One could argue that we as a society are more cautious about germs than ever before. We wear masks, carry hand sanitizer and wash our hands frequently as an attempt to stave off the virus wreaking havoc on our world. Despite our precautions germs are so small and sneaky that they creep into our bodies without being noticed. Humans have come a long way in terms of how we treat germs. It seems impossible that people once believed that foul odors could create disease or that evil spirits could cause a person to become dangerously ill. We have also forgotten how rare it was for parents to see their children survive to adulthood. Progress in modern science has paved the way for the medical advancements we see today. Let’s take a brief glimpse into the history of modern “germ theory” and how we arrived at where we are today. 

So what is “germ theory”? Developed in the late 19th century by microbiologist Louis Pasteur, English surgeon Joseph Lister, and German physician Robert Koch, germ theory is described as a medical theory stating that certain diseases are caused by the invasion of the body by microorganisms, organisms too small to be seen except through a microscope. Prior to this finding no one knew the cause of infections or how they were spread, although there were many theories. Though these three scientists never directly worked together they were all on the same page about the source of infection. With the discovery of germs lead to development of safe surgical practices. 

Joseph Lister was the first man to develop an antiseptic technique after the discovery of germs. Antisepsis is the destruction or inhibition of microorganisms on living tissues, thereby limiting or preventing the harmful results of infection. Not everyone trusted Lister’s method at first and disregarded his work as a scam. However, as the number of surgery related infections fell, the evidence that antisepsis success became irrefutable and it was widely accepted by surgeons around the world. Wider acceptance of germ theory resulted in the emergence of the science of bacteriology, and new research revealed that antiseptics were not the only way to control infection.

The discipline of bacteriology evolved from the need of physicians to test and apply the germ theory of disease. Bacteriology is a branch of microbiology that deals with the study of bacteria.Thorough study has allowed researchers in the field to not only get a better understanding of bacteria and their characteristics,but also how to prevent and manage diseases caused by these organisms. Robert Koch, as previously mentioned, played a large role in the growth of bacteriology. His discoveries ushered in a ‘golden age’ of scientific discovery and a new era of public health. Koch developed techniques that allowed him to observe changes in bacteria over time, and he was the first person able to link specific bacteria to a disease. 

The discovery of germ theory inspired an entire generation of scientists. Though modern society in high, medium and low income countries still faces the ancient scourges of communicable diseases, but also the modern pandemics, In order to face the challenges ahead, it is important to have an understanding of the past. Although there is much in this age that is new, many of the current debates and arguments in public health are echoes of the past. We are better able to grasp the concept of germs and fight them off at home thanks to human evolution and the heroes of the past. 

There is powerful psychology behind cleaning. For some of us, even the sight of a clean and tidy home, can help blunt the effects of a stressful day. A more organized and clean house can lead to more production. You’re less stressed and more focused without distractions from clutter and dirt. Without distractions in place, your mind can process at a faster pace. It’s time to take a look at the connection between a clean house and mental health. 

Aside from having a cleaner home, the relationship between cleanliness and mental health can help us reduce anxiety and other mental health issues. This may come as a surprise but housekeeping produces endorphins which improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress. Regular participation in an aerobic exercise like scrubbing and mopping has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep and self-esteem. Running up and down the stairs, carrying items from room to room, and scrubbing windows can burn calories, release endorphins, and help you blow off steam.  If you incorporate mindfulness into your cleaning, the work can actually be a form of meditation, leaving you more relaxed after you finish. According to Good Housekeeping 70% of Americans say tidying their home offers them a feeling of accomplishment, 61% say it makes them feel de-stressed, and 54% say they experience relaxation. A positive mental state will help you stay on top of your daily tasks. 

Few things are more satisfying than entering a perfectly clean home. Unfortunately, once your house is clean, it becomes easier to slip into bad habits. You might be tempted to leave your jacket on the floor because going to the coat rack feels like too much work. Or you might squeeze a book into an overcrowded bookshelf, because what’s one book anyway? Soon enough, your home will be just as disorganized as before. The process of wiping down your desk counter, washing your sheets, making your bed, going through clutter, taking out the trash, washing the dishes, dusting the shelves, and other hands-on cleaning-related activities can lead to a very blissful, meditative state. By thinking about what you are cleaning you might find an extra appreciation that you didn't realize you were lucky to have before. Inner peace comes more from wanting what you have than from having what you want, unearthing the wonderful haven beneath the dirt and clutter can bring a new level of gratitude for all that you have.

 Stay on top of chores and tasks in order to help yourself from getting in a rut. It’s easy to undermine the power of organizing and decluttering; however, especially while we are all confined to sheltering-in-place, remember the wide-ranging mental health benefits, and embrace your cleaning.

There are plenty of products on the market that claim to disinfect, sanitize and clean surfaces. However, what does disinfection actually do and how is it different from sanitizing? Today we will talk about the difference between sanitizing and disinfection and how these simple cleaning tasks impact your home. 

Disinfection is defined as the thermal or chemical destruction of pathogenic and other types of microorganisms. Chemicals used in the disinfection process are called disinfectants. These products have different disinfectant properties and are not always successful at eliminating all microorganisms. Disinfectants are usually used after a cleaning product in order to add another layer of safety to the home. Although disinfectants and sanitizing agents aim to accomplish the same goals, the truth is they are different from one another.

While anyone can maintain a “clean” space, not everyone has the ability to maintain a sanitary space. Sanitization is defined as the ability to reduce or eliminate bacteria on the surface to make it sanitary. Whether or not something is sanitary is defined by public health standards. The EPA or Environmental Protection Agency actively regulates sanitizers and disinfectants to make sure they meet the pre-defined criteria. When you sanitize, you are reducing the number of bacteria present by 99.9 percent, but doing nothing about viruses and fungus. Sanitizing is better than cleaning alone as it drastically reduces pathogens on different surfaces and materials. Inadequate sanitation is a major cause of global diseases including cholder, typhoid and dysentery. With this information in mind, it’s easy to see how sanitation goes far beyond cleanliness, impacting global health and economic development issues. 

With thousands of products available, it’s hard to know if you’re making the right decisions when it comes to cleaning agents that protect against the spread of COVID-19. This also means that you should proceed with caution when it comes to products that claim to treat surfaces for days. These products work by leaving a disinfectant on hard, nonporous surfaces for hours; when the disinfectant goes inactive, a film is left behind. You have to factor in the time it takes to kill germs. When evaluating both sanitizers and disinfectants, this should be listed on a product’s label. Some chemical formulas kill respective germs in 5 minutes and others in just one minute or less.  

Keeping your family and friends safe from Covid-19 is one of your top priorities. Remember, disinfecting is a repetitive process. You might need to disinfect your home multiple times a day depending on transmission rates.The same goes for sanitization. More is always better than less.  When in doubt, just remember that a clean surface isn’t always sanitized, but a sanitized surface is always clean. Don’t just clean your home, PurLite it.