Get a Grip on handles, some of the germiest
places in the house are the hot spots every-
one touches: door knobs, faucet levers, appli-
ance handles, etc. Bacteria and viruses can live
on these for up to 48 hours. Zap them with
surface-disinfecting sprays that are EPA-
registered (check the labels)-products that kill
the influenza A virus on hard surfaces will
also be effective against the H1N1 flu strain.
But note: The area should be clean of visible
dirt or gunk and needs to stay wet with the
disinfectant for the length of time listed on the
label-if it dries quickly, do a second pass.
Germs are killed during evaporation, so let
air-dry. For no-wet items, like remote controls,
light switches, or phones, saturate a cotton ball
with rubbing alcohol; squeeze out and swab
surfaces carefully so no liquid gets inside.
Do A Bed Check
While plenty of rest helps cure a
cold, it also leaves bedding and sofa
accessories in need of a good washing. Scoop
up sheets and pillowcases, as well as bathroom
towels, and launder them in hot water. To dry,
choose the antibacterial cycle, if your dryer
has one; otherwise use the highest tempera-
ture setting. For sofa pillows, throws and cov-
ers, launder according to label directions (for
nonwashable fabrics, spritz with a fabric-safe
disinfectant spray, but test in a hidden spot
first). Wash your hands after touching soiled
linens. Because bacteria can remain in the
washer, it's a good idea to de-bug the machine
by running a normal hot-water cycle (minus
clothes) with a dose of bleach added.
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