Keeping Germs at Bay: Cleaning, Sanitising, and Disinfecting Your Home This Winter

Winter in Perth might not bring snow, but it certainly brings the chill and an increase in colds and flu. With more time spent indoors, it's essential to maintain a clean and healthy home environment. At All Pure Cleaning, we believe in using natural, eco-friendly products to keep your home germ-free without the harmful chemicals. Here’s how you can clean, sanitise, and disinfect your home effectively this winter.

The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitising, and Disinfecting

Before diving into tips, let’s clarify the difference between cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting:

• Cleaning: Removing dirt, dust, and impurities from surfaces. This process doesn’t necessarily kill germs but reduces their numbers.
• Sanitising: Lowering the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level, as judged by public health standards. This involves cleaning or disinfecting to reduce the risk of infection.
• Disinfecting: Using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfecting doesn’t necessarily clean dirty surfaces but kills germs to lower the risk of spreading infections.

Top Tips for Winter Cleaning and Germ Control

1. Focus on High-Touch Areas... High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and mobile phones are hotspots for germs. Regularly wipe these areas with a natural disinfectant, such as a mixture of vinegar and water or a natural disinfectant spray.

2. Keep Your Floors Clean... Floors can accumulate dirt and germs quickly, especially with the extra foot traffic during the winter months. Vacuum carpets and rugs frequently, and mop hard floors with an eco-friendly cleaner. Our All Pure Cleaning team recommends using a mix of water and essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus, known for their natural antibacterial properties.

3. Don’t Forget the Soft Surfaces... Couches, cushions, and curtains can harbour germs and dust mites. Regularly vacuum these surfaces and consider steam cleaning to kill germs without harsh chemicals. For a quick refresh, sprinkle baking soda on soft surfaces, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up.

4. Sanitise Your Kitchen... The kitchen is a high-traffic area where germs can easily spread. Wipe down countertops, cabinet handles, and appliances regularly. Use natural cleaning products that are safe for food-preparation areas, like lemon juice and baking soda. Don’t forget to clean and sanitise your sponges and dishcloths, as they can be breeding grounds for bacteria.

5. Bathroom Hygiene... Bathrooms are another germ hotspot. Clean sinks, taps, and toilet handles with a natural disinfectant. Vinegar and baking soda work wonders in removing soap scum and disinfecting surfaces. Ensure good ventilation to reduce moisture and mould growth.

6. Air Quality Matters... Indoor air quality can significantly impact your health, especially in winter when windows are often closed. Use air purifiers to reduce airborne germs and allergens. Additionally, incorporating houseplants like spider plants and aloe vera can naturally purify the air.

7. Hand Hygiene... Encourage frequent handwashing with natural, non-toxic soap. Keeping hands clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Place hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol in key areas of your home, like the entryway, kitchen, and bathroom.

8. Stay on Top of Laundry... Wash linens, towels, and clothing regularly. Use hot water and a natural detergent to kill germs. Consider adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your laundry for its antibacterial properties.

Maintaining a clean and healthy home during winter doesn't mean you need to resort to harsh chemicals. At All Pure Cleaning, we believe in the power of natural, eco-friendly cleaning products to keep your home germ-free and safe for your family. Implement these tips to ensure your home is a sanctuary of cleanliness and health this winter.

For a pristine, eco-friendly clean, contact All Pure Cleaning today and let us help you keep your home spotless and germ-free all year round!