Disinfect Decisively: Just Read the Label
Two-thirds of adults (65%) don’t understand that disinfectants have a wait time to work. To get the full germ-killing benefits of disinfectants, it’s important to read and follow their label instructions.
"Unsanitary food preparation areas, such as countertops, cutting boards and sinks, have a direct link to foodborne illnesses," said Jordan. "Proper cleaning and disinfecting of kitchen surfaces before and after preparing food can help reduce the threat o
f foodborne illnesses." When used as directed on the label, EPA-registered disinfectants and disinfectant cleaners provide extra protection because they go beyond simple cleaning to kill or control the growth of microorganisms like
Salmonella and
E. coli that can cause illness.
Camp Damp: Where Germs Thrive
The connection between germs and moisture is understood by most Americans (81%). "Kitchens, bathrooms and other areas in the home where moisture collects are breeding grounds for common germs and allergens," said Jordan. "Sponges and dish cloths are als
o a favored environment for foodborne bacteria." Keeping surfaces in these "hot spots" as dry and clean as possible, along with frequent laundering of sponges and dish cloths, will help control the growth of moisture-loving mold and mildew, bacteria and o
ther potential health threats.
Lather-up America: A Warmer, Longer, Sudsier Wash Cleans Up
Eight out of ten (80%) Americans know that handwashing is an important precaution against passing along germs, and over 90% report that they wash their hands after going to the bathroom. But, almost half can do a better job washing them.
"Americans are washing their hands too briefly – and under cold water," said Jordan. "The good news is that the problem can be easily corrected: just wash the front and back of your hands, between fingers and under nails, scrubbing for at least
10-15 seconds with soap and warm water." Not washing properly can pose health problems by spreading germs among family, friends and co-workers. Antibacterial soaps may be the right choice for those with a particular concern about reducing the transfer o
f bacteria.
The 1998 SDA National Cleaning Survey, which included interviews with approximately 1,000 adult Americans, 18 years and older in the United States, was conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide Research, Inc.
