1. Beware the buttons
Keyboards, copiers, phones, ATM machines, remote controls, and switches of all kinds are havens for microbes. Frequently used but hard to de-germ, these locations are the best places for future colds and fevers to hide. Most of us know to wash our hands after touching doorknobs, faucets, or handrails, but we don't consider all the locations that are frequently used by dozens of people—many of them strangers. To improve your self-defenses, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and Cleansing Gelé after touching commonly used devices.
2. Time to go paperless
Got cash? Chances are that your paper money is covered in viruses and germs. In 2008 a Swiss research team discovered that viruses can survive on paper money for up to 17 days, which means that they can pass through dozens of hands before reaching you. In a separate study, a University of California scientist cultured 68 $1 bills and discovered that 64 of them had colonies of dangerous bacteria. The good news is that coins are much less germy, perhaps because the metals inhibit the microbes. Since laundering money is probably not a viable solution (unless you work for the mob), stick to your credit and debit cards and keep scrubbing your hands.
3. Give the pet a bath
Sad as it may be, pets are carriers for many germs that can spread to humans. Clean pets are even more of an issue if you have multiple pets and are worried about pet-only illness. Because cats are often on tables and countertops, they're more likely to spread germs to the household. Keeping your pet properly cleaned with Pet Shampoo and Pet Ear Cleaner is a good place to start. You also need wash your hands and keep your pets' toys and food dishes clean. We suggest All-Purpose Detergent.
4. Check the kitchen one more time
We're all pretty good at cleaning countertops and faucet handles, and we know better than to use germ-friendly sponges, but we often overlook microwave and oven control panels. Because we're usually making food when we turn on the oven or the microwave, foodborne microbes often make their temporary home in the places we're most likely to touch. Give those surfaces a good scrub.
5. Play time should be safe time
Children's toys are common locations for germs to build their colonies, so giving toys their own bath is a wonderful way to protect yourself and your children. Scrub with hot water and All-Purpose Detergent. Best of all, you don't have to worry about toxic residues or perfumes when you work with Oxyfresh products, so you can rest easy that your family is safe from both germs and chemicals. |
