Easter is approaching and we are all in a fever of preparations, including general cleaning in the house.
The Romanian Society of Pediatrics, in the study “How Romanians clean their houses”, shows, among other things, that the number of bacteria in an ordinary kitchen can be 100,000 times higher than in the bathroom and that on a shredder there is an accumulation of bacteria with 200 percent higher than on the toilet bowl, considered the dirtiest place in the house.
Knowing these things, we automatically want to disinfect the house from one corner to another, but what products should we use? Ziare.com he talked to the pediatrician Valeriu Lupu, who told us how to clean the house, but also what are the best known myths in this regard.
Myth no. 1: Cleaning products also kill bacteria
A cleaning product does not disinfect surfaces, just as a disinfectant does not clean dirt and dust in the house. Although their benefits are often confused, a traditional cleaning product only cleans surfaces of dust and dirt, while a disinfectant has the sole purpose of “killing” dangerous germs that can affect health.
“This approach – clean, so automatically and disinfecting or disinfecting, so automatically and clean – is totally wrong. It is absolutely necessary to clean and disinfect regularly, at least once a week or even more often, the various objects and surfaces. The more frequently we touch them, the more often they need to be cleaned and disinfected. Dangerous germs cannot be seen with the naked eye “, Dr. Valeriu Lupu pointed out.
If you want to get both effects, both cleaning and disinfection, use cleaning products that kill bacteria, which have both built-in benefits.
Myth no. 2: Cleaning and disinfection products destroy carpets and upholstery
Carpets and upholstery are long-term investments in every home. Most of the time, we wait too long to clean them for the first time, for fear of “spoiling”.
However, the pediatrician points out that in carpets, soft furniture and upholstery there are many microbes dangerous to health, including E. Coli, Samonella, MRSA, etc., therefore, they should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, once a day. week, especially if you have pets in the house.
“Exfoliated skin, food particles, dust, animal hair are the most common sources of development and multiplication of these germs,” explained Dr. Valeriu Lupu.
Currently, there are on the market a series of cleaning and disinfection products specially designed for textile surfaces and soft furniture.
Myth no. 3: Vinegar is the best cleaning and disinfection solution
Vinegar is considered a miraculous solution for cleaning and disinfecting the house among many housewives. Totally wrong, says the doctor: “Vinegar is not a disinfectant. Moreover, bacteria can survive in an acidic environment.”
Myth no. 4: If I use a larger amount of cleaning and disinfection product, I get a better effect
Although it is tempting to add a larger amount of product in the hope of better cleaning or disinfection, doctors point out that this practice is wrong and can even have adverse health effects.
If we feel the need to add more than the recommended dose to clean and disinfect surfaces, it is very possible that the product will not be of good quality.
“The best results are obtained when you use exactly the amount of product specified in the instructions for use. Rather, focus on quality products, not quantity,” the doctor said.
Myth no. 5: I only disinfect the bathroom, because only here germs accumulate
Contrary to popular belief, the toilet and other objects and surfaces in the bathroom do not contain the largest accumulations of microbes in the house. The greatest risk of contracting dangerous microbes comes from surfaces that we touch regularly or that come in contact with raw foods (meat, eggs, etc.): laptops, telephones, kitchen choppers (they must be cleaned and disinfected immediately after use ), remote controls, floor, kitchen table, toothbrush, etc.
“Therefore, all surfaces we use frequently must be disinfected, not just the toilet,” the pediatrician explained.
Myth no. 6: Antibacterial products affect the child’s health
Wrong, draws the pediatrician’s attention. Children are most prone to contracting dangerous germs, which cause severe infections, because their immune systems are underdeveloped.
In the spaces where children spend most of their time and in toys (especially in the plush ones) many microbes accumulate, therefore, they should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a week, with safe products for children, without chlorine. .
Dr. Valeriu Lupu – pediatrician
Romanian Society of Pediatrics
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