12 May 2015, Dubai – UAE: This month saw World Hygiene Day, an annual event declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), encouraging patients, health workers and their family members to practice good hand hygiene. As simple as it sounds, good hygiene can prevent serious illnesses and diseases.

www.Helpling.ae, the global platform for booking cleaning services, examines the germiest places in your home and how to take care of them, ensuring optimum hygiene and safety.

The Kitchen Sink

The Kitchen Sink could possibly be dirtier than the toilet bowl. Most people disinfect toilet bowls but with kitchen sinks, most people tend to rinse with water and soap only. Food particles from plates left to soak or rinsed from dishes can serve as a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. They can spread on hands or food.

Here’s what to do:

1. Sanitize your sink to prevent the spread of bacteria.
2. Use a solution of bleach and water or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to clean the surface of the kitchen sink.

Your Toothbrush

You use your toothbrush twice a day and rinse it after every use, keeping it damp. Bacterial thrives on moist surfaces. Germs can easily reach your toothbrush, whether from your mouth or the air. In addition, every time you flush the toilet, bacteria- and virus-contaminated water droplets are sent into the air. These germs, can float around in the bathroom for at least two hours after each flush before landing on surfaces, including your toothbrush.

Here’s what to do:

1. Close the toilet lid before flushing
2. Place your toothbrush in an area where it can air and dry, not too close to the toilet
3. Replace your toothbrush regularly, especially after you’ve been ill.

Your TV Remote Control

The TV remote control is probably the most touched and shared item in the house. It’s dropped on the floor, stuffed between the sofa cushions, coughed on and sneezed at. Everyone in the house touches it. Studies have shown that the remote control’s surface is among the germiest in the house.

Here’s what to do:

1. As recommended with all surfaces, wipe the remote control with a bleach or alcohol wipe
2. Wash your hands regularly to protect yourself against germs

Your Computer Keyboard

You probably eat at your computer, sneeze, cough and allow for others to use it. Computer keyboards could be a health hazard. Researchers found that keyboards can be contaminated with a number of potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Staph.

Here’s what to do:

1. Always wash your hands before and after using your computer.
2. If you eat or drink at your computer, ensure that you wipe the surface with bleach or alcohol wipes. Don’t forget to wipe the mouse as well.

There are basic measures you can take to protect your family and yourself from diseases that could spread in your home. Here are some general tips from cleaning experts, Helpling.ae, on how to shield yourself from germs:

1. Wash your hands regularly with water and soap. Make sure to scrub your hands for no less than 20 seconds. Dont forget the areas between your fingers and under your nails.
2. Avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth after you’ve been touching objects in public places.
3. Close the bathroom lid before flushing, always!
4. Use hand sanitizer if there aren’t any washing facilities nearby.

About Helpling

The German based startup Helpling is the leading global online platform for on-demand home services. On the website, customers can book a vetted and insured cleaner in a couple of clicks. The innovative online service gives people more time to enjoy the nice things in life: family, friends and leisure activities.

Helpling was founded by Benedikt Franke, Philip Huffmann and Rocket Internet in January 2014. The company currently has more than 250 employees and offers its service in more than 200 cities globally. This makes Helpling the most widely available online marketplace for household services in the world.