In our daily lives, we come into contact with numerous items without giving much thought to the potential germs they may harbor. From everyday objects to frequently touched surfaces, germs can thrive on these surfaces and contribute to the spread of infections. In this blog article, we will explore some common germ hotspots, highlighting everyday items you might not realize are teaming with germs. By being aware of these high-touch areas, we can take proactive steps to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of illness.
Mobile Phones:
Our beloved smartphones are one of the most frequently touched items and often harbor a significant amount of germs. We constantly handle our phones, transferring bacteria from our hands to the device’s surface. Regularly cleaning your phone with disinfectant wipes or using UV phone sanitizers can help reduce the accumulation of germs and keep your device hygienic.
Keyboards and Computer Accessories:
Whether it’s your office keyboard, mouse, or laptop, computer accessories are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. These items accumulate dust, food particles, and bacteria from our hands over time. Regularly sanitizing your keyboard and accessories with compressed air and disinfectant wipes can help maintain a cleaner workspace and reduce the risk of illness.
Remote Controls:
Remote controls are found in our homes, resident rooms, and other public spaces, making them a prime breeding ground for germs. Multiple people handle remotes, and they rarely receive proper cleaning attention. Wiping down remote controls with disinfectant wipes or using a remote control cover can help minimize germ transmission within households and public spaces.
Grocery Carts:
During grocery shopping, we come into contact with shopping carts that have been touched by countless people throughout the day. These carts can harbor germs from unwashed hands or contaminated surfaces. Consider using sanitizing wipes on the cart handle before use or using reusable shopping bag hooks to minimize direct contact with the cart.
Light Switches and Doorknobs:
Light switches and doorknobs are high-touch surfaces that can easily become contaminated with germs. People frequently touch these areas without thinking twice. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting light switches and doorknobs can help reduce the risk of spreading germs within homes, offices, and public spaces.
Lift Buttons
There’s no denying the significant impact Aged care cleanliness has on guest satisfaction. And when it comes to commonly used facilities, one that stands out is the lift.
Lift buttons in public areas are often overlooked as a hidden source of bacteria and a potential health hazard. Alongside promoting regular handwashing among guests and staff, it’s crucial to consider the effectiveness and frequency of lift cleaning, with specific attention to the buttons.
To address this issue, using disinfecting wipes and microfiber cloths can generally help keep lift buttons clean. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the correct health and safety procedures before undertaking this task. Isolating lift doors and switching off power might be necessary steps to ensure a safe cleaning process. By paying attention to this high-traffic area in your workspace, you can encourage positive aged care reviews and minimize guest sickness.
Bathroom & Toilet Taps
And to round off the top 10 germ-infested items in the workplace, we have something which may come as a surprise – bathroom taps. Whilst it may be assumed taps are clean because they help us to wash our hands, they are actually a popular spot for bacteria to hide. Taps see a high-traffic of dirty hands over the course of each day, so naturally, bacteria grow. So, next time you’re cleaning the sinks, don’t forget to focus on the taps too!
Remember, a clean and hygienic lift environment contributes to the overall perception of cleanliness in your Aged Care homes. By prioritizing regular cleaning and implementing proper procedures, you can create a safer and more satisfying experience for your guests.
It’s essential to recognize that germs can lurk in everyday items we often overlook. By being aware of common germ hotspots and taking proactive cleaning measures, we can help minimize the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness. Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and incorporating cleaning habits into our daily routines can contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment. Let’s stay vigilant and make cleanliness a priority in our lives to protect ourselves and those around us from potential germ-related infections.
