Germs in The Home - Everything You Need to Know

Mon, Apr 29, 2024 18:24 CET

We all know our homes should be havens of comfort and relaxation, but what about the unseen residents? Millions of microbes, both beneficial and potentially harmful, call our houses home. From lurking on kitchen sponges to floating in dust bunnies, germs are everywhere. But should we be constantly wielding disinfectant wipes and antibacterial spray?

A hand in gloves cleaning a surface

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Below, cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created a guide on everything you need to know about germs in the home. She highlights the importance of being mindful in certain situations, explains how much of an issue germs really are in the home, and goes over some unusual areas of the home which may be harbouring germs. Read on to find out everything you need to know about your invisible roommates.

How Much of An Issue Are Germs in The Home?

While germs are everywhere in our homes, most of them are harmless and even beneficial. Here's a breakdown of how big of an issue germs in the home really are:

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Beneficial Microbes: Our homes harbour a diverse population of microbes, many of which play a crucial role in our health. These "good" bacteria help train our immune systems and may even protect against allergies and asthma.

Harmless Germs: The vast majority of germs we encounter daily are simply harmless. They might hitch a ride on our pets, linger on door handles, or float around in dust particles, but they pose no real threat to a healthy person.

Pathogenic Germs: A small number of germs can cause illness. These pathogenic microbes can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, foodborne illnesses, or close contact with someone who is sick.

So, how worried should you be?

For most people with healthy immune systems, everyday exposure to germs in the home isn't a major cause for concern. In fact, some experts believe limited exposure to microbes might even be helpful for immune development.

Here's when to be mindful:

Recent illness: If someone in your household is ill, it's wise to step up your cleaning routine to minimise the spread of germs, especially in high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and bathroom surfaces.

Weakened immune system: People who have a compromised immune system or young children might be more susceptible to infections. In these cases, consult your doctor about appropriate hygiene practices.

Are There Any Unusual Areas or Items That May Be Harbouring Germs?

Your toothbrush – When you flush your toilet, this sprays virus and bacteria-contaminated water droplets into the air. The germs in these droplets can float around your bathroom for around two hours before settling on a surface. In some cases, they may land on your toothbrush. It's recommended that you leave your toothbrush somewhere it can air dry between uses. Just don't leave it somewhere too close to the toilet. It's also important to replace your toothbrush regularly.
Salt and pepper shakers – We all wipe down our kitchens and surfaces around the dinner table. However, have you thought about your salt and pepper shakers? It's not common knowledge that salt and pepper shakers can hold germs on the surface. Since these are something that everyone in the home touches, it's easy to see how quickly germs can spread when using them. When you wipe your kitchen table, you should also wipe your salt and pepper shakers.
The TV remote – Everyone in the home handles your TV remote. It gets wedged between sofa cushions, coughed on, sneezed at, and it's handled daily. Anything that people touch a lot tends to hold a lot of germs on the surface.
Your computer keyboard – You’ll sneeze on it, eat over it, and constantly touch it. Your computer keyboard may be even germier than your toilet seat. Always wash your hands before and after using your computer keyboard.

Finding The Right Balance

The key is to maintain a clean and healthy home environment without going overboard. Here are some simple tips:

Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly, especially when someone is ill.
Practice good food hygiene to prevent foodborne illness.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and adequate sleep to support your immune system.

By following these practices, you can minimise the risk of illness from germs in your home while still allowing your body to interact with the beneficial microbes that contribute to overall health.

Final Thoughts

Remember, creating a healthy and comfortable environment doesn't require becoming a germophobe. By following the simple hygiene practices outlined here, you can minimise the risk of illness while still allowing your body to interact with the good microbes that contribute to overall health. So, relax, wash your hands regularly, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a clean and balanced home environment.

SARAH DEMPSEY

Sarah Dempsey has worked in the cleaning industry for over twenty five years. Sarah specialises in domestic cleaning and laundry. She also works closely with MyJobQuote to provide expert cleaning knowledge to homeowners, tradespeople and news outlets. Sarah has been featured in several well-known publications, including Daily Express, Ideal Home, and Homes & Gardens.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.