It’s true that some exposure to germs helps to build our immune systems, but it’s also true that lots of more harmful germs can lead to food poisoning, diarrhoea and vomiting. And although there’s plenty of discussion currently around the idea that too much cleaning can lead to more allergies, there is, according to the Hygiene Council, no scientific evidence to support this. In a nutshell, there’s every reason to practise good hygiene around the home. But how hygiene conscious are you? Take a look at our slideshow to find out how well informed you are and learn steps you could take to cut down on the spread of harmful germs.
True or false: The flu virus can remain active on surfaces for up to 48 hours
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True!
The fact that the flu virus can remain active for such a long period of time means that if surfaces that aren’t cleaned regularly, the virus can more easily be picked up on peop
True or false: Your kitchen sink contains more germs than your toilet
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True!
You may imagine that the toilet harbours the most germs in the home, but not only does the average kitchen sink contain more germs – it contains around 100,000 times more than t
True or false: Most parents ensure their children always wash their hands before eating
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False!
A recent global survey found that only 3 in 5 people (59 per cent) claim their children always wash their hands before eating.
False!
Although some people believe that a good soak in the bath loosens all dirt and grime, having a bath means you’re sitting in water contaminated with that same dirt, so washing u
True or false: Cooked food should not be left at room temperature for longer than two hours
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True!
Leaving food – even when cooked – to sit at room temperature allows plenty of bugs to grow and multiply, whereas cooling them quickly and storing them in the fridge will m
True or false: Clothes can harbour millions of bacteria
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True!
Bed linen, underwear and towels should be washed at 60?C.
True or false: Refrigerated food should be stored at 1-3?
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False!
In fact 3-5?C is the optimum temperature for storing food in your fridge and if it’s too icy, it’s not working efficiently.
True or false: Uncooked meat should be stored on the highest shelf of the fridge
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False!
Because uncooked meats tend to leach blood from their packaging, which could drip down on to other foods and contaminate them, they should be stored on the bottom shelf of the fridge
True or false: Toys can transmit germs from a sick to a healthy child
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True!
Yes, your child’s toys can be a source of transmission of bugs. Bacteria can live on hard surfaces for days or even longer, whilst fabrics can also harbour germs.
True or false: The loo seat harbours more harmful germs than the bathroom taps
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False!
Bathroom taps often carry more harmful bacteria than a loo seat. This is because, out of necessity, we handle taps before we wash our hands after using the lavatory.
