Keep It Clean!

Cold and flu season will be here soon, so now’s the time to get your home in the best possible shape so you can keep germs at bay. 
 
Which room in your home harbors the most bacteria?  The kitchen!  WebMD offers these ideas for making sure your kitchen doesn’t become a safe haven for germs:

-Your kitchen sponge may be responsible for helping bacteria move about freely in your kitchen.  Sterilize your kitchen sponge by wetting it and microwaving the sponge for two minutes.

-Bacteria thrive in moist dishcloths, so allow them to dry thoroughly between uses.  Bacteria can only survive a short time in dry fabric. Replace them regularly, and wash them in the washing machine and dry them on high heat. 

-Throughout the day, use disinfectant spray or wipes on sink faucets, refrigerator handles, stove handles, cupboard handles, trashcans, doorknobs, and any other area that you touch with your hands. Don't forget to wipe down the telephone.

-Wash your hands!  People who wash their hands seven times a day have about 40% fewer colds than the average person.  Wash your hands before meals and snacks, and dry your hands with a paper towel.  Don’t share hand towels – when you do, you’re just sharing germs.