Cleaning and disinfecting your home can help remove germs. But how do you disinfect your house? Here we talk through what to clean and provide tips on cleaning methods around the house.
Germs in the home
Germs can live on surfaces or objects that you touch, cough or sneeze on. There are various different types of germs – see our Germ kill glossary for a description of these.
Cleaning and disinfecting is an essential part of home hygiene:
- Cleaning refers to the removal of germs and dirt from surfaces – it doesn’t kill germs but removes them from the surface.
- Disinfecting means to kill germs that live on surfaces. Disinfecting works best after cleaning.
People are increasingly using disinfectants in their everyday lives to practice good hygiene. It’s advisable to use store-bought disinfectants in Australia, as these meet government standards. You can make homemade disinfectants using bleach and water, but other homemade options like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils or saltwater may not kill the germs.
Germ hotspots in the home
Germs can survive on surfaces as well as on your body. Any place that the people in your home touch frequently could be a hotspot such as:
- Doorknobs
- Countertops
- Handrails
- Clothing
- Tables and chairs
- Light switches
- Tablets, phones and touchscreens
- Remote controls
- Keyboards
- Toilets, taps and sinks
Different types of germs can last for various lengths on time different surfaces. Some germs can remain active for several days depending on the material and the environment.
