A clean home is a happy home! As you work diligently to keep your place spic and span you may forget some breeding grounds for bacteria. So where are the germs hiding in your household? The recent developments in the past few years have created a heightened awareness of the spread of germs. We as a culture are more serious about the removal of harmful bacteria from our bodies and homes. Where should you be looking?

Butcher Block

Butcher block is a popular home design choice, especially in farmhouse aesthetics. But if not treated correctly butcher blocks can be a nightmare for homeowners. To begin, you want to ensure that you have sealed your butcher block correctly. There are two schools of thought when it comes to sealant, organic or poly. Those who wish to go organic can use beeswax or a wax mixture. After soaking into the board, users need to stay diligent on the upkeep. That means re-doing the topcoat, sanding, and recoating about every 6 months. For a tougher seal, polyurethane is also an option. When cured, this treatment is USDA-certified safe and prevents mold growth. Be aware not to break the seal by cutting directly on the surface. 

To make sure your countertops don’t harbor any harmful germs, clean with your preferred solution after every use. Be aware of seals near the sink and stove, where water or cooking oils can permeate and start mildew. 

Toothbrush

Your toothbrush is actually one of the dirtiest items in your bathroom! Up to 100 million bacteria can breed on this surface and it goes directly into your mouth! A big contributor to these germs is flushing the toilet. Yes, when you flush, germs mushroom cloud into the air and land on surfaces. Disgusted yet? To keep the bacteria level down keep your toothbrush dry, far from the toilet, and upright. Consider a UV toothbrush light sanitizer. With claims of 99% germs eliminated, you can polish those pearly whites with less worry! Remember to change your brush every 3-4 months for optimum efficiency!

Sponges

Sponges are a necessary, damp evil of the kitchen. They can be smelly and you guessed it, full of germs! Because bacteria breed in damp environments, sponges can contain up to 45 billion bacteria per square centimeter! How do you keep these nasty microbes at bay? Zapping your sponge in the microwave can be an excellent way to instantly kill most germs. For less than 30 seconds you can effectively rid your kitchen tool of harmful germs. Throwing your sponge in the cycle with the dishwasher is another easy way to decontaminate. Don’t keep your sponges around for too long either, replace them every few weeks.

Your household should be your personal sanctuary, so don’t let germs ruin your health or happiness! Staying on top of bacteria is the easiest way to avoid major health issues and sickness. Keep up to date with home and lifestyle tips at the Kratos Gas & Power Blog!