(ThyBlackMan.com) Bacteria is ubiquitous throughout the world, our homes and even on our skin. In fact, it is fair to say that the most numerous life form on the planet Earth is Bacteria and while many are beneficial, not all are we have to take steps to control them where we live, work and play. In our homes, there are five bacteria types that can cause sickness and worse. Thus it is important to be aware of what they are and how to control or eliminate them in order for us and our families to continue to be healthy.
The Sinister Five!
The five most commonly found harmful bacteria in the home are:
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium
- Staphylococcus
- EColi/Shigella
E-Coli and Shigella share some genetic components and thus both are in the same category. It should be noted that E-Coli covers a wide range of strains including strains that adapt from Shigella to E-Coli.
All of these bacteria can be found in the natural environment and 
some are even contained within the body. The methods of getting into the home vary, some are carried on the bottoms of shoes, some are carried into the home on food and others are simply naturally occurring in our digestive tracts. However, all can be eliminated by properly cleaning all areas of the home including surfaces such as counter tops, door knobs and by proper handwashing techniques.
Nooks and Crannies
While everyone understands that cleaning a home is important, you also have to disinfect as well. Perhaps, more importantly, is that all areas of the home should be subject to periodic cleaning, including areas that you might not consider during your normal cleaning routine. One commonly missed area is the duct work inside your home. Airborne particulates that carry bacteria can lodge in the air ducts to eventually be blown down on you, your family and your clean surfaces. Another area of concern is windows. Windows can accumulate airborne bacteria that will congregate into the small corners or edges and thus provide an avenue for transmission. Occasionally engaging a window cleaning service to properly clean them will reduce that possibility.
Don’t Forget The Pets!
Pets can bring all types of bacteria from the yard into the home as well as spread existing bacteria throughout the home unintentionally. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean your pets as well. Also, making sure to properly wash your hands after petting or playing with your pets will also reduce the chances of getting sick from any bacteria they may have stumbled upon.
Note About Antibacterial Soaps
When cleaning, using a disinfectant is fine but when it comes to washing your hands, using an antibacterial soap only serves to strengthen the bacteria and make it resistant to the drugs designed to treat any corresponding infections. Regular soap and water will remove the bacteria from your hand without any problem.
There is no practical way to remove all the bacteria from your home. By observing proper hygiene and by engaging in proper cleaning and disinfecting of your home, you can reduce the avenues of transmission from the bacteria that does reside in and around your home. Good quality cleansers and disinfectant coupled with hot, soapy water will sufficiently clean and disinfect most surfaces and areas of your home where bacteria will congregate. Just be sure to occasionally include the areas that go unsuspected like ductwork and windows. Bacterial infections can be prevented and it only takes a little bit of time and effort for that prevention. The time you spend might save you a lot of time later.
Staff Writer; Lisa Nelson
