Oh Yes You Can! Disinfect Your Home Without Harsh Chemicals!

Now that the winter flu season is gone and we're winding up our Spring Cleaning efforts, let's take a moment for one last pass at disinfecting our home for a healthy, fresh summer of family activity.

Yes, you can it today without using the harsh chemicals our mothers and grandmothers used. It's easy to make sure our kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and laundry are not only clean but disinfected for top family health.

First, disinfect to keep people and pets in a home, healthy. You can't see germs, but if the flu is any indicator, it's easy to see how bacteria and viruses can make the rounds in a family. Faucet handles, sponges, and hand towels in the kitchen and bathroom are instant "germ transfer" stations.

Second, about 36 percent of food-borne illness in the home results from "cross contamination." This means contaminated cutting boards, counters or utensils are not properly disinfected or sanitized before preparing foods eaten raw, such as fruits or vegetables. The good news is that you can help prevent nasty bacteria that can cause food-borne illness by following simple sanitizing and disinfecting routines when preparing your family's meals. This is as easy as washing cutting boards with soap and rinsing with water after each use. Throw away that germy sponge and use disposable, sanitary disinfecting wipes for those countertops.

• Disposable Wipes
America is wipe crazy! A recent Soap and Detergent Association Survey Shows 2/3 of Americans use disposable wipe products. Among users, disinfecting and cleaning surfaces are favorite uses. The reasons are: they can be carried anywhere and they are easy to use to get rid of dirt and germs. Get them and use them. Look for ones that are disinfecting and dispose of them when done. I particularly like the Clorox brand.

• Disposable Toilet Bowl Cleaners
One of the biggest germ catchers used to be the toilet bowl brush. With today's disposable brush heads that are loaded with disinfectant you have the ability to keep yourself and home inhabitants healthy and safe from bacteria.

• Kitchen Sponges and Towels
Your sponges in the sink that you reuse daily are one of the biggest sources of infection and cross contamination in your home. The dish towels you hang up to dry are loaded with bacteria that can multiply. Rotate in new, fresh sponges regularly. If you can, get away from them altogether. Use brushes that you can toss into your dishwasher or soak in bleach periodically. Make sure you rinse and dry them well afterwards. Get into the habit of washing kitchen towels after every use - do it in hot water.

Third, not all disinfecting products are created equal. Read the labels. Know your products. Catch the ones that have been prettied up with essential oils. Check labels for irritating chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia and artificial fragrances and dyes.