“Twas the week after New Year’s and all through the house, everyone’s coughing and sneezing, including the kids and my spouse! If you’re like many of us, you’re probably feeling the effects of the flu and cold season. Germs are everywhere and it’s important to take steps to control them on common touch surfaces.
As a certified germaphobe, I’ve learned a few hacks for controlling germs on surfaces that you might not even think about, but that can harbor a lot of germs. Here are three hacks to help you stay healthy and keep your environment clean:
#1: Wipe down your tablet, laptop, and other electronic devices.
These devices go everywhere and sit on all kinds of surfaces, so it’s important to regularly clean them. Experts recommend using a 70% alcohol solution or similar on a lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to wipe down your devices after they have been powered off. Be sure not to saturate the device and let it dry before using it again.
#2: Keep your car clean, especially high-touch surfaces like the steering wheel and buttons.
Alcohol wipes are a great way to quickly and easily disinfect these surfaces. You can also keep a pump bottle of hand sanitizer in the car to use before you start driving.
#3: Clean your eyeglasses regularly.
We touch our eyeglasses all day long and it’s important to keep them clean to prevent the spread of germs. Here’s a four-step process for cleaning your glasses: 1) wet your glasses with warm water, 2) add a drop of dish soap or antibacterial hand soap, and gently wash, 3) rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue, and 4) use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the frames and lenses. Just be sure to handle your glasses gently to avoid scratching the lenses.
Healthy and Happy New Year
By putting these tips into practice and creating a few new habits, you can help to control germs and stay healthy. So, here’s to a healthy and happy new year!
