8 important foci to maintain hygiene in your home (and why it is different from being clean)

When it comes to preventing infections, it is not as important to clean what is obviously dirty to prevent the spread of bacteria.

This is indicated by a recent report by the Royal Society of Public Health of the United Kingdom.

Wash hands, rags and parts of our house that are more susceptible to bacteria are the key to maintaining good hygiene. The investigation carried out by this association, however, warns that one in four people ignores this fact.

Understand it can reducgo the risk of infections and resistance to antibiotics.

The document also ensures that there is no such thing as being “too clean”.
The Royal Society for Public Health says that people often confuse the concepts of dirt, bacteria, purity and hygiene.

In a survey of 2000 people, 23% thought it should be exposes children to harmful bacteria to strengthen your immune system.

But, according to the report’s author, it is a “potentially dangerous belief” that can lead parents to expose their children to serious infections.

What needs to be done, they emphasize, is to concentrate on cleaning specific places at specific times, even if they seem clean, to avoid the spread of microbes considered “bad”.

The 8th foci with more risks for infections

1. When preparing and handling food.
2. When you eat with your fingers.
3. After going to the toilet.
4. When people cough, sneeze or blow their nose.
5. When handling and washing dirty clothes.
6. When contacting pets.
7. When handling and removing garbage.
8. When you care about a family member with infection.

Washing your hands after handling food, going to the toilet, coughing, sneezing, petting pets or taking care of someone is really important, the report says.

It is also important clean countertops and kitchen surfaces where raw foods have been prepared. This includes the classic cutting boards.

Experts also say it’s equally important Thoroughly dry and clean the clothes thoroughly used to clean contaminated areas.

Although it often seems that the floor and furniture are very dirty, they usually contain microbes that do not pose a risk to health.

How can bacteria be eliminated?
Washing surfaces and utensils with hot water and soap remove bacteria, except that they have to go down the drain.

But to kill them completely, you must the water reaches 70 ° C, according to the recommendations of the UK Food Standards.

The most suitable products to clean
Most are grouped into three categories and each has different characteristics.

Detergentes: They clean the surface and remove the fat, but they do not kill the bacteria.

Desinfectantes: kill bacteria, but they do not work effectively on a surface covered by grease or visible dirt.

Sanitizers: Can be used both for cleaning and disinfection. First, it is better to use cleaning agents to clean the surface, remove dirt, food and grease, and then you have to send it again on the already clean surface.

That, yes, experts say it Reading the instructions carefully is important.

And instead of using a cloth to clean surfaces that have become dirty when cooking, it is better to use paper towels, to prevent the fabric of the fabric from becoming infected.

Was clean or hygienic?
Professor Sally Bloomfield, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said that people should know the difference between hygiene and cleanliness.

“While cleaning means that dirt and microbes are removed, hygiene means clean in places and moments like sorn important, properly, to breaking the chain of infection while the food is prepared, the bathroom is used, pets are taken care of, etc., “he stated.

Professor Lisa Ackerley, a food hygiene expert and manager of the Royal Society for Public Health, said that “going outdoors and playing with friends, family and pets is ideal to be exposed to. “good bacteria”and building a healthy microbiome, but it is also important that you understand where the boundaries are. “

“The hygiene conscientiously Performed at important times and places is one way to prevent infectionsin a cheap and easy way, while exposing yourself to the “good bacteria” that your body benefits from, “he said.

He added: “Good hygiene in the home and daily life helps reduce infections. It is critical to protect our children and play a very important role in the fight against antibiotic resistance”.