If you are like so many others this holiday season, you are preparing for an onslaught of guests between now and the new year. The increase in people in your home, means the number of germs skyrocket. We all love having family and friends add to the festive nature of the season, but our homes, as a result, become filthy.
Can you guess the most germ ridden places in your home during the holidays? Here’s what they are–and what you can do to combat them:
Door Knobs:
A recent Michigan University study found that only five percent of people wash their hands properly after using the bathroom. This means people are touching door knobs with dirty hands that could lead to spreading infections.
SOLUTION: Frequently use antibacterial wipes to wipe down door knobs, switches, and the toilet handle. Put extra nice soap and towels in the bathroom to inspire people to wash up.
Hand Towels:
Which bring us to these bacteria breeders. Bacteria like to grow in wet, moist areas.
A University of Arizona microbiologist found more than 90% of bathroom towels are contaminated with everything from E. coli to Salmonella.
SOLUTION: Choose decorative paper hand towels and stash the cloth towels until after the holidays.
Remote Control:
Guests are grabbing the remote to change from football to “A Christmas Story” and back again. When was the last time it was truly cleaned?
SOLUTION:
Put alcohol on a cotton ball and get between the buttons. Use antibacterial wipes to clean the clicker once a week–more often when you’ve got lots of guests.
Purses:
Don’t let relatives and friends leave their purses on your kitchen counter. British research shows that the bottom of a woman’s purse can be dirtier than a toilet seat.
SOLUTION:
Encourage guests to leave purses in a coat closet and not on a counter or bed.
The Centers for Disease Control says the number of flu cases this season are already higher than usual. Avoid getting this potentially life threatening illness by taking some extra time and steps to keep your house clean this holiday season.
