Pathogens are any kind of disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria or viruses. Many different types of pathogens exist in the world, and they can enter your home in a number of ways. Some of the most common diseases spread by pathogens include colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Fortunately, there is a number of ways to prevent pathogens from spreading inside of your home.
1. Mind Your Shoes
When you come inside from a day spent outside, your shoes have likely picked up a large number of pathogens. These can spread all around the house if not taken care of. The good news is that there are options available for solving this problem, and among those is the shoe sole sanitizer at Healthy Sole, which uses ultraviolet light to get rid of pathogens. UVC radiation is known to be very effective against bacteria, and it is also safe for humans.
Another option would be to keep a bottle of medicinal alcohol and a clean rag near the front door. Alcohol is also effective against bacteria, and just wiping off your shoes before stepping inside can be enough to kill at least some of the pathogens that got on them.
2. Avoid Cross-Contamination
Pathogens are transmitted through many different ways, including food, water, or other objects that come into contact with an infected area. One of the best ways to prevent pathogens from spreading is to clean your hands as often as possible. Wash your hands before you prepare food, after using the bathroom, and after petting animals. A lot of people don’t realize how many germs there are on our phones and TV remotes, so it’s important not to touch your face after you’ve used any of those devices.
Keep in mind that just running your hands through water isn’t enough to clean them. Make sure you wash them for at least twenty seconds using clean water and soap and then dry them thoroughly.
3. Keep Your House Clean
While most people generally keep a clean home, it’s important to note that simply dusting and sweeping the floors with a broom isn’t really going to get rid of pathogens. Using a mop with a cleaning solution is important, and it’s also a good idea to use disinfectant wipes on hard surfaces. Don’t forget about doorknobs and light switches, either, as those can spread pathogens around the house very easily because most people don’t think to clean them often.
While a lot of germs can come from the outside, don’t forget that any bathroom or kitchen appliances you have inside of your home can breed pathogens as well. Cleaning these with the proper cleaners will help get rid of any bacteria growing in there, and it’s also a good idea to clean your dishwasher with baking soda from time to time.
4. Keep Your Air Clean
The air inside of your home might not seem like a big factor in spreading pathogens, but this is one way that they can easily get into your nose and throat and cause you to become sick. It’s important to use an air purifier to help get rid of any allergens or other things that are in the air. This includes pollen, dirt, dust, and even pet dander if you have an allergic reaction to them.
If an air purifier isn’t something that’s high on your priority list at the moment, make sure to air out your house as often as possible. Open the windows and let fresh air inside, and you’ll feel a lot better as a result. The best way to go about this is to open up all the windows in your home for at least fifteen or twenty minutes a day.
5. Keep Your Pets Clean
Most people don’t realize how much of a role pets can play in spreading pathogens around your home, but it’s important to make sure that your dog or cat is clean. Pathogens like salmonella and ringworm can be transferred through their fur, so it’s important to clean them on a regular basis. This way, you won’t have any problems when they come in contact with your children or other pets.
Now, you shouldn’t really give your pet a bath too often, as that can create medical problems for them. However, using a clean cloth to wipe their paws every time they come back from a walk and going over their fur with a comb are good ways to clean them up. Keep in mind that if you introduce any moisture to the cleaning process, you need to make sure you dry your pet thoroughly.
There are a lot of different things that can go into making sure your home is as free from pathogens as possible, but these are just some of the most important ones. If you pay attention to what’s going on around your house and make sure it’s always cleaned properly, you’ll feel a lot better when it comes to your health.
