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SALT LAKE CITY — Steffoni Garner, owner of The Maids Centerville, shared tips for keeping germs from spreading.
She said, "If you've ever had the flu you know it's worth the extra step to protect your friends and family."
Here are her 10 tips to help stop the flu virus from invading homes.
1. Wash your hands regularly in warm soapy water. For quick clean-up, use antibacterial hand sanitizer. Make an effort not to touch your mouth or nose without first washing your hands.
2. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning household items. By wearing gloves, you will be less likely to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
3. Spray disinfecting spray on a cloth, wipe toys, doorknobs, appliance handles, keyboards, remote controls, light switches, phones and facial tissue box covers. Viruses can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces.
4. Wash items like towels and bedding in hot water with soap if someone has been sick in the home. Be sure not to share these items until they are thoroughly cleaned.
5. Change vacuum bags monthly or more frequently.
6. Boil toothbrushes for one minute in water and vinegar, run through a dishwasher cycle or purchase new brushes.
7. Use antibacterial wipes on your keyboard, phone and pens to protect yourself from spreading germs at work.
8. Wash telephones, cabinet handles, doorknobs, light switches and refrigerator door handles using a slightly dampened cloth with a solution of mild detergent and warm water.
9. Wash mop heads in a solution of ¼ cup bleach and one gallon water, dry thoroughly, then store. Not only will mop heads pick up germs and dirt, but they also can also grow mold and mildew if they don't dry out completely.
10. Disinfect the bathroom and kitchen, especially the faucet and toilet handles, daily. The kitchen and bathroom are the most used rooms in the home and possibly the most contaminated.
