Germs are one of the biggest concerns in Britain

In recent times we have been obsessed with the idea of staying as far away from germs as possible and with such illnesses as the Norovirus we are becoming more fixated on cleanliness. In fact, market research providers, Mintel have found that 14% of people are more concerned about germs than they used to be.

There are both good and bad germs. Pathogens are the germs that we need steer clear of and in a bid to do so many of us are turning to antibacterial hand wash - 46% of those surveyed in Mintel’s research. It has also been reported that 16% regularly carry hand sanitiser with them.

Richard Caines, Mintel's senior household care analyst, said: "A clean home environment improves people's sense of wellbeing and reduces anxiety - even more so at a time when incomes are being squeezed and less money is available for going out.

"Although some people think that as a nation we're becoming too obsessed about hygiene, manufacturers still have a big opportunity to market cleaning products focused on protecting and caring for the home and family, something that has resonance with consumers."

In just one year the desire to find disinfectants that are powerful germ killers increased by 9% in Britain, which highlights how significant the concern is in this country. According to Mintel new product development is capitalising on germ phobias and their research showed the UK as the most active country with 13% of household products carrying an antibacterial claim.

It has been said that the driving force behind the rise in concern over germs is the new development of technology including laptops, smartphones and tablets. However, by simply typing in a Google search for ‘staying germ free’, technology is not the top result, instead we are bombarded with guides on how to stay germ free on a plane. The concern over germs is widespread and covers many circumstances.

If you’re concerned about germs we at Click Cleaning recommend having a hand care product with you at all times. For convenience and having the option of carrying it in your handbag without it taking up too much room we believe the PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitiser 60ml is ideal for you. A larger volume (350ml) is also available.

For advice on how to keep the office germ free, we have a range of guides for you to read including: ‘Office cleaning’ and ‘How to clean a computer keyboard’.

New germ killing vapour that could eliminate MRSA

Scientists at Queen's University could have found a vapour that will revolutionise the cleaning industry. The Kingston Whig Standard has reported that a team of scientists have been working on a concoction, which combines ozone and hydrogen peroxide with another compound to form a vapour that can eradicate bacteria.

The vapour has also showed characteristics of eliminating bed bugs, whilst leaving rooms smelling fresh. Talking about the procedure, Dr. Dick Zoutman, who developed the technology along with Dr. Michael Shannon of California-based Medizone International said; “The procedure actually mimics what antibodies do in the human body when they attack an infection”.

This new solution has also been said to kill some of the most dangerous germs around and could help to save lives. Clinical lab trials showed the gas killed all germs that it came into contact with, including deadly MRSA cells.

Talking about the advantages hospitals could benefit from, Dr. Zoutman continued: "Our best cleaning methods have limits to how much they can get rid of. The gas vapour sterilizes all hard surfaces and fabrics, including floors, walls, drapes, mattresses and chairs. The system takes between 15 and 30 minutes to disinfect an average hospital room”.

The system can be extremely useful for disinfecting a hospital room prior to the arrival of a new patient.

Zoutman continued: "The only germs in the room would be the ones they bring in themselves".

Killing germs in the Kitchen

Diligent cleaning is required when wanting to have that sparkling effect in the kitchen, especially when combating germs, virus and bacteria. In the kitchen the most common collectors of these germs are countertops, dish towels, rags and sponges, so regular kitchen cleaning practices need to be put in place. These kitchen practices include, disinfecting kitchen surfaces, washing dish towels with detergent, replaces sponges every three weeks and cleaning appliances.   

Germs are microorganisms, which can be found in all parts of the biosphere where there is liquid, more commonly water. Most germs traditionally are exploited to humans through food and beverage preparation, which can be harmful as they grow within organisms and create diseases, that in some cases can be fatal to people.

There are many ways in which you can eliminate these microorganisms, using chemicals or using non abrasive and green products. Chemicals do a great job when killing these harmful germs, but there are other ways of killing germs, just as using heat and hydrogen peroxide.