Germs find a happy home in dirt and grime
Last week we did a cleanup of a foreclosed property. While doing the job, neighbors stopped by to see what we were doing. The number one question asked was “what area of the home is the dirtiest or collects the most dirt?”
From my prospective each home is different; however, there are areas that need attention on a daily basis. I don’t mean attention from a dirt and debris but from a germ prospective.
The word germ is a catchall name for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. They’re everywhere and, the truth be known, about 99 percent of them cause no harm to us as human beings; however, it’s that 1 percent that are a real pain. Those nasty little buggers cause us lots of problems; infections, runny noses, etc. Below is a list of five areas to 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. As we all know water is far from being sterile. 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. 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 it around your home each time you use the machine. The best solution to this problem is to clean your machine frequently, please do it outside to void 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 fungal growth (mold) and bacteria. They theorized that after food or drinks were spilled, it migrated into the venting system where it grew bacteria and fungus. The spores grew well because of lots of direct sun light and moisture (condensation). 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 dashboard 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. 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 (poop) on his hands which was transferred to the ketchup bottle that you are now using. Again, hand sanitizer works well in solving this problem.
Most of you know we are entering the flu season. There are places we all frequent on a daily basis that are considered high contamination areas because of the heavy daily population that comes in contact with these buildings. Those places are schools, banks, restaurants, hospitals, and other public buildings. We, as a family, carry hand sanitizer in all of our vehicles and my wife’s purse. After exiting one of these building, we’ve made it a practice to clean our hands with hand sanitizer. This practice has reduced our annual head cold and flu to about once a year for each member of my family. If you find your family has a lot of head and chest cold, try the above practice. It has worked well for us.
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, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do? For more information about Ed, and his new handyman services, check him out at www.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.)