There are three basic ways to contract the flu: sneezing, coughing, and physical contact. The harmful germs enter the respiratory system through an individual’s different orifices, from their eyes to their mouth. Although one safe way to prevent contracting the flu is by avoiding other people, that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to prevent it.
The Problem with Flu Season
People can get the flu even without dealing with people in person. Some germs can remain on surfaces without a host, causing sick individuals to be in contact with these germs and harbor them for weeks. During winter, this is even more likely as the influenza virus can survive for longer under cold, dry conditions. As a result, it’s necessary to be mindful of what one touches, especially in public areas.
“One way to prevent getting the flu in this manner is by washing and disinfecting high-touch areas like switches, doorknobs, and other objects”, advises Richard Mowbray, owner of Perfection Carpet Cleaning in Peabody MA, who is a local cleaning and healthy home expert. Mr Mowbray further provided that; “airborne germs can also stick under soft surfaces like upholstery and carpet. By lodging themselves in between the fibers, they can end up in your body as you attempt to dust and clean this furniture. This is why it’s necessary to give a deep clean to remove all potential contaminants in the home.”
The Culprit of Flu in Homes
Having guests over can be a dangerous health hazard, especially if they are sick. Their presence can end up causing one to catch their disease if they aren’t careful. This interaction can also exist even without having someone over. Interacting with infected individuals in public can make it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread, even to the homes of others if they fail to properly sanitize themselves.
It’s easy for one to pick up germs from furniture with a touch of a hand. This is a considerable concern for parents with children who are vulnerable to allergens. Toddlers use all of their senses to feel their environment, including their mouth and lips. The CDC recommends frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds to reduce the risk of catching a cold or flu. However, the risks can be further minimized by sanitizing both soft and hard surfaces—even if there aren’t children at home.
Protecting Carpets with Deep Cleaning
While hand washing and proper surface sanitization can do wonders, germs also linger in areas that are a little bit harder to clean such as carpets and upholstery. With the help of a professional cleaning team, such soft surfaces can be free of germs or bacteria that may be hidden between the fibers. “The importance of professional carpet and upholstery cleaners is quite simple,” says Richard Mowbray. “We have industry-grade equipment and use methods that the average household does not, such as the deep steam cleaning method. We also use commercial-grade products that are highly effective, leaving no place for contaminants to hide.”
After receiving a deep cleaning service, it’s every homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their home’s safety and hygiene by developing healthy cleaning habits. Each individual should take an active part in maintaining a safe environment; doing so will prevent them from needing professional services too frequently. It’s important to ensure that all equipment is clean and in working order and proper technique is practiced when going over soft surfaces.
Keep the Flu at Bay With Professional Cleaning and Regular Sanitization
Keeping one’s body in top condition isn’t always about exercising proper hygiene and having a healthy diet; it’s also about nurturing a safe and clean environment. Sanitizing all hard surfaces at home and having soft surfaces professionally cleaned is an excellent way to prevent contaminants from entering the body and triggering harmful illnesses.
Idaho Carpet & Floor Care in Nampa is a commercial and residential carpet, upholstery and tile floor cleaning service that has served the communities of Peabody, Beverly, Andover, Danvers Lynnfield and surrounding communities in Essex County MA since 1989. As a company that is fully insured with over 30 years of experience, they pride themselves on being a top-quality healthy facility cleaning service for homeowners and businesses alike.
Andrew Vasquez
About the Author: Andrew Vasquez is the owner of Idaho Carpet Floor Care, specializing in high-quality carpet and floor cleaning solutions with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction.