As it gets chillier outside and as flu season bears down, maintaining a germ-free home is one way families can combat illness.

Flu activity is considered widespread in 48 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“A clean house keeps viruses and bacteria under control, which lessens the chance of getting sick,” says Janice Stewart, co-owner of Castle Keepers of Charleston. “They don’t spread as easily when you keep contamination levels low – so you’re less likely to get the flu or some sort of bacterial infection.”

Stewart is the mother of three children ages 13, 8 and 5. She knows a thing or two about keeping a clean house with a limited amount of time.

Castle Keepers uses ATP meters (adenosine triphosphate meters) to track the cleanliness of areas and surfaces. The meters measure cells, both living and dead, and show a “before and after” level of contamination.

Mostly professionals use the meters, but the general public can purchase them if they wish; however, they are very expensive.

Stewart says the germiest places in a home aren’t necessarily what people would normally assume. TV remote controls, light switches, computer keyboards/mice and doorknobs are some of the main culprits.

“It makes sense, because they’re usually not well-cleaned. Cell phones get pretty dirty as well. Keeping these areas under control and wiped regularly with a clean cloth goes a long way toward keeping down that type of contamination.”

For do-it-yourself cleaning tips, Stewart recommends Flylady.com, which offers an entire cleaning system, and the book “Home Comforts : The Art and Science of Keeping House” by Cheryl Mendelson.

Stewart offers some helpful hints to Lowcountry Parent readers who want a cleaner home. (For more information, tips and a blog, visit castle-keepers.com.)

Helpful Cleaning Tips

• A quick wipe doesn’t work. Disinfectants don’t work on soiled surfaces. Apply disinfectant to an already cleaned surface, and let it dwell on the surface so it has time to actually kill the bacteria and viruses. It can take anywhere from three to 10 minutes to be effective. Be sure to follow instructions on the product label.

• Use both hands. It can be difficult to get used to and takes practice, but using both hands allows you to be more effective by covering more surface area faster.

• Go for high-touch point areas first. Wipe doorknobs, light switches, banisters, etc., prior to cleaning anything else to help keep your family healthy this flu season.

• Clean for appearance second. Dust, polish glass, vacuum and mop second.

• Have kids help. Give children age-appropriate tasks to help while cleaning.

• Always keep clutter under control. It’s easier to clean more quickly when you don’t have to pick up a lot first. When you have kids there’s always something to pick up, but keeping it to a minimum helps speed up cleaning time.

• Don’t forget school supplies. Be sure to clean book bags, lunchboxes and other items children bring to and from school.

• Hire a professional. Don’t be embarrassed to seek help if your home has gotten out of hand and is too hard to keep up. Hiring a professional cleaning service once or twice a month can make a tremendous difference. Make sure the company is licensed, bonded and has liability insurance. Ask how employees are hired and trained – ideally you want people trained in-office versus in your home. *

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