The Essential 12 Step Guide to Christmas

30th November 2007

As the festive season gears up to the annual ritual of indulgence, with office parties, late nights and culinary overload, infectious diseases and viruses will have a field day. Humid conditions, immune systems dampened by excess of alcohol and rich food makes the average reveller vulnerable to all sorts of undesirable infections, especially if people are not diligent in domestic hygiene. 

Too many Christmases have been spoilt by unnecessary sickness such as food poisoning. Now Matrix Cleaning Solutions, Dorset’s specialist infection control contract cleaners, have published a 12-step guide on cleaning tips aimed at minimising the risk of spreading common infections in time for a healthy Christmas. 

1. Thorough washing of hands with liquid soap is the best way to prevent the spread of cross contamination i.e. food borne illness.
2. Change kitchen sponges regularly. Scourers, brushes and cloths can all be sanitised in the dishwasher.
3. Always use separate cloths for cleaning surfaces and washing up.
4. Food storage refrigeration will slow down most bacterial growth, freezing will halt growth but only thorough cooking will kill bacteria.
5. Try not to overload fridge and freezer, as cool air must circulate freely to keep food properly chilled.
6. Regular cleaning of an oven is better than using harsh chemicals.  Use a spray de-greaser on a cold oven, leave overnight and wipe clean in the morning. More environmentally friendly, no toxic fumes, less elbow grease and a clean oven! 
7. Cleaning chemicals work more efficiently if allowed time to penetrate grease and dirt.  Always read the label first. 
8. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched by other people like telephones or doors, fridges, freezer and kettle handles. 
9. Carpets - Removing coffee, red wine and other tannin stains from carpets – do not rub or scrub stain or use soap based products, this will ‘set’ the stain, transferring the colour into the carpet fibres. Gently blot the stain with kitchen tissue to remove excess fluid. Moisten area with water and blot again. Repeat until stain has faded. If not able to remove, keep area moist until a carpet cleaning technician can be called.  Do not use hot water to remove protein stains (blood, milk, egg etc) this will set the stain. Do not try to remove candle wax, chewing gum and grease stains from carpets with hot water, an appropriate solvent cleaner will be needed.  
10. Regular use of cleaning chemicals on glass and mirrors can lead to a build up of residue, causing streaks and smears. Simply use a spray of cooled boiled water and kitchen tissue or newspaper to remove residue and wipe to sparkling smear free clean. 
11. Keep TV and computer screens clean and dust free, wipe with a barely damp cloth.  
12. It is essential to keep telephone handsets clean to minimise cross infection from cough and colds. Wipe with an alcohol wipe or specialist sanitizer.

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