Tag Archives: cleaning

7 of The Germiest Places in Your Home – And What to Do About Them

You may already approach public toilets or street food vendors with caution, but harmful bacteria can be much closer to home. Hotspots throughout your home can act as unintentional breeding grounds for dangerous pathogens.

Read on to discover some of the most high-risk areas and how to keep germs out of your home for good.

1. Kitchen Sponges

An NSF International study found that kitchen sponges topped the list of the dirtiest places in your home. The warm, wet conditions in an ordinary kitchen sponge create a haven for harmful microorganisms to multiply. To make matters worse, these pathogens get spread throughout your kitchen as you wipe counters, sinks and cutting boards with your sponge. Kitchen sponges are a serious enough health threat that the FDA banned their use in commercial kitchens.

Cleaning and Safety Tips

If you?d like to keep your kitchen sponge, check out these ways to keep your sponge clean. But, overall, the best way to prevent sponge contamination is to stop using them. Dish cloths or rags make good replacements because they dry faster, which makes them less likely to grow bacteria. Hang them out flat after each use and let them dry thoroughly before using again. Have a few cloths in rotation so you always have a dry cloth handy.

2. Kitchen Sink

Your kitchen sink can breed germs almost as well as your kitchen sponge. It?s where you wash harmful bacteria and other pathogens off your fresh food, but they don?t all go down the drain. Some collect and multiply in your sink?s damp and inviting environment. One study found coliform bacteria in almost half of the kitchen sinks they sampled. Coliform bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, are bacteria that originate in feces.

Cleaning and Safety Tips

Wash your sink thoroughly at least twice a week. Scrub it with a brush to get off any encrusted bacteria first, then spray your sink, taps, faucet and brush with a disinfectant. Let the disinfectant sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing off.

3. Coffee Makers

The reservoir in your coffee maker is another surprizing source of bacteria. Its moist and dark conditions make it ideal for germs. Yeast and mold have been found in 50 percent of household coffee maker reservoirs. Also, coliform bacteria are present in about one in ten coffee makers.

Cleaning and Safety Tips

Follow the cleaning instructions on your coffee maker, which typically recommend to add equal parts white vinegar and water to your reservoir, let it sit for half an hour, then brew the solution. Do this about every month to keep mold and bacteria to a minimum. The carafe, lid and filter basket should be cleaned daily.

4. Kitchen Countertops

Your kitchen countertops are exposed to a host of nasty germs carried on the bottoms of grocery bags, purses, backpacks, electronics and even pets. This is also where you prepare the majority of your food, so it?s vital to avoid any cross-contamination.

Cleaning and Safety Tips

Keep non-food items off your kitchen counter and disinfect it after preparing any fresh food. Follow the manufacturer?s recommendations on how to clean your countertop properly, depending on the type of material it?s made from.

5. Toothbrushes and Toothbrush Holders

Toothbrushes pick up bacteria from your mouth and provide a safe, damp environment for them to multiply. If that?s not icky enough, they can also pick up airborne germs that are released when you flush your toilet. A 2012 study found that the bacterium Clostridium difficile can be sprayed 25 centimeters (nearly 10 inches) above the toilet if you flush without closing the lid.

Cleaning and Safety Tips

Make sure your toothbrush and holder are in a well-ventilated area so they can dry out as quickly as possible. It?s recommended to run your toothbrush and holder through the dishwasher once a week, as well as get a new toothbrush at least every three months. And, of course, always close the lid before flushing your toilet.

6. Washing Machine

You may not think of your laundry as a potential source of bacteria, but research has found that the average person?s underwear contains about a tenth of a gram of fecal matter. Another disturbing fact is that germs are not killed in a washing machine. If one item of clothing contains bacteria, viruses or other contaminants, these will spread to 90 percent of the other clothing during the wash cycle. Washing in hot water won?t really help either, as most germs can survive in hot water.

Cleaning and Safety Tips

The only way to get your clothes hot enough to kill bacteria and other pathogens is to put them in a dryer for at least half an hour on high heat. You can also dry them in the sun because ultraviolet light will destroy bacteria. Wipe the inside and outside of your washing machine with a disinfectant after each use, especially if anyone in your household is sick. And run your empty washing machine with water and bleach, or other disinfectant, at least once a month.

7. Reusable Shopping Bags

A University of Arizona study found that 97 percent of people surveyed never washed their reusable bags. And this is a problem. The study also randomly tested 84 reusable bags collected from shoppers in Tucson, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Over half the bags contained many strains of harmful bacteria, including coliform bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Researchers pointed out that these bacteria are especially dangerous for young children, as their immune systems are still developing.

Cleaning and Safety Tips

Designate certain bags to use only for fresh food, then label separate bags for fresh produce, raw meat and other fresh foods. Wash these bags after every use, dry them in your dryer and never use them for packaged foods or purposes such as carrying books or clothing.

Related on Care2

How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit
10 Spring Cleaning Tasks That Will Make Your Home Healthier
The Art of Kaizen: How to Trick Your Brain Into Being Motivated

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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7 of The Germiest Places in Your Home – And What to Do About Them

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5 Questions To Ask When Purchasing Soap

Its no secret that soaps can be hit or miss. Those of us who prefer natural, gentle products have long sought out organic, locally made soaps, but even mainstream shoppers are becoming increasingly aware of the dangerous chemicals that may be lurking in conventional soap products.

When it comes to the soaps we use on our bodies, we all want something strong enough to rid our bodies of germs and dirt, but gentle enough to keep our skin feeling soft and moisturized. The problem is that all too often, antibacterial agents and foaming detergents are added to even the most gentle-looking bath products. Here are a few of the things you should be asking yourself when you go to make your next soap purchase:

Is it Labeled As Antibacterial?

First and foremost, JUST SAY NO to antibacterial soaps. Last week, the FDA made the decision to ban the use of triclosan, a common antibacterial agent, in consumer products. Triclosan has long been controversial, as some research indicates that it may change the way hormones operate in the human body, making it a potential carcinogen. Triclosan has been found in large deposits in human breast milk, raising immense cause for concern.

Even more scary than the idea of a potential carcinogen being found in large quantities of human breast milk is the idea that triclosan could be spreading incidences of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In a recent consumer update, the FDA announced that consumers should skip antibacterial soaps altogether as a result of this danger.

In addition, laboratory studies have raised the possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics, the FDA states. Some data shows this resistance may have a significant impact on the effectiveness of medical treatments, such as antibiotics.

Finally, even in the light of all these health risks, theres simply no reason to use antibiotic soap at all. Studies have shown that plain old soap and water is EQUALLY as effective at ridding the body of bacteria.

Does it Contain Fragrance?

Did you know that soap and cosmetics manufacturers are not legally required to disclose the ingredients in fragrances? This means that literally any number of weird, unnatural substances could be used to concoct that parfum in your fancy, sweet-smelling soap.

In fact, fragrances are notorious for containing icky ingredients. If you desire a scented soap, your best bet is to look for one thats fragranced only with essential oils.

Even then, you may decide to skip essential oils as well. Even these natural fragrances can be irritating to those with sensitive skin, and some research suggests that we may not even be aware of our sensitivity. Over time, this can lead to the breaking down of collagen, a substance that maintains skin elasticity.

Does It Contain Sulfates?

Sulfates are detergents that produce a big, creamy lather, and theyre extremely common in conventional soaps. The problem is that these harsh cleansers are SO lathering, they can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness, acne, skin irritation and unbalanced pH.

Is It Cruelty-Free?

Unfortunately, most mainstream soap brands still test their products on animals. Even if you purchase an all-natural brand like Toms, you may be unwittingly supporting cosmetic animal testing, as many of these natural brands are owned by larger conglomerates that test on animals. The choice is yours to make, but if animal rights are an issue for you, be sure to look for the Leaping Bunny symbol in order to verify the companys ethical standards in this regard.

Is It Hard?

Lets be realwhile many of us like to make ethical decisions, we also want a great soap thats going to last over time! Soaps that feel harder when dry are going to last longer and do a better job at cleansing away dirt and debris than soft soaps. Soft soaps are likely to wash away quickly, giving you a bad return on your investment.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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5 Questions To Ask When Purchasing Soap

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How to Get Rid of Hard Water Stains the Natural Way

Hard water brings with it a lot of problems, including unattractive rings around your toilet bowl. Hard water is simply H20 that contains high concentrations of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, but it leaves behind ugly brown stains on toilets and other bathroom appliances when the water inevitably evaporates into the air.

The minerals left behind by hard water may leave ugly stains in your WC, but theyre not inherently dirty. That said, you probably want to get rid of them as best you can if you want to maintain a pretty, clean-looking bathroom.

Unfortunately, most of the cleaning agents meant to attack this problem are harmful to the environment. If you like to use nontoxic products in your home, here are some tips for getting rid of hard water stains.

Step 1: Buy the Right Products

Vinegar is by far the most tried-and-true natural product for getting rid of hard water stains. Home bloggers like Jen of The Thrifty Home swear by it, as it is both completely nontoxic and packed with heavy-duty cleaning powers.

Of course, you also have other options. Something acidic, like lime juice, lemon juice or, according to the environmental blog Grist, even Coca-Cola (gross, right?) could also do the trick.

Step 2: Soak the Area in Your Cleaning Solution

Whatever product you chose, now its time to apply it to your hard water stains. If its the toilet youre concerned about, youre going to want to turn off the water valve and scoop all water out of the toilet bowl, Grist says. Fill the bowl with your cleaning solution so that it covers the stains.

If youre concerned about stains around your faucet or in your bathtub, youll want to soak some paper towels in your cleaning solution. Place the sopping wet towels directly on all spots that you want to dissolve.

Youre going to want to let the cleaning solution sit for a whilemaybe even overnight, depending on how bad the stains have become.

Step 3: Scrub

Finally, its time to get your hands dirty! Scrub away at the stains with a sturdy brush until theyre gone. Grist also recommends using a pumice stone on really hard-to-clean spots. Just make sure that if you go this route, youve brought the water level back up around the area. This will ensure you dont scratch the surface of your appliances.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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How to Get Rid of Hard Water Stains the Natural Way

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5 Easy Ways to Use Essential Oils for Spring Cleaning

Have you started your spring cleaning yet? It can be a daunting taskespecially when you know there’s dust, dirt and germs lurking everywhere!

Certain essential oils that have antimicrobial properties can help you get your entire home spic and span in a natural, chemical-free way. Best of all, you can choose what scents you like best and combine them to take advantage oftheir unique properties and make your whole homesmell better than ever.

Here are a few suggestions for some common household chores you may be planning to tackle this spring.

Combine eucalyptus, tea tree and lemon essential oil as a fragrant spray for your closets.

Spring is always a great time to go through your closets so you can toss what you don’t wear anymore and stock it with all your clothing for warmer weather. Since closets are one of those dark, crowded areaswhere the air can get kind of stale, you can grab a spray bottle, fill it with 1 1/2 cup of water plus eight drops each of eucalyptus, tea tree and lemon essential oiland then give your closet a thorough spray to freshen it up.

Useplain old water, vinegar and your favorite citrus essential oil to wash windows and window sills.

It’s refreshing to open the windows to let the spring breeze air into your home, but this can also bring your attention to how dirty and dusty they may be after a long winter. Mix 1 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1 cup water and eight drops each of lemon, grapefruit, wild orange, lime or a combination of these all in a spray bottle for a beautifully fragrant and effective solutionto wash and wipe down all your windows.

Create a mixture of wild orange, sandalwood and clove essential oil to wipe down doorknobs, handles, buttons and switches.

We all know that germs spread easily when infected people touch things that other people touch. It’s time to kill off any signs of cold and flu season for good by wiping down anything that’s regularly touched by multiple people with a mixture of water and bacteria-fighting essential oils. Eight drops each of wild orange, sandalwood and clove diluted in 1 cup of water will smell amazing and kill anything nasty that’slingering on stuff in your home.

Add lemon essential oil to some tissues or cotton balls to add to your vacuum cleaner’s canister.

Lemon essential oil is one of those super powerful oils that has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antibiotic properties. By sticking a few tissues or cotton balls soaked with 5 to 10 drops of lemon essential oil into the canister of your vacuum, the oil will diffuse throughout your home and eliminate that dusty vacuum cleaner smell.

Fill a bucket with water, vinegar and peppermint or lemon essential oil to mop your floors.

Believe it or not, essential oils are versatile enough to work on almost any type of flooring including hardwood, tile, linoleum, ceramic, vinyl and laminate. Since spring is when all the critters wake up and sometimes make their way into our homes, peppermint oil will be your best friend in helping you ward off mice, ants and other insects. You could also use lemon essential oil if you’re intention is to disinfect. Add 1 cup vinegar plus 15 to 20 drops of essential oil to a bucket of water and get mopping!

Before purchasing essential oils, make sure to do your research. The most inexpensive varieties are used for aromatherapy and aren’t nearly as pure as therapeutic grade oils. Find out more about what you need to consider when shopping around for essential oils.

Related Articles
5 Ways to Use the Spring Weather to Inspire Healthier Habits
6Natural Alternatives to Toxic Toothpaste
Tips for Keeping Your Makeup Clean & Infection-Free

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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5 Easy Ways to Use Essential Oils for Spring Cleaning

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Green Your Cleaning Routine With These Awesome Tips

earth911

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Green Your Cleaning Routine With These Awesome Tips

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7 Brilliant Uses for Leftover Produce Scraps

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7 Brilliant Uses for Leftover Produce Scraps

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No-Streak Non-Toxic DIY Glass Cleaner

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No-Streak Non-Toxic DIY Glass Cleaner

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6 Mistakes You’re Probably Making With Your Dishwasher

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6 Mistakes You’re Probably Making With Your Dishwasher

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Graywater 101: Using Graywater to Green Plants?

Graywater 101: Using Graywater to Green Plants?

Sponsored Post from: The American Cleaning Institute

“Graywater” is a term bandied about by those in sustainability circles and a topic we’ve touch on frequently at Earth911, but many still have questions about exactly what graywater recycling is and if it’s really safe for the environment.

So, what’s the verdict? Is this idea green or gross? Earth911 took an in-depth look at the subject to give you the basics and answer all of your most pressing questions about this unconventional recycling tactic.

Graywater 101

If you’re unfamiliar with this type of recycling, the No. 1 question on your mind is likely: What is graywater, anyway?

To put it simply, graywater is water from bathroom sinks, tubs, showers and laundry washing machines. Despite frequent confusion, graywater does not include water from toilets, kitchen sinks and automatic dishwashers (this is called “blackwater”) and has not come into contact with food and human waste, either through kitchen sink food waste disposal or flushing toilets.

Graywater may contain traces of dirt, food, grease, hair and certain household cleaning products. While Graywater may look “dirty,” it is a safe and even beneficial source of irrigation water, according to the advocacy group Greywater Action (The spellings of “greywater” and “graywater” are often used interchangeably in discussions about this topic).

As potable water supplies become more limited throughout the world, there is a growing interest in innovative approaches to water resources sustainability, and household graywater reuse for residential landscape irrigation is a potential solution that’s slowly picking up steam.

Graywater recycling offers scores of benefits; plants can beneficially utilize the constituents found in graywater as valuable nutrients. However, the use of such systems has not yet become widespread due to uncertainties about the safe use of graywater, according to a report released by the Water Environment Research Foundation in partnership with the American Cleaning Institute.

While some states have begun to legalize and regulate the practice of graywater reuse for residential landscape irrigation, little guidance based on scientific data has been provided for the safe operation of graywater irrigation systems and the potential effects on plant health after graywater is applied.

“As more households turn to graywater for their irrigation needs, it is important to understand what compounds are in graywater, what happens to them in the environment, and what potential impacts graywater may have on soil quality, groundwater quality, and plant health,” said Kathleen Stanton, ACI’s Director of Technical & Regulatory Affairs.

The WERF/ACI project began in May 2008 and went on for more than four years. The aim: to provide scientifically-based data on the use of graywater and its impacts on soil quality and plant health. It also tried to address public health concerns stemming from potential exposure to elevated levels of E.coli and product ingredients in soils where graywater has been applied. Read on for the details.

Is it really safe?

earth911

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Graywater 101: Using Graywater to Green Plants?

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The Best Way to Maintain a Wooden Cutting Board

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The Best Way to Maintain a Wooden Cutting Board

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