Is Spring Cleaning Making Your House Dirty?

LANCASTER, Pa., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans enthusiastically throw open their windows and hurl themselves into the annual arduous task of attempting to eliminate their uninvited winter guests called Dirt and Lingering Germs, they should stop before they mop. Unbeknownst to many, some traditional cleaning methods are actually spreading germs rather than killing them.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100427/NE93177 )

It's important to assess if old approaches to cleaning are the most effective, and even more importantly, the safest. Before traipsing out the traditional mops, seemingly harmless sponges and die-hard dust rags, HAAN® suggests asking the important question "Is Spring Cleaning Making Your House Dirty?"

Unsuspecting bacteria and germs can live and thrive in surprising places. Some startling statistics to review before you start your spring cleaning include:

• Problem: The kitchen sink is one of the most germ-ridden areas in the entire home.
• Solution:  Using the HAAN® HS-20 handheld, Deluxe Personal Sanitizing Steam Cleaner with the concentrator nozzle, steam clean the entire kitchen sink and counter including the tiny, scum-loving crevices around handles and facets.

• Problem: The sponge with which you clean your dishes and countertops contains more germs than the toilet bowl.
• Solution: Replace old sponges at least once a week and add them to your daily load of laundry to ensure cleanliness.

• Problem: Spring clothes, drapes and linens stored in a damp attic or basement are breeding grounds for bacteria.
• Solution: Refresh and sanitize using the HAAN® GS-60 Steam Station™ to kill up to 99.9% of household germs linens smelling fresh.

• Problem: Your refrigerator, the place you store the food you later eat, is ridden with hidden bacteria and germs.
• Solution: Don't overlook the refrigerator during spring cleaning. Get rid of old, spoiled food and wipe down all shelves, drawers and bins with sanitizing wipes.

• Problem: Bacteria and germs hiding in carpet fibers are not killed by vacuuming alone.
• Solution: Sanitize your carpets using the new HAAN® Duo™ with its dual purpose sweeper and steamer, great for cleaning and sanitizing both carpets and hard surfaces.

For a fresh look at spring cleaning tips visit www.haanusa.com.

SOURCE HAAN