People ask, how does your Healthy Touch Deep Cleaning System help us with flu and virus protection? If you are armed with regular cleanings from The Maids, you’ve got a defense against common winter ailments. It isn’t only what we clean, but how we clean that gives your home the healthiest, most thorough cleaning. By cleaning your kitchen and bathroom floors on hands and knees, we do a much better job on grease, germs and bacteria. Besides cleaning all kitchen cabinet, appliance and counter surfaces, we also use special brushes to clean out the little crevices where germs and bacteria gather. In the bathroom, we use a grout brush to remove mold, mildew and stubborn soap residue so unhealthy spores are eradicated. We disinfect all bathroom surfaces. We even brush clean the toilet seat hinges every visit to be sure bacteria and hidden germs are eliminated. We clean and disinfect phone receivers, light switch plates and door knobs which is a great way to stop the spread of germs. And of course, all team members are fully trained to ensure that you receive only the highest quality clean possible.

These days the swine flu has been the popular sickness to remind us of the season. Also known as H1N1, which sounds like a Star Trek disease to me. At any rate, here are a few more tips we post around our office that I thought you might find helpful as well.

If someone in your home has cold or flu symptoms, take extra caution using these cleaning tips to keep your home healthy this fall.

- Everyone in the home should wash his or her hands regularly in warm soapy water. For quick disinfecting, use alcohol-based antibacterial hand sanitizer. Make an effort not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose without first washing your hands.

- When cleaning, always wear rubber gloves to protect yourself.

- Regularly use a household disinfectant on any surfaces that are commonly touched like doorknobs, appliance handles, remote controls, light switches, phones, and facial tissue box covers.

- Use a disinfectant in all bathrooms. Use a disinfecting cleaner on toilet handles and seats, faucets, showers, tubs and sinks. Follow proper usage instructions listed on the product’s label.

- If multiple toothbrushes are kept in a common container, either put them through the dishwasher or purchase new ones.

Here’s to a healthy, happy, holiday season!