How to Avoid Germs!
Use Hand Sanitizer – Sometimes
I realize there are some controversies in regards to too much anti-bacterial products, however sometimes adequate hand washing facilities are not available. The next best thing would be hand sanitizer.
Beware the Public Restroom
We all find ourselves in a public restroom from time to time. It’s important to remember that everyone doesn’t care about cleanliness as much as we do. Try to touch as few things as possible in the restroom. If you are carrying a bag or purse, try using hooks instead of placing your items on the floor. Also, try using a paper towel to touch things like the faucet or the door handle when you turn the water on and off to wash your hands and when exiting the restroom. It may look silly, but it will keep you healthier.
Zap that Sponge!
Most people use some sort of a kitchen sponge. These sponges are great for getting food off of dishes and for cleaning up the stove or countertop. The problem is that a wet sponge + food particles = a breeding ground for bacteria.
As reported in U.S. News & World Report, the University of Florida tested zapping a kitchen sponge in the microwave between 30-120 seconds and found that it inactivated nearly 100 percent of bacteria found in the sponge. For most households, 30 seconds is adequate enough time to kill bacteria.
Remember these rules:
- Never place any metallic object in the microwave
- Always soak the sponge in water prior to placing it in the microwave
- All items that have been microwaved can be extremely hot, especially when wet!