The friends and family we love most can unknowingly spread the germs they’ve picked up throughout the day, all around our homes.
But these germs shouldn’t get in the way of us embracing the beauty of everyday life.
At Dettol, we’re celebrating the germy habits in and out of our homes, and letting you focus on the good times, comfortable in the knowledge that we’ve got you covered.
So, keep spreading the love and we’ll handle the germs.
What are germs and how do they spread? 1-6
Harmful bacteria (also known as “pathogens”) are microscopic organisms that may cause illness and infections if they get into our bodies. The most common types of germs are:
Bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning)
Viruses (e.g. Rhinovirus, which can cause the common cold)
Different germs spread in different ways. Take bacteria - they can survive anywhere warm and moist in your home. But viruses are different. Being around one hundredth the size of a bacterium, viruses need to be inside a living host to reproduce. And it’s through this process that they can start affecting both you and the people you care about.
‘Bad germs’ can be lurking all around us
Lunchboxes
Improper food storage can result in bacterial growth, with bacteria growing quickly between 5°C and 60°C.7,8
Where you make lunch also matters – that is, the kitchen. Tea towels and dish sponges are hot beds for germs, and bacteria can also be found on chopping boards, fridges and benchtops.8,9
Bath toys
Did you know there could be 9 and a half million bacteria cells per cm2 in your child’s rubber ducky?10
The plastic material combined with bath water make an ideal environment for them to grow.10 Although, you’ll likely find bacteria growing almost everywhere in humid bathrooms – basins, bathtubs, showers, toilets…you’ll find them on your towels too!8,10
Shopping cart seats
One study found that there may be even more bacteria on shopping cart seats and handles than in public toilets or playground equipment.11
We’re talking up to 11 million germs!11 It’s thought that contact with raw food as well as dirty nappies from children sitting on them contribute to the high levels of bacteria.11
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GERMS CAN BE FOUND IN EVERYDAY PLACES
Keep lunch boxes cool
Use insulated lunch boxes, or pack a frozen drink bottle inside to keep your child’s food cold.7
Use separate chopping boards for raw meat and veggies
This is part of good food hygiene and helps to prevent cross contamination.8
Carry disinfectant wipes or hand sanitiser in your handbag
This can be helpful for when you’re out and about.
Wipe down commonly touched surfaces often
This includes desks, countertops, TV controls, door handles and light switches.
Keep the house clean
Including bathrooms, kitchens and regularly washing laundry items8,14
Teach your family to avoid coughing or sneezing on others
And be sure to put used tissues into the bin13
Most importantly, wash your hands!
Especially before handling food, after using the toilet and after touching animals or pets8,13,14
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SPREAD THE LOVE, NOT THE GERMS
WITH DETTOL HAND SANITISER & BIODEGRADABLE DISINFECTANT WIPES
*E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella & antibiotic-resistant MRSA
90% biodegrades in 60 days in active landfill conditions. Not suitable for composting conditions.
References:
1. InformedHEalth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006. What are microbes? 2010 Oct 6 [Updated 29 Aug 2019]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279387/ (accessed
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What are germs and how do they spread? 1-6
Harmful bacteria (also known as “pathogens”) are microscopic organisms that may cause illness and infections if they get into our bodies. The most common types of germs are:
Different germs spread in different ways. Take bacteria - they can survive anywhere warm and moist in your home. But viruses are different. Being around one hundredth the size of a bacterium, viruses need to be inside a living host to reproduce. And it’s through this process that they can start affecting both you and the people you care about.