Don't fall for spring cleaning myths

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(NC)—As April showers turn to May flowers, many families will be pulling out sprays and wipes, and beginning to freshen up their homes as part of their annual spring cleaning tradition. While cleaning the whole home may seem like a daunting task, not falling for these common myths will keep your cleaning team on track:

Myth 1: Visibly clean is clean

While the kitchen may look sparkling clean, it may be harbouring bacteria or viruses that are harmful to your health. Bacteria, fungi and viruses can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time, from hours to days, so disinfectants need to be used to remove them. To help prevent the spread and cross-contamination of germs and mould, use a quality disinfectant on kitchen surfaces, cleaning cloths, mops, bathrooms, floors, toilets, door handles, telephones, toys and computer keyboards – all hotspots for germs.

Myth 2: A clean home must smell like harsh chemicals

Many bleach users and former bleach users are concerned with the safety and harshness of bleach – and don't like the harsh fumes or harsh chemical residue that is left behind by bleach. Now, however, there are cleaning products available that do not require rubber gloves, a mask, or rinsing, such as Lysol Power & Free, which is made with hydrogen peroxide and breaks down simply into water and oxygen.

Myth 3: Bathrooms are the dirtiest part of the home

While people may think the bathroom is one of the most germ-laden rooms of the house, the kitchen is actually much worse. Canadians were found to have more mould inside their fridges, than in their bathrooms, according to a recent Hygiene Council survey.

Kitchen towels were found to be the most contaminated, followed by the fridge. Other germ hotspots that shouldn't be forgotten when spring cleaning include: door knobs, phone receivers and mouth pieces, refrigerator and microwave door handles, light switches, computer keyboards, remote controls and handheld games. Bacteria, fungi and viruses can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time, so disinfectant wipes or paper towels and a disinfecting cleaner should be used.

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