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Prevent Infection with Proper Surface Cleaning

Bacteria are lurking in your home — in the places where you and your family spend most of your time.

Surface areas can become contaminated in any number of ways, including through touch, coughing, and contact with food.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep bacteria at bay and help prevent the spread of infection. In an earlier post, we talked about the importance of proper hand washing. Another thing you can do is to regularly clean the surfaces in your home that come in direct contact with people’s skin and where bacteria can often be found.

Watch us demonstrate the importance of proper surface cleaning in the preventing the spread of infection

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Best practices in surface cleaning

  • Use a clean, disposable wipe every time you clean
  • Don’t use a rag or cloth that has been sitting in the sink
  • Thoroughly clean a surface, vigorously rubbing the area
  • Toss the wipe when you are finished; don’t use the other side
  • Allow the surface to dry thoroughly, giving agents time to work; don’t wipe dry with a paper towel or cloth

Common areas that need cleaning

  • Microwave handles and areas touched frequently
  • Kitchen sink area, including edges and the faucet and handles
  • Refrigerator door handles and other areas touched during use
  • All doorknobs and countertops
  • Computer keyboards
  • TV or video remote controls
  • Handset phones
  • Bathroom sinks, toilets, tubs
  • Any equipment your child touches frequently

What do you do to prevent the spread of infection in your home, office or other public places? Do you have any tips to share? We’d love to hear from you.

Originally published: February 11, 2011

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