grow. Over time that bacteria growth will form into a wall of pathogens called biofilm that sticks to the screen. Eventually that biofilm will break off and could fall into your food or dishes. The best way to solve this problem is to clean the screen weekly in a diluted solution of bleach and water, if you don’t like bleach use peroxide.

• Vacuum cleaners: Vacuums are outstanding spots for germs to gather, it’s like a banquet for bacteria. You suck in all of the dirt, food and bacteria from your floors into an atmosphere for growth. Recent studies by the EPA showed that 13 percent of vacuum cleaner brushes tested positive for E.Coli (poop), which means you could be spreading each time you use the machine. The best solution to this problem is to clean your machine frequently, please do it outside to avoid further contamination in your home. A solution of bleach and water should do the trick.

• Dashboards: Recent test of more than 100 dashboards across America found very high levels of mold and bacteria. They theorized that after food or drinks were spilled, it migrated into the venting system where it grew bacteria and fungus. Those spores grew well because of lots of direct sunlight and moisture (condensation). Over 20 million Americans have asthma or other upper respiratory conditions, their vehicles may be adding to health problems.

The best way to solve this problem is to not use the dashboard as a platform to hold drinks and food. If you do, clean it immediately with a disinfectant wipe. During dust and pollen season, keep the dash board clean and free of debris, otherwise you will be inhaling all of those fine particles into your lungs.

• Soap dispensers: I know this will sound strange; however, soap will grow bacteria. One recent study found that about 25 percent of the liquid soap dispensers in public restrooms were contaminated with fecal matter (poop). Most of these containers are never cleaned, so bacteria growth develops as the soap scum builds up. For me, I find that I use a lot of liquid hand sanitizer that I carry with me, it’s the best solution to this problem.

• Restaurant ketchup bottles: Most eating establishments rarely bleach down their condiment containers. And the reality is that most people don’t wash their hands before eating. The guy who used the ketchup before you could have had E.Coli on his hands which was transferred to the ketchup bottle that you are now using. Again, hand sanitizer works well in solving this problem.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), email them to nwees@hughes.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do? For more information about Ed, and his new handyman services, check him out at NWEES.COM.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, (NWES Inc.)