by Steve Martin

Created on: September 03, 2006   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Keeping your home germ free is not possible as there will always be germs and no noe needs in a hygiene bubble. However, your house should be clean and hygienic and not over-run with harmful germs. There are a number of simple things you can do.

1. Allow fresh air into your home to keep the air fresh and clean. Leaving windows and doors open when possible is the obvious way to do this.

2. Don't allow dust to congregate. Using floor coverings other than carpets can help as can using blinds instead of thick curtains. If you do use carpets and curtains, clean them regularly.

3. Kitchens are very important to keep clean. Empty any rubbish bins regularly and do not leave old food or opened food containers lying around. Avoid cross-contamination by having different knives and chopping boards for raw meat. Also, never use the same mop for the kitchen as you use for the bathroom and toilet. Keep work surfaces wiped down after you have prepared food. You do not need expensive cleaners for this. Simple household detergents will do fine. Remember that tea towels should be washed very regularly as these are real traps for germs.

4. The toilet is the other area that needs to be cleaned regularly. Ensure that you clean behind the bowl and in other nooks and crannies where germs and dirt can congregate.

5. Bathrooms need to be kept clean. Remember that one of the most dangerous area for germ build-up is non-running water. So, for example, if you have a shower head but always take a bath instead, make sure you run off the water in the shower-head at least once a week.

Finally, remember that dirt and germs often congregate in those placeswe can't see. Make sure you clean curtain rails, under furniture etc.

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