8 Things in Your Home That May Be Harming You
Home sweet home, right? Well, sort of. You may be unaware of the potential health dangers lurking in your abode—from critters in the kitchen to bugs in the bedroom. Here’s what you need to know and what to do.
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Your kitchen sponge
Maybe you’ve heard about the germs on your kitchen sponge (gross news flash—there may be as many as 20 million microbes on it right now). But here’s the deal: Your method for “cleaning” that sponge may be leaving it loaded with potentially hazardous bacteria that can make you ill. Researchers at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service found that some common cleaning methods for sponges—soaking them in a bleach solution, lemon juice or water—did not eradicate the germs.
What to do
The best ways to clean a dirty sponge, they say, are in the microwave (on high for one minute) and in the dishwasher, which will kill 99.9 percent of all germs.
The best ways to clean a dirty sponge, they say, are in the microwave (on high for one minute) and in the dishwasher, which will kill 99.9 percent of all germs.
Join the discussion!
#1
Saturday, November 07, 2009 10:28:15 AM
What could be worse than door handles? Refrigerators door handles are way worse and should be cleaned every 2 days or so!
#2
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 6:53:49 PM
I use both vinegar and peroxide in my house for different cleaning needs. I have used both in my laundry. Did you know that vinegar will help set the dyes in the material to keep them from fading. The most important thing we can all remember is to always wash our hands with hot water and soap, if this is not available use a hand sanitizer. I also always try to use the wipes in the store baskets and carts as you don't know what has been sitting on the top of the cart and that is where most of us put our fruits and veggies.
#3
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 1:54:34 PM
DrMatt
Brass contains copper and zinc.
A brass doorknob has copper in it
.
I don't know if it will kill microbes or not.
#4
Monday, October 19, 2009 3:14:46 PM
Really good tips. Nobody mentioned the benefits of cleaning door handles, faucets and phones and remotes with plain ole rubbing alcohol I obtain at $$ stores. It makes everything shiny and it is also a well known disinfectant ,old as the hills but economical and veryeffective against bacteria!!! As Hunter would sayWORKS FOR ME!!!
#5
Thursday, October 15, 2009 3:13:53 PM
To: Down Home Guy
Oh my gosh! Didn't colloidal silver turn that one man blue?!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009 12:39:00 AM
OMG....SLS is an ingredient in SO o o o many items/products...thats good to know...thanks for posting. Im on the lookout
Thursday, October 15, 2009 12:37:00 AM
Thats interesting they think "nobody" ever thinks to wash their salt n pepper shakers...i do!
I wash them regularly...im sure lots of people do. I found the info about the PVC shower curtains/liners interesting AND the info about microorganisms possibly being unable to survive on copper (surfaces).
#8
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 8:19:46 AM
you can never beat old fashioned tips from mom like using vinegar to clean with vinegar on various foods and as a skin cleansing agent AND it is natural. Someday the VALUE of APPLES will be recognized as a super healer and food KING!!!
#9
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 2:13:19 AM
I recently read an article on 'Dangerous Shampoo' & the stuff they include in shampoos called 'SLS' or Sodium Laureth Sulfate whch is really a garage FLOOR CLEANER & imagine what a floor cleaner can do to your hair & your scalp. Well this article says it will damage the very roots of your scalp & when using shampoo it will drip down onto your skin, face etc, so now your skin will be come irritated etc. Now you know why these people always tell you to wash eyes with clear water if your eyes become irritated after using shampoo! Please check up on the internet for info' on this item & check your cupboards for SLS in any products you've bought like: shampoo, toothpaste, body washing gels or creams. I have only found 1 shampoo so far not to contain SLS & have seen the difference in my hair as it looks in a much better condition & less itchyness. Thank goodness someone sent me this email.
#10
Monday, October 12, 2009 4:05:47 PM
First off, I'm a guy.
Second thing, hydrogen peroxide is potentially dangerous at levels HIGHER than 35%.
Putting 10 drops into 8 ounces of water reduces it to around 3%. It's perfectly legal, I buy it at a local health food store.
<Edit> Quick research and calculation suggests the amount of HP I'm ingesting at roughly 0.2 percent to water.
Second thing, hydrogen peroxide is potentially dangerous at levels HIGHER than 35%.
Putting 10 drops into 8 ounces of water reduces it to around 3%. It's perfectly legal, I buy it at a local health food store.
<Edit> Quick research and calculation suggests the amount of HP I'm ingesting at roughly 0.2 percent to water.
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