How do you clean?

[SunshineMommy]

Is this overboard for cleaning, not enough, or ok??? This is what we do: Vacuum all carpet at least weekly, shampoo it every 3-4 months, mop tile with a lysol/bleach solution weekly, damp dust weekly, wash all bedding in 130 deg water weekly, use chlorine bleach on all colorfast laundry, chlorine-free bleach on all other laundry, use lysol solution every 2-3 days on all kitchen/bathroom surfaces, scrub the bathtub & shower each weekly with clorox disinfectant/bleach gel cleaner, use new towels & washclothes at each bathing, clean drains at least monthly with a bleach solution, use toilet bowl cleaner with bleach twice weekly for toilet bowls, and soak toothbrushes overnight in hydrogen peroxide at least weekly. Is there anything I'm forgetting? We also use an electronic air filter on our furnace and run an air purifier in the bedroom. We do allow pets in the home but not the bedroom and no smoking in our home. Also, we have no indoor plants. We do not wear shoes in the home - only at the tiled entry ways. I just want to make sure I'm doing all I can to keep our home as free from germs as possible. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[anonymous]

What about steam cleaning? Does anyone use steam to clean and avoid the harsh chemicals? If so, how effective is it and is it easy or difficult to do?

 

[anonymous]

you are doing ok...I do most the same and it is not because CF, my mother always did it the same way w/ no cfers at home. One thing that you can do is, lynsol on nobs every other day ( the entry door and the bathrooms) and everyone that goes in your house wash their hands...doesn't matter if it is not cold season. Make a pretty sign and put in your front door. About the animals, I would brush them every other day too. Ah, the kitchen is cleaned everyday w/ clorox sheets, but I do it coz I cook everyday. and I clean w/ clorox the fridge water compartment too...we have the side by side fridge and the water thing is always wet. But the most important thing is wash hands...another thing...always that it is possible, open the windows...even in the winter...my mum always is paranoid about windows...and the only thing I can say is that I have never need antibiotic and have no more than 1 cold a year.one more time, you are doing a great job!!!!loveval

 

[anonymous]

i'm new at all this and learning lots from you pros. we have a 15 month old who has been really well so far, but I had no idea I should be cleaning this extensively! can I ask why there should be no house plants??? thanks!

 

[AbsintheSorrow]

Keep house plants... and don't take people who tell you to clean EVERYTHING so seriously. I'm sure they're serious, but trust a 20 year old CFer over a new parent, or whoever else is in here. I didn't even read the responses. I just know that your kid doesn't need to live in a bubble to be okay. I've grown up around dogs, cats, birds, rodents, houseplants, etc. And I'm doing okay.

 

[anonymous]

I agree with Emily, I grew up on a hobby farm with all kinds of animals - you name it, we had it. However, the only indoor animal was our Toy Poodle and she stayed in the kitchen. I will say that I will never have a cat in my house or a dog (unless it is another poodle) - they are dirty animals. Cleanliness is good but sometimes germs are good to. Washing hands is excellent, and wiping off counters, but don't spend your whole day cleaning. Remember germs help build the immune system. Neat and tidy is important, common sense goes a long way also, if it looks dirty - by all means clean it. Goodness knows your child will someday enter a house that isn't clean, they have to be used to dust and grime - its just how life is. Sarah27 w/cf

 

[AbsintheSorrow]

And they'll be better off with an immune system. They will have to be in school eventually around snotty nosed dirty grimy children. And if they have a built up immune system, they'll be far more likely to survive colds and flus with flying colors.

 

[anonymous]

Does anyone have an opinion on whether all of the cleaning chemicals, bleach, scents, etc would almost do more harm (if inhaled) when they are used that often than the germs they are designed to eliminate?I know even Windex can get me choked up sometimes and I always try to hold my breath (not easy) when using toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, etc.(30's w/ CF)

 

[anonymous]

We keep our house clean by using as many natural products as possible. I use vinegar&water to wash my floors as an example. There are great cleaning tips on the internet for various ways of cleaning, and creating your own cleaning products.

 

[anonymous]

<blockquote>Quote<br><hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>Anonymous</b></i><br>Does anyone have an opinion on whether all of the cleaning chemicals, bleach, scents, etc would almost do more harm (if inhaled) when they are used that often than the germs they are designed to eliminate?
I know even Windex can get me choked up sometimes and I always try to hold my breath (not easy) when using toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, etc.
(30's w/ CF)<hr></blockquote>

I was wondering the same thing. Bleach is really bad if you inhale it. I almost always get a lung bleed from it. I would rather things be a little dirty than sanitized all the time.

Tammy 43wcf and doing well with the dirt, pets, houseplants and 2 kids in elementary school!

 

[anonymous]

The chemicals that makes me bleed from smell - Rubber Cement - sometimes Nail polish. But as far as cleaning goes, Windex chokes me also, as does bleach, lysol and some toilet bowl cleaner. If I use cleaner in the bathroom - I do as I do when I spray my hair - Squirt hold my breath and run (leaving the fan on in the room) Otherwise open the windows. My four year old niece always asks me to paint her nails and I always have to say not now or later so we can do it outside. I still hold my breath and walk away - nice that she has tiny nails.


Sarah 27w/cf