6 Surprising Places Where Germs are Hiding

By Marlo Sollitto, AgingCare.com contributing editor

Is something in your house making your elderly parent sick? The places where bacteria, cold and flu viruses and allergens lurk in your home may surprise you…and they could be the culprit that is making your family sick.

Sponges

They’re meant to help us clean the house, but in reality, sponges are among the dirtiest, most bacteria-ridden objects in the home. A sponge that’s wet with food and kitchen-counter germs is an ideal breeding-ground for bacteria that can cause food-borne illnesses. When you wipe down the kitchen countertop, those germs – E. coli and salmonella – spread all over the kitchen. Instead, use paper towels or dishcloths that can be frequently tossed into the washing machine every few days, and wipe down kitchen surfaces with a mix of bleach and water.

Vacuums

Vacuuming is touted as an effective way to reduce the levels of airborne allergens in the home. However, dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other allergens can get trapped in the vacuum’s filter. To avoid this, look for a vacuum that has HEPA filter. The medical community has used these type of filers, which can trap up to 99.9% of particles, for years.

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Pillows

What’s resting on your pillow besides your head? Dust mites: the most common cause of non-seasonal allergies and asthma. Dust mites feed on flakes of human skin, which can be found deep within your pillows. To lessen their effect, use zippered, dust proof pillow covers and wash them frequently.

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6 Surprising Places Where Germs are Hiding originally appeared on AgingCare.com

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Read more: Allergies, Bed & Bath, Health, Health & Safety, Home, Non-Toxic Cleaning, bacteria, Cold and Flu, germs, house cleaning, perfume, pillows, sponges, TV, vaccuums

Danuta W.

2:19AM PST on Jan 4, 2013

Thanks for the share!

January 4
send a green star

Gina C.

5:02PM PDT on Jul 1, 2012

these articles are giving me the willies!

July 1
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Carole R.

4:11PM PDT on Oct 19, 2011

Thank you for this valueable information.

October 19
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Darla G.

12:50PM PDT on Oct 11, 2011

all aware....

October 11
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Past Member .

10:29AM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

I learn something new on different blogs every day. It is always refreshing to read posts of other bloggers and learn something from them. Thanks for sharing.

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