Washing your hands and worktops regularly is not enough to prevent harmful bacteria spreading to you and family within the home and outside. Door handles are the one of the most common areas for germs and bacteria to settle and breed, largely due to the fact that they are touched on a daily basis by a high volume of people. However, when it comes to cleaning homes, offices and public places, door handles are commonly neglected.

Several television and media advertisements have stressed the need for people to thoroughly wash their hands and other touch points to avoid picking up and passing on infections and germs that can cause uncomfortable and unwanted conditions. However, door handles are never mentioned even though they are touched by every person that enters a new room at any time. A large amount of bacteria will be placed on the handles and transferred onto other people, objects and mechanisms.

The worst place, by far, to pick up an infection is through the use of public toilets. There are so many people who pass through these on a regular basis who will all have different standards of personal hygiene. Although hand washing is, or should be, instilled into our behaviour pattern from a very early age, many people still don’t. This can be the same for toilet use. Even though you may have taken the time to thoroughly wash your hands after using the bathroom, you will still need to touch the door handle to get back outside. In that time, a person who may have previously blown their nose or have been around animals may have used the handle, meaning all those germs are now in contact with you.

Carrying antiseptic wipes can be highly advantageous to those who want to avoid such unwanted interactions. These can be used to wipe all touch points that may contain a high degree and harmful amount of bacteria. Areas such as telephones, a keypad and mouse are all examples of other objects that are commonly forgotten about when cleaning.

Sterilising hand gel is another tool that can be used to fight germs and bacteria. By applying a small amount to your hands after touching commonly used objects can help to clean them. These are also used in circumstances where washing cannot be done.

We are all aware that the best form of defence against infections is to regularly wash your hands; however there are other things that can be done to help. Ensuring that door handles are on a to-do list when cleaning the home or office will help in the elimination of bacteria around the house.