Here are eleven places germs love to hide:
1. Telephones
Even though these gadgets are touched by many different people throughout each day, few of us ever take the time to clean them. Use antibacterial wipes to clean gadget surfaces once a day, at least.
2. Toys
Follow a cue from nursery schools and clean commonly used toys with antibacterial wipes at the end of each day.
3. Light switches
Can you imagine how many times our hands touch light switches everywhere we go? Remember to clean these frequently touched surfaces in your home and in public places you visit.
4. Computer keyboards
Whether you’re at work, school or home, computers are everywhere, and their keyboards are exposed to people of all ages sick or well. Before cleaning, be sure the computer is turned off (or the keyboard is disconnected). Use a miniature brush to release dust nestled under and in between keys, and then disinfectant surfaces to kill germs.
5. ATM machines
When possible, use something other than your finger to punch the keys of an ATM machine. The eraser end of a pencil is a good option, for example. And remember, germs can live on money, so apply hand sanitizer after using an ATM and any time you handle bills.
6. Shopping cart handles
Some grocery stores now provide disinfecting wipes to clean shopping cart handles. They can usually be found at the store entrance. Otherwise, if you have a young child who rides in the cart, consider purchasing a fabric cart cover that creates a barrier between the baby and cart.
7. Bathroom sink & counter
Germs are often spread in bathrooms when toothbrushes touch one another, or when people spit in the sink or share towels. If someone in your home is sick, designate one bathroom for this person to use exclusively. If separate bathrooms aren’t possible, make an extra effort to stay on top of germs. Launder towels as often as possible to wash away germs. Keep all toothbrushes separate and regularly disinfect counters and sinks, especially faucets. In public bathrooms, touch as little as possible with your bare hands: Open doors and turn faucets on and off with a paper towel between your fingers and the handle, and flush toilets with either your foot or a tissue.
8. Games
Follow a cue from nursery schools and clean commonly used toys with antibacterial wipes at the end of each day.
9. Elevator buttons
Pointy elbows sure come in handy during cold and flu season! Elbows are great for pushing elevator buttons, especially that first-floor button, which studies have shown harbors the most germs since it’s the button touched the most.
10. Remote controls
So how do you slip past a nemesis you can’t even see? Use antibacterial wipes to clean gadget surfaces at least once a day.
11. Door handles
Can you imagine how many times you touch a door handle when entering a room? Remember to clean these frequently touched surfaces in your home and in public places you visit. Antibacterial wipes!
