Parents are turning down play dates and taking action against germs as nasty bugs continue to blight the nation, says new research from Molly Maid.
Parenting on Female First
In fact, nearly a third of parents wouldn’t arrange a repeat play date if a friend’s house was dirty and of those that would take the risk, a fifth would arm their kids with anti-bacterial wipes to keep clean while visiting.
Pam Bader OBE, Chief Executive of Molly Maid, said: “Keeping on top of the cleaning is a challenging task with children in the home but being aware of germ hot spots and prioritising hygiene will help make your house feel safe and inviting for you and other children.
“With 80% of common diseases spread by people’s hands onto everything we touch from door handles to telephones, getting some extra support from professional cleaners is an ideal way of lowering the risk of spreading germs so that visitors can rest assured that they are bringing their children into a clean and comfortable environment.”
Molly Maid’s Top Tips to keep your family home germ free:
1. Regular cleaning of floors and surfaces as well as washing hands are the simplest ways to lower the risk of spreading germs. Pay particular attention to areas around the high chair or where food is prepared.
2. The kitchen is the biggest hot spot for disease causing germs with top prize going to the sink followed by the dishcloth. Keep the kitchen sink and counters clean and launder dishcloths every day.
3. Children’s toys can be contaminated with all kinds of nasty germs so wash plastic toys in warm soapy water or put them in the dishwasher and put soft toys in the washing machine regularly. Freshen up a soft toy by sprinkling it with baking soda, shaking it gently and vacuuming it after an hour or so.
4. Recruit your children to help with basic cleaning routines, especially in their own bedrooms, and follow a regular cleaning schedule to reduce stress caused by having to remind them time and again.
5. Rearrange furniture with your children and take on board ideas when it comes to decoration. Involving children in design decisions allows them to take ownership for helping to keep the room clean.
MOLLY MAID has been providing bespoke professional domestic cleaning services to homes across the UK for over 25 years.
Visit www.mollymaid.co.uk to find your local Molly Maid and to discuss your specific requirements.
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