Tips for Preventing NoroVirus

(February 25, 2013) Have you heard of the Norovirus? Perhaps you know someone who has experienced it?

Let me tell you what happened to a friend of mine recently. She, and her family went to a friends house for a get together. Within hours, her three kids were terribly sick! And I really don't want to get into the details about "how" they were sick, but head to toe - they were sick.

Just let me tell you this, my friend was constantly cleaning one mess after another. Just when she thought she was getting some relief when one child seemed to be getting better, her husband got sick! And when he seemed to get better, she got sick. Not fun!

She called her friend up and asked if anyone was sick at her house recently. Turns out, everyone was sick at her friends house only the day before! Her friend certainly didn't think anyone would catch anything from them, or she wouldn't have invited them over.

But she didn't know about this virus! Her family got better, but the virus was still living in her home!

Cleaning Tip for the Norovirus

So here is my cleaning tip: This virus can live anywhere for hours. And the only way to rid your home, is to wipe down your surfaces with Clorox bleach.

Here is some more information that I researched and saw on Foxnews.com:

"Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread quickly and easily between people – most commonly by touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus then touching your mouth, coming into direct contact with someone infected with the virus or consuming contaminated food or drink. There are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of catching it.

Wash hands often with soap and warm water; alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill this virus.
Clean and disinfect any contaminated surface using a bleach-based cleaner
Wash any soiled laundry items separate from non-soiled items on the highest heat and longest cycle and dry completely."

Source: Dr. David B. Samadi, Published February 01, 2013, FoxNews.com Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/02/01/tips-for-preventing-norovirus-infection/#ixzz2KE95f6Oe

If you are one of my commercial or residential clients, you know we routinely disinfect your doorknobs and lightswitches. I can't impress upon you enough how seriously we take this task with all of our jobs. I hope this information is helpful to you and your family and co-workers. It only takes an extra minute, but it can really make a difference.

Do you have a cleaning tip or a cleaning question?

I like to think of this area as a cleaning help line. If you are looking for help keeping your home in tip top shape - or, it you have some great ideas that can make life easier for somebody else, here is a great place to post it.