9 Ways to Stop Bacteria Spreading in Your Home
Times have changed and many of us are rethinking how we keep our homes clean. Sure, we’re diligent about washing our hands, yet think of everything you — and the people you live with — touch over and over again.
Did you know that bacteria can live on surfaces anywhere from several hours up to several days? Under ideal conditions, bacteria can grow and multiply every 20 minutes! Some bacteria, like S. aureus and E. aerogenes, can cause staph infections, food poisoning, eye and skin infections, pneumonia, meningitis and urinary tract infections. Let’s keep that bacteria at bay with these 9 ways to a cleaner, germ-free home.
1. Sanitize smarter. It’s important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly. We’re talking doorknobs, handrails, light switches, remotes, keyboards, cupboard handles and tabletops. What you may not realize is that many antibacterial products are only a short-term solution. They kill 99.9% of bacteria, but once someone touches, drops something or sneezes on that spot again, the bacteria can be reintroduced. That puts you right back at square one. Microban 24 is a totally new line of products that kills 99.9% of bacteria AND continues working to provide 24-hour protection for hard surfaces in your home.1 Its multi-layer protective shield binds the bacteria-fighting ingredient to the hard surface — even when touched multiple times by anyone in your household. Microban 24 comes in 3 forms (Sanitizing Spray, Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Bathroom Cleaner), and 2 odour-eliminating scents (Fresh Scent and Citrus Scent).
2. Read the label. When you’re using an antibacterial product, you absolutely must read the label to make certain you’re using it properly. There are specific steps that need to be taken in order to get the full antibacterial benefits. Microban 24, for example, does both disinfect and sanitize, but it’s only by reading the label and following the directions that you’ll learn the different ways you can achieve this.
3. Upgrade your handwashing. We don’t need to touch more surfaces than we have to. Touchless faucets mean you won’t have to worry about germy handles, and an automatic soap dispenser is far more hygienic than a pump. Simply lather and scrub for 20+ seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice) and you’re golden.
4. Don’t traipse it in. Take your shoes off at the door so you don’t spread germs around your home. Just think of all the gross stuff on the sidewalk and what you might have stepped in at the park. Even better, use a germ-killing mat at your entrance to sanitize the bottoms of your shoes.
5. Stop touching your phone. Use your voice assistant to listen to your music, check the weather, use your search engine and control home automation like your lights and thermostat.
6. Elevate your throne. The modern way to go is on a touchless toilet. With a simple wave of your hand, you can flush without the touch.
7. Shut the lid before you flush. This prevents bacteria and viruses from being released into the air (what’s aptly called toilet plume) and settling on surfaces in the bathroom, like that toothbrush on the counter.
8. Keep the germs where they belong. Whether it’s a motion-sensing, touchless garbage can or one with a foot pedal, make sure your garbage/recycling/compost bin is hands-free. It’s a good idea to clean and sanitize it regularly too.
9. Put the finishing touch on your home. Get your hands on the full Microban 24 product collection at major retailers across Canada, including Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire and Shoppers Drug Mart. Learn more about the protection that lives on at microban24.com.
1The specific bacteria this product kills for 24 hours are S. aureus and E. aerogenes when used as directed as a 24-hour sanitizer. Microban 24 does not provide 24 hour residual virus protection.
