How To Protect Your Home From The Influenza Virus

The 2010-2011 Flu Season has started and the Center for Disease Control expects that the H1N1 influenza virus (i.e "Swine Flu") will play a large role worldwide, as in 2009-2010. Last year, the virus reached pandemic status -- the first time that's happened in 40 years.

In public places, avoiding "germy" places can be difficult. But within your home, you can easily create germ-free spaces.  This 4-minute interview from NBC's The Today Show teaches about the flu virus, and how to protect yourself.

A few of the cleanliness tips shared include:

• Flu virus can live for up to 8 hours on a household surface
• Computer keyboards carry 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat
• Make sure your cleaning tools (i.e. sponges, mops) are, themselves, clean

The video also shares tips for keeping a cleaner, safer home, plus facts on the influenza virus.

Stay clean, stay healthy, and consider vaccinations. The flu virus hospitalizes 200,000 people each year.

 

Rid Your Kitchen Of Hidden Dirt And Grime

A kitchen is often a home's busiest room -- a meeting place for meals and conversation. It's also among the home's most grimy rooms. Bacteria, dirt and germs collect on floors, on countertops, and inside appliances.

In this 4-minute clip from NBC's The Today Show, you'll learn how to rid your kitchen of "nastiness".  The featured fixes use nothing but basic household cleansers and elbow grease, and they include:

• How to clean and restore wooden cutting boards and bowls
• How to remove "burn stains" from the side of a frying pan
• How to eliminate pervasive dishwasher odors

The segment also tackles why you should choose loofah over sponge, and how to catch fruit flies.

For as much time as you spend in your kitchen, it's best to keep it clean and sanitized.

White Distilled Vinegar : An Environmentally-Friendly Home Cleaning Solution

Supermarket aisles are filled with specialty cleansers -- some for the kitchen, some for the bathroom, some for the carpets. Loaded with chemicals, these cleansers can be tough on the environment and costly, too.

If you're in search of an alternative, consider white distilled vinegar.  It's inexpensive, safe to store, and highly effective as a household cleanser.

White vinegar's strength comes from its acidity, roughly 8%. It's acidity kills most mold, germs, and bacteria, and can remove minerals deposits from coffee makers and glass surfaces.

Some uses for white distilled vinegar include:

• Cleaning the garbage disposal : 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar + 1/2 cup baking soda. Pour down drain and let sit for 5 minutes. Run hot water to flush it.
• Removing lunch box odors : Soak bread slice in white distilled vinegar. Place it in lunch box overnight.
• Remove dark spots on aluminum pots : Mix 1 cup white distilled vinegar + 1 cup hot water.  Boil in pot.
• Brighten carpets : Mix solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar + 1 gallon water. Test on inconspicuous area first.
• Remove water rings from wood : Mix solution of 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar + 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.

White distilled vinegar is extremely versatile, but it can strip finish from counter-tops and floors if left to soak. Be sure to exercise care, therefore, when using vinegar at home.