(Family Features) For years, terms like “clean,” “sanitized” and “disinfected” have been used almost interchangeably. However, if people have learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s just because something looks clean doesn’t mean it actually is.

From high-touch surfaces to personal hygiene, many have focused more on the cleanliness of their homes and the businesses they visit amid the pandemic. In fact, roughly 3 in 5 Americans (57%) are more concerned about the cleanliness of businesses they frequent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an online survey of 2,504 adults in the United States commissioned by ISSA and conducted by YouGov. Further, more than half (56%) have thought about how clean a business or public space is during the past two years more than ever before.

To help explain what “clean” means and shine a light on the importance of proper cleaning, the worldwide cleaning industry association launched “Rethink What Clean Means,” a first-of-its-kind campaign to educate the public and support businesses in elevating their standard of clean.

Consider these tips from the global experts on clean to help ensure you feel at ease both at home and in public spaces.

At Home

• When cleaning, wear gloves and do not touch your face (mouth, nose, eyes) with your hands. Gloves can help reduce the risk of infecting yourself with bacteria on the surfaces you’re cleaning and protect skin from the chemicals in cleaning supplies that could cause rashes or other irritation.
• Use cleaning products according to their directions for the most effective results. Be sure to account for the “dwell time” needed for a product to be effective after being applied. Many cleaning agents and disinfectants require time to sit on the surface to activate rather than being rinsed or wiped off immediately. Always keep cleaning products out of the reach of children.
• Consider using microfiber cloths, which can remove 99.9% of bacteria on hard surfaces due to their electrostatic properties. To help prevent cross contamination, use color-coded cloths for different jobs and wash microfiber cloths with other microfiber items only to maintain their cleaning power.
• Before using disinfecting products, clean soiled surfaces. For example, use a general-purpose cleaner to clean a tabletop before applying disinfectant according to the instructions on the product label.
• Frequently wipe down handles and other oft-touched surfaces like remote controls and light switches with disinfectant wipes or a microfiber cloth sprayed with a cleaner or disinfectant to help reduce the spread of germs.

On the Go

• Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Dry your hands with paper towels or automatic dryers to help prevent the spread of germs. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer on-hand for times when soap and water are not available.
• When traveling, use surface disinfecting wipes to disinfect high-touch surfaces, like armrests and tray tables, as they can easily pass germs between travelers.
• Look for businesses and public places committed to rethinking clean by displaying the Rethink Clean insignia. Additionally, seek out facilities that hold third-party cleaning accreditations like the GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, which means they uphold the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and infection prevention to protect public health.

Learn more about cleaning to the highest standards at RethinkClean.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (father and daughter cleaning counter)

SOURCE:
ISSA

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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(Family Features) As an essential element that nourishes and revitalizes, water plays a fundamental role in every beauty routine. From the droplets dancing on your scalp as they chase away lingering hints of slumber to creating the lather that cleans and rejuvenates your body, water is at the center of your daily life. Especially where you start your day: in the bathroom.

Your Bathroom Oasis

If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, create a refreshing oasis by celebrating the joy of water and the soothing function it brings. Transform your simple bathroom into a sanctuary filled with features that make it easy to enjoy the many ways water soothes your senses.

In the Shower
The shower is an obvious source of plenty of water-fueled relaxation. Shower heads with a selection of spray options let you adjust the pressure to fit your needs so you can opt for a quick cleanse or a more therapeutic experience with a calming rain effect. Other enhancements include a water-resistant bench and spacious shower shelves to hold a variety of products. Add in a touch of luxurious comfort by installing a heated towel rack to cap off the ideal shower experience.

At the Bathroom Vanity
When designing a practical space like the bathroom, it’s easy to overlook everyday features and focus instead on the bigger elements like the flooring or countertops. It’s these details that can make all the difference, however, and upgrading your bathroom sink faucet can take the retreat to a new level of beauty and functionality.

A subtly elegant selection such as the Lineare Collection from GROHE makes a sophisticated statement that instantly elevates the look and feel of a premium bathroom space. The sleek design is defined by slender cylindrical shapes complemented by slim profiles on the lever handles and spouts. Other appealing features include an increased spout height for enhanced comfort and a 90-degree swivel angle for better accessibility and easier cleaning.

“As an interior designer, I believe the way we experience water has the power to elevate everyday routines into something truly special,” said César Giraldo, founder and principal designer of César Giraldo Design. “GROHE’s elegant fittings and fixtures not only enhance the aesthetic of any space but also create a sanctuary where one can unwind and rejuvenate. Elevating your bathroom to a luxurious, spa-like retreat is about embracing the serene and revitalizing essence of water in its finest form.”

Mix in Nature
Borrowing inspiration from nature as you design your space allows you to introduce a variety of creative water features. You might select a soaking tub with a waterfall feature, a soothing standing fountain or a countertop fountain that provides tranquil water sounds and incorporates other natural elements like river rock. To further enhance your nature-inspired oasis, incorporate lush greenery and plenty of natural light.

In the Bathtub
There are few things quite like soaking your cares away in a deep tub, especially in the comfort of your own home. The wisdom of keeping an eye on the details extends to the tub, where you can make a leisurely soak even more enticing. Take the faucet you use to fill your tub as an example – modern and sleek yet warm and tactile, GROHE Essence faucets are versatile choices for creating harmonious bathrooms that feel luxurious and inviting. Freestanding styles make for a perfect complement to freestanding tubs while the collection’s deck-mounted styles include features like a hand shower for effortless rinsing.

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Add Calming Scents
Remember, a true personal sanctuary should soothe all the senses, so while you focus on more tactile and visual features, don’t overlook the power of smell. Enhancing your oasis with calming scents can help keep you grounded and relieve stress, and many appealing fragrances reflect the allure of the aquatics, like those that mimic the ocean or rainfall.

Find more ways to transform your bathroom into an oasis retreat at grohe.us.

SOURCE:
GROHE

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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(Family Features) Whether you’re constructing a new home or simply redesigning your current living space, there are many considerations that can truly make a house a home.

Fireplace Considerations

Amid budget considerations, design vision boards, specs and blueprints, amenities like a new fireplace can allow homeowners to celebrate the warmth, comfort and ambiance a fireplace or other hearth product can provide. In fact, 7 out of 10 of homeowners have a fireplace and usage has increased during all four seasons since 2020, according to research from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), showcasing that including a fireplace in your construction or renovation plans is a gift to yourself and your family.

“When we’re designing our ideal homes, too often we may only think about what we want others to see and enjoy when they visit,” said Jack Goldman, president and CEO for HPBA. “The reality is visitors account for less than 1% of your in-home time. A fireplace is for you and your family, a personal addition that serves you and your household in more ways than you may realize.”

Consider these four benefits of including a fireplace as part of your next home update:

1. It can be a sanctuary from the ever-changing world outside. As people continue to spend more time at home, a fireplace can serve as a source of calm and relaxation, helping you and your family escape from the challenges daily life may throw your way.
2. It’s an artful piece of decor to display year-round. Whether it’s a centerpiece for your living room or family room, or an accent to your bedroom, bathroom or study, a creatively designed fireplace can provide an artful design element for your home, no matter the season.
3. It’s a safe, reliable heating source. A fireplace is an extra layer of security when weather wreaks havoc and can provide safe, reliable heat and lighting in the event of a power outage.
4. It can be the heartbeat of your home. Between screen time, remote work schedules and commitments to extracurricular activities, many families experience fragmented home lives. A fireplace, though, can serve as a central gathering spot for you and your loved ones when together.

To learn more about the benefits of fireplaces and find a nationwide directory of specialty retailers and certified installers, visit HPBA.org/House-warming.

Fireplace Safety Tips
Whether it’s the warm glow of the fire, the crackle of the wood or the deep penetrating warmth, woodburning fireplaces have a way of making people feel relaxed and at home. However, there are some precautions that should be taken to ensure safe operation:

• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Keep small children and pets away from the fireplace.
• Clear an area of at least 3 feet around the fireplace of furniture, books, newspaper and other potentially flammable materials.
• Inspect gaskets, door seals and the chimney annually.
• Have the chimney professionally cleaned as necessary to ensure it’s clear of obstructions and creosote.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Utilize fireplace tools to tend the fire.
• Never burn garbage, rolled newspaper, charcoal, plastic or chemically treated or painted wood.
• Avoid using gasoline or any liquid accelerant to help start a fire.
• Do not overload the fireplace to avoid burning wood or embers tumbling out.
• Never close the damper until embers have completely stopped burning.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

 

SOURCE:
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

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