A clean and well-maintained home promotes good health and hygiene. Regular dusting, vacuuming and mopping can prevent the spread of dust, grime and stains. However, it is equally important to combat invisible invaders- lethal germs, bacteria and pathogens. There is no denying that some microbes are good for health (boosting digestion and immunity system), but some are harmful because they cause foodborne illness and diseases. This can lead to serious health hazards if not prevented effectively.
Therefore, it becomes imperative to identify the most common germs found in households, their growing patterns, main causes and strategies to banish them. As a responsible homeowner, pay special attention to germ-laden spots, such as a toilet seat, light switches, doorknobs, faucets, pet bowls, floors and other prone areas when cleaning your home. It is good to use the right tools and methods to tackle each bacterium and create a blissful and harmonious sanctuary for your family. Have a look at the five most common household germs:
1. Escherichia coli or E.coli: Found on Kitchen Sponges and Cutting Boards
coli is a group of bacteria found in healthy humans and animals’ gut or GI tract. It can help you digest food easily. Unfortunately, some strains or types of E.coli can lead to health-related problems like food poisoning, diarrhoea and digestive problems. It can thrive in kitchens on dirty cutting boards, sinks, faucets, kitchen sponges and other surfaces. It can harbour through raw meat, contaminated food and water. These are also found in a toilet seat throughfaecall contamination. To prevent contamination or infection, always wash your cutting or chopping boards. Disinfect it using baking soda or lemon. It will help you kill lurking germs effectively. Also, wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat. If possible, regularly clean and disinfect your kitchen sponges, kitchen appliances and bathroom surfaces using white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
2. Salmonella: Causes Foodborne Illness
This is another most common type of household bacterium found in your kitchen. Like E.coli, it is also found in the gut of animals, especially poultry. These can spread via contaminated food and water, causing serious Salmonella infections. According to microbiologists, raw meats, eggs, and unwashed vegetables can breed Salmonella. The research showed that around 75 per cent of dish sponges and 45% of kitchen sinks harbour salmonella. To maintain a healthy home in Melbourne, regularly clean and disinfect your sink handles, kitchen countertops and cutting boards. Here are prevention tips to consider:
- Always cook meat (chicken or eggs) to the proper temperature
- Wipe down your countertop after preparing your meal
- Practice personal hygiene
- Regularly clean your fridge and get rid of stale or expired food content.
- Clean damp or moist areas, as Salmonella loves to grow in humid environments.
3. Staphylococcus Aureus or Staph: Disinfect High-Touch Spots
Staph is a bacterium found on the human skin and in the nose. Unfortunately, it can turn lethal when it enters the body via abrasions and cuts, causing infection. It can also breed on dirt-laden surfaces like dishes, toothbrush holders, kitchen rags, greasy ovens and pet bowls. Touching the staph-contaminated spot can lead to skin infections, food poisoning and other harmful diseases. Professionals recommend daily cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, remote controls, light switches, taps, sinks, electronic devices, pet areas, toys, toothbrush holders, toilet seats and floors. Use proper cleaning products, such as white vinegar, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, etc, to maintain a hygienic abode.
Tip: Keep cuts and wounds clean to prevent infection.
4. Norovirus: The Most Lethal Household Germs
Believe it or not! Norovirus is one of the most contagious viruses, causing gastroenteritis and foodborne diseases. It can spread via contaminated food and dirt-laden kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Thus, it is pivotal to wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after handling raw meat or using the washroom. If someone in your family is sick, restrict that area and keep the entire house clean and disinfected to prevene further contamination.
5. Mould and Mildew: Found in Dark and Damp Areas
Mould is a common type of fungi that loves to thrive in dark, humid or moist areas, such as bathroom walls, shower curtains, basement walls, kitchen appliances, etc. The major causes of mould spores are plumbing issues, bathroom condensation, poor home ventilation and stained carpets. Exposure to mould and mildew can trigger your allergies or pre-existing asthma symptoms, respiratory disorders, skin allergies, etc. The worst part is that it can also lead to structural damage if not treated immediately. Make sure you keep a regular check on your drainage and plumbing system by fixing leaks. You can also use eco-friendly cleaning products, such as white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and tea tree oil, to combat mould and create a better place to live for your loved ones. Ensure you maintain a regular house cleaning session to get rid of bathroom condensation to prevent mould infestation.
Wrapping Up
These are some of the common germs or bacteria found in households. Make sure you practice personal hygiene and clean and disinfect your home regularly using all-natural cleaning products for a clean and hygienic sanctuary.
