Wash Your Hands! Help Prevent Infections

Most of us were reminded time and time again as children ‘WASH YOUR HANDS!’  Then we reminded our children and their children ... but who reminds us?

Washing your hands is still the easiest way to prevent the spread of germs. In 1988 GOJO Industries Inc. introduced Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer, which went on to become the number one selling brand of hand sanitizer in the U.S. Since then the market has exploded with varieties being sold everywhere from fancy body shops, to individual sizes that clip onto anything, to free standing dispensers located in central traffic areas; making hand sanitizers available even when the best hygiene practices cannot be observed.

“In multiple studies reviewed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol solutions were found to be more effective than washing hands with plain soap,” says Andy Clement, director of hand hygiene and tissue for Kimberly-Clark Professional. “They reduced bacterial counts on the hands more than antimicrobial soaps or detergents in a majority of experiments. Hand sanitizers provide a broad spectrum, fast- acting antimicrobial effect and can be used on the go without the need for running water.” Clement adds.

With hand sanitizers readily available it would become easy to become dependent on them for all our hand washing needs. However, this is not the right choice to make in every situation, especially when hands are visibly dirty. According to the CDC, “Alcohols are not appropriate for use when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with proteinaceous materials, such as blood.” While popular, hand sanitizers are not perfect for every situation. Remember proper hand washing techniques with soap and water in addition to hand sanitizers can help propel us to a cleaner, healthier and safer environment.

As summer draws to an end and we look ahead to the beginning of school and more hours spent indoors, we should reflect on our homes and work environments as well. Hand washing and hand sanitizers will help in breaking the chain of infection but cleaning our high traffic touch point areas are just as important. If you find yourself needing help to keep your environments clean call Sparkle Professional Cleaning Corp. at 215.757.4014 for your free, no obligation quote. With over 20 years of experience we are your ‘Go To’ cleaning professionals, ready to make your home and work environments Sparkle & be Germ Free!

Source: CM Cleaning & Maintenance Management, August 2011, The Germs Stop Here, by: Amanda Martini-Hughes, assistant editor.

Rings... of the Porcelain Kind

Everyone in developed nations have at least one toilet, hence the porcelain throne. What a marvelous invention! Push a lever and down the drain everything goes.

Now there is the cleaning aspect of the porcelain throne. When you are purchasing supplies for this non-royal task, look for a cleaning product that will cling to the bowl and under the rim. Common concerns are black mold under the rim or ring at the water level line.

Let’s first address the water line ring. Rings can develop due to high mineral content or lack of frequent flushing. Should you have multiple bathrooms and don’t use all of them, be sure to flush the toilet at least twice a week. This will help eliminate the water from “standing” which allows the minerals to attach to the porcelain. If you already have a ring in your bowl, you may need a low-acid bowl cleaner. However, individuals who have septic systems should not use a low acid cleaner. An option for those with septic systems looking to obtain positive results, should try using a pumice stone for scrubbing. This cleaning method can prove to be time consuming; with no guarantees of removing the entire ring. Routine maintenance and diligence works best over time on toilets. Therefore remember to go the simplest route… flush, flush flush!

Now we address that black ring under the rim. In looking at that we see there are several types of bowl wands that can be used; from the old fashioned metal with bristles to plastic. I recommend staying away from metal as they can scratch your porcelain. Look for a wand that has two (2) heads, making sure one is designed to access under the rim.

Cleaning the toilet weekly will help resolve both of the above issues… or if life is just too busy… give Sparkle Professional Cleaning a call: 215.757.4014. We will ready the porcelain throne for your royal flush!

Written by: Sharon Bordak, President Sparkle Professional Cleaning, Corp., Lincoln Center, Reetz & Lincoln Avenues, Suite 1, Hulmeville, PA 19047. Check out our complete line of services at: http://www.sparkleproclean.com/