Clean These 7 Household Areas to Prevent the Spread of Germs

When you are dealing with a disease or illness, your immune system is compromised, making it easier to pick up germs and bugs. While it’s impossible to live in a completely sterile environment, there are ways to try and minimize the amount of germs around your home according to the NHS:

1. Cleaning Materials

Mops and buckets should be disinfected after use, and mop-heads replaced regularly.

Wherever possible, use disposable cloths or paper towels to clean up spillages.

Cloths and sponges that are re-usable need to be disinfected after every use.

According to the Scleroderma Foundation, while there is no proven cure for scleroderma, much can be done to prevent, minimize or alleviate its effects and symptoms. 

2. Bathrooms

Use regular bathroom cleaning products to clean wash basins, baths, and showers trays and cubicles frequently.

If someone has been ill, the bathroom needs to be cleaned with disinfectant, including the floor.

Toilets should be flushed after every use and bleach or a toilet cleaner and toilet brush should be used every couple of days. The toilet seat, rim and handle should be cleaned regularly with disinfectant.

Limescale build-up can be removed using limescale removing products.

Tile grout and shower curtains also need to be cleaned regularly.

Here’s a story from a chronic illness patient. Wyatt Wright (a.k.a. Wyatt The Warrior),  a nine-year-old young man diagnosed with localized scleroderma (linear) at the age of eight.

3. Kitchen

All preparation surfaces should be hygienically cleaned before and after use.

Separate chopping boards should be used for raw meat, vegetables, fish and other food products.

Wash hands before handling food. Wash and dry hands directly after coming into contact with raw meat and fish.

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4. Floors

Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly.

Mop floors regularly to remove dirt with hot water and detergent. When mopping floors, you should use two buckets of water, the first with the detergent to wash the floor, the second with hot water to rinse the detergent.

If floors become soiled with urine, feces or vomit, this should be cleaned using paper towels and hot water and then thoroughly disinfected and dried.

Here are some scleroderma-related conditions you should look out for according to the Scleroderma Foundation.

5. Pets and other animals

Pet food should be kept separate from the family’s food.

Wash hands after petting animals, cleaning their cages or litter trays, and putting out their food.

All dishes, can openers and other utensils used for pet food need to be stored separately.

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6. Toys

Toys and play equipment should be cleaned regularly. Clean hard or plastic toys in hot soapy water and dry them thoroughly.

Soft toys can either be put in the washing machine to clean or vacuumed to remove dust.

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7. Garbage Disposal

Garbage cans with foot pedals are more hygienic because you don’t need to touch them as often.

Always wash and dry your hands after throwing away garbage.

Dispose of garbage carefully so as not to attract any insects or vermin.

Here are some scleroderma-related conditions you should look out for according to the Scleroderma Foundation.

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.