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Keeping Your Home Germ-Free

Simple solutions for keeping your home free from germs

Your Toothbrush

Know when it is time to replace your toothbrush. This will minimize the amount of bacteria you come into contact with. It will also improve your dental hygiene and keep you safe from germs:

• At least every three months
• When toothbrush bristles begin to show wear
• After a cold, flu or other illness

Cutting Boards

• The cracks and crevices in your cutting board provide plenty of space for bacteria to grow.
• Be careful of cross contamination. If you use your cutting board for raw meat or fish, be sure to sanitize it thoroughly before chopping vegetables.
• To clean the board, first hand-wash it using hot water and dish detergent to remove any food particles. You can then use a mixture of 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach in one quart of water to sanitize the board, leaving it to air dry.
• The best solution is to keep two cutting boards in the kitchen, one for raw animal products and one for fruits and vegetables.

Kitchen Sponges and Rags

The moist environment of sponges and rags is an ideal place for bacteria to grow. Wiping your counters or dishes with a dirty sponge will only transfer the bacteria from one item to another.

• Replace kitchen sponges and rags often. Ideally, this should be about once a week.
• Disinfect sponges regularly by putting them in warm soapy water. Rags should be washed in the washing machine and then dried on high heat.
• Allow them to dry out between uses. Most bacteria can only survive a few hours on dry surfaces.

Kitchen Surfaces and Sink Drains

• Kitchen countertops can still harbor germs even if they look clean. This is especially true if you've wiped them with a dirty sponge or rag.
• The kitchen faucet and faucet handle can be a source harmful bacteria.
• Make a note to disinfect all kitchen surfaces regularly using hot water and soap or a diluted solution of chlorine bleach and water.
• The drains in both your kitchen sink and bathtub provide yet another moist environment that bacteria love. Disinfect drains regularly as you would any other surface.

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