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and eucalyptus oils, and five drops of sweet orange oil to a cup of water. Use in the same manner as the other disinfectants.

All of these disinfectants can be used on non staining surfaces and to purify the air. Be sure to avoid contact with eyes.

You can make your own effective disinfectant floor wash that actually smells good and kills bacteria and germs. Take a bucket of hot water and add 1/8 cup of liquid soap, 1/4 cup of white vinegar or lemon juice, and a half a cup of peppermint tea. This works just as well as store bought disinfectants except it doesn't have any added harsh chemicals.

Another thing you have to consider is alternate sources of germs.

Although kitchens and bathrooms come to mind first when discussing germ sources, germs are more prevalent on children's toys, computer keyboards, telephones, cutting boards, drains and sponges and many other areas.

Allow sponges , dish cloths, toothbrushes, and washcloths to dry out thoroughly between uses. Germs, mold, and mildew thrive on moist surfaces. There is no point in cleaning if you're going to be wiping things off with a bacteria laden cloth. You're just spreading germs.

The cloths should be replaced frequently and laundered in hot soapy water then dried on high speed in the dryer.

Doorknobs , trash cans, stove knobs, your hands, faucets, telephones and cupboard and refrigerator handles are also hot spots for germs. Use separate cutting boards for meats as bacteria can thrive in cracks and crevices of cutting boards.

Regularly clean out the refrigerator, microwave, cupboards and can opener and any other items or areas that come into regular contact with food.

Disinfect sinks and other drains regularly by pouring a cup of vinegar down them.

Wash your hands frequently using antibacterial soap.

Use paper cups to drink from when family members have colds .

Cook foods to the proper temperatures, then store them promptly in refrigerators set to the proper temperatures. This eliminates the forming of bacteria.

Be sure to launder bedding and clothing on a regular basis.

It is vitally important to keep your house pest and vermin free. These critters such as mice, fire ants, fleas , ticks and rats are loaded with disease and germs that can be severely harmful to humans.

If you prefer to disinfect your household the old fashioned way, visit these two online sites for tips on maintaining a household .

Lysol

http://www.lysol.com/topic_ger ms.shtml

Clorox bleach

http://www.clorox.com/health_w hy_disinfect.php

Learn more about this author, Kathy H.
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