Woman holding cleaning supplies and looking into a room ()
One of the great things about a posting overseas is the chance to see and observe how things are done in countries much different from our own. While not every habit we see we’ll want to imitate, there are some traditional behaviors that seem likely to lead to reductions in the level of bacteria and viruses we introduce into our own private spheres. Here are some habits we might consider adopting in our own happy homes in this time of enhanced vigilance toward maintaining the highest standards in cleanliness:
Taking shoes off upon entering the home: A basic way to keep the home environment pristine is to make sure shoes are removed by the door. This habit observed in households around the world makes good sense. Not only is dirt and mud not tracked in; other nasty microbes aren’t transferred to your floor either. A bench or chair right by the door and a rack or tray in which to place the shoes makes the process flow all the more smoothly, even for guests who aren’t used to removing footwear. In many countries, it’s common practice to provide your guest with a pair of slippers. If you offer your guest these, remember a wash or dose of spray disinfectant will keep them sanitary for the next visitor.
Changing out of street clothes and into home wear: Shoes aren’t the only thing that can bring in germs from the outside world. Just think of all the public spaces your jeans were exposed to over the course of a single day! Slipping into a tracksuit or other leisurewear is not only clean, it’s comfy.
Using blankets and throws to protect the furniture: You can’t toss your favorite easy chair or sofa in the wash, but you certainly can a covering. Some studies show the sofa can be one of the ickiest places in a typical family home. Cover it up with a washable blanket, throw or slipcover and launder it at regular intervals. The same goes for those throw pillows. Their removable zip covers can be removed and freshened up whenever there’s a little extra space going in a load of laundry.
Slipping on duvet covers: The European practice of zipping or buttoning up one’s comforter is a good strategy for keeping an item that’s difficult to launder clean and fresh that much longer.
Ditching the dish sponge: Time and time again, studies show just how quickly bacteria builds up in the typical kitchen sponge. And while tossing it in the microwave might kill off some nasties, the process creates a “survival of the fittest” environment in which only the worst offenders emerge intact. The Danes are among those who tend to forgo the sponge in favor of a soft-bristled brush to remove food scraps from their dishes.
Airing out the room: Germans swear by the importance of airing out a room at regular intervals. This process of lüften can mean throwing your window wide open for at least five minutes once in the morning and again at night, even in the depths of winter. (Turning off the heat at this time will stop the heating system from kicking into overdrive.) The process carried out to keep condensation from building up in the walls and deter mold also lessens odors and decreases the concentration of indoor pollutants. Best of all, as oxygen boosts your brainpower, it can also make you more productive. So throw open that window and get to work!
