Beyond keeping the HTZs germ-free, share these additional tips with your clients during cold and flu season.
The scare of Ebola has raised awareness about healthy cleaning and the ways to reduce the spread of germs and viruses in the home. Basically, anywhere hands touch a surface regularly should be considered a hot spot for viruses that can live eight hours or even longer. The flu virus can spread up to one day before the onset of symptoms and up to a week after the infected person becomes ill.
We tend to think about cleaning and sanitizing door knobs, kitchen faucets, light switches and stair rails after someone is sick, but sometimes we forget to also disinfect the TV remotes, iPads, video game consoles, phones, cell phones, trash cans, shower and bath tub drains and laptops or computer keyboards that were used while sick.
Here are some ideas to post for clients on social media or blog articles for your business’s website.
Keeping a cleaning regimen during flu season and personal habits to wash hands frequently can help keep you and your family germ-free. Here are several tips to stay healthy during flu season:
1) Replace Toothbrushes.
Replace your toothbrush if you share a toothbrush holder with someone who is sick.
2) Wash With Hot Water.
Remember to wash linens on the hottest cycle, but don’t forget to also wash hand towels, pajamas that were worn by the sick person, bathrobes and blankets that may have been used to lounge around the house while sick. Wash all of these items on the hottest cycle and wash them separately from the other “non-infected” laundry.
3) Let in Fresh Air.
Weather permitting, open a window and air out the home or sick rooms. This will help prevent the spreading and growing of germs and viruses.
4) Scrub Your Hands.
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. And do it frequently. Also, strategically place hand sanitizers throughout your home, office, car, purse and places where you come in contact with germs and sick people.
5) Don’t Be a Hero.
Stay home if you are sick. No one appreciates a martyr who comes in to get work done but makes everyone sick at the same time.
6) Your Kitchen Sponge is a Breeding Ground for Bacteria.
Clean your kitchen sponge either by running it through your dishwasher on the hot cycle or place it in your microwave for approximately 30 seconds.
7) Sanitize Your Home Between Cleanings with a Safe Disinfectant.
There are powerful disinfectants on the market that use a specially designed sprayer to cover 100 percent of all areas in any commercial or residential environment, via an electrostatic negative charge that causes the cleaning solution to surround and cling to every surface it touches and reduce even traces of bacteria. These disinfectants reduce common household bacteria or MRSA and E. coli. Check to make sure the one you use fits the Environmental Protection Agency’s classification for its safest category of household cleaner.
Hopefully these tips will help keep the home and office not only clean, but healthfully clean.
Danessa Itaya brings a wealth of residential cleaning experience to her role as Vice President of Maid Right Franchising LLC. Before joining Maid Right in early 2013, she had been with Molly Maid since 1994 where she held both operational and training positions. Danessa also served as President and Co-Chair of the Ms. Molly Foundation.
