 Simmons
consulted with Philip M. Tierno, Jr.
Ph.D., author of “The Secret Life
of Germs” and Director of Clinical
Microbiology and Immunology at NYU Medical
Center to learn about the allergens and
debris in a mattress.
According to Dr. Tierno, the bedroom is the most germ-infested room
in a home outside of the kitchen. People spend hours each night
in close physical proximity to their mattresses and the dust mites,
mold and fungal spores inside of them. While a variety of cleaning
products exist to rid the kitchen of germs and bacteria, the HealthSmart
Bed is ideal for removing bed contaminants by washing or dry cleaning.
“I can think of no single place
that challenges a person immunologically day in and day out than
a mattress.”
In his book, The
Secret Life of Germs, Dr. Tierno says that preventing exposure
to germs, bacteria and allergens is essential to staying healthy. He
advises that people pay special attention to areas of the home that
act as hotbeds for germs, including the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
In the kitchen
• The kitchen sponge is the most germ-infested item in one's home. Properly
sanitize sponges and dishrags with a diluted bleach solution, such as 1 part
bleach to 9 parts water.
• Replace sponges every three weeks due to the build-up of trapped food
particles.
• Don't wipe your dining table with the kitchen sponge or
dishrag to prevent cross-contamination from meat and vegetable
germs.
• Transferring your garbage bag can spread salmonella. Pay
attention to whether your trash receptacle is wet. If so, clean
with bleach and water and let dry before inserting new liner.
• Chicken, fish, hamburgers and hotdogs should be cooked
to interior temperatures of at least 180 ° F.
• Never leave food at room temperature for more than two
hours.
In the bedroom
• Use an impervious cover on your mattress, or the HealthSmart
Bed which enables allergens to be washed away just like when you
clean your sheets.
• Avoid heavy drapes and carpeting; hard surfaces are best
as they don't trap debris and allergens.
• Vacuum floors, drapes and upholstery regularly to reduce
dust mite presence. Use a HEPA filter to avoid spread of salmonella
and other bacteria through blowing air.
• Wash sheets once per week in hot water and bleach.
• Sanitize stuffed animals by vacuuming them weekly or putting
them in a hot dryer.
In the bathroom
• Wipe down your shower walls after every use to prevent soap scum and
germs.
• Shower liner should be replaced frequently, especially
if moldy.
• Clean your toilet twice per week.
• Let toothbrushes air-dry and store in the medicine cabinet
to avoid contamination that occurs from flushing the toilet.
• Lower toilet lid before flushing to limit water aerosols. |
