How to Properly Sanitize Your Everyday Items We are all exposed to germs and bacteria on a daily basis, and most of us live to tell about it. That's because you become immune, and most bacteria is not going to kill you. However, if you looked at some of your everyday items under a microscope, you would be disgusted at what you see. You probably clean and sanitize your toilet at least once a week. The fact is, some of your everyday items that you use and touch all day may have more germs and bacteria on them than your toilet does. Cell Phones Just consider walking into the door of one patient's room at your hospital. How many people touched that same door today? How many had just washed their hands prior to touching the door? Well, it's a safe bet many people touched the door, and it's another safe bet that not many had just washed their hands. In essence, everything that they touched since they last washed their hands could now be transferred to the door. So you touch the door on the way into the room, and then you grab your phone to check the time. Well, you just picked up the germs and/or bacteria that were at the door and deposited it to your phone. There are ways to sanitize a phone that will not hurt the electronics of the device, just make sure you don’t immerse it in water unless it specifies that is acceptable. There are actually multiple ways to sanitize your phone effectively. Most stores now sell sanitizing phone wipes. They are made solely for the purpose of sanitizing your phone, so you know that you are safe using them. You can also make your own homemade version of a cleaning solution that will sanitize your phone properly. All you need is a small spray bottle, 8 ounces of 70 percent rubbing alcohol, and 8 ounces of distilled water. (Make sure that it’s distilled, Tap water can leave behind a residue.) A 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and distilled water also works, if you want to keep things organic and don't mind the odor. Don’t hesitate to use Qtips and toothpicks to get the cracks and crevices properly cleaned; if you are going to clean it you may as well do a great job. If you prefer to go all out, you can opt to purchase a UV sanitizer to use with your electronic devices. Related: How to Benefit from Networking Pens & Pencils Writing devices often get overlooked, they are only thought of when you need to write something. They get put down on tables, loaned out to other people, and simply handled quite often during a busy day. You can opt for
an antibacterial wipe of any kind for your pen or pencil, or use a mix of vinegar water, that will sanitize properly as well. Eye Glasses & Sun Glasses You may not think of eye glasses since you clean the lenses often, but the frames themselves can become really dirty over time. Soak your glasses in a vinegar water solution for 5 minutes and let air dry, then use a normal eyeglass solution to wipe down the lens. It’s a good idea to do this on a regular basis; if your glasses should have certain types of bacteria on them it could cause an infection within your eye. Hand Bags & Tote Bags There is no simple answer to these items, but they can certainly have bacteria on them. The seat area on a shopping cart in a grocery store is generally covered in bacteria from babies and small children being seated in them. The bottom in particular of your bag is probably a lot worse than you realize. Cleaning depends totally on the materials of the bag, so in this case you would need to check the manufacturer's label. In the case of a cloth bag, washing in a gentle cycle wash may be the best solution. If spot cleaning, vinegar will work, or antibacterial wipes, just make sure. Whatever you use does not contain bleach or it will be discolored. Related: How to Prepare for Your First Performance Review When you are at work there are a number of everyday things you are using that could probably use a good sanitizing, don’t just assume someone else is doing it. Some items that may need attention are: • Clipboards • Charts • Files • Filing Folders • Computers • Tablets • Lanyards • Keys These are a few of the many things in a hospital that most likely have bacteria multiplying on them. Most people will not get sick from coming in contact with everyday germs, however, routine sanitizing of everyday items will help protect and decrease the chances of contamination from bacteria.
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