Keep Your Guests Safe: How to Spot Germs and Bacteria That Can Make You Sick

From Durk Johnson’s Cleaning Column

The Dangerous World of Housekeeping

Housekeepers serve as the critical first line of defense, sanitizing properties between guest occupancies. They encounter microbes ranging from potentially lethal (HIV, Salmonella) to those causing mild flu-like symptoms or no effects at all.

Essential Protection Requirements

Appropriate cleaning products are mandatory. Property owners should verify what their products actually eliminate by consulting their janitorial supply company or conducting online research. Using ineffective cleaning products requires immediate replacement.

“Disposable gloves are a housekeeper’s best friend.”

Personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly disposable gloves, creates a protective barrier preventing touch-transmitted microbes from contacting skin. Proper glove removal technique is also critical.

Five Key Microbes for Cleaning Professionals

Escherichia Coli (E. coli)

Naturally present in intestines
Found in undercooked ground beef
Single cells multiply to billions within 10 hours under ideal conditions
Most strains are harmless; some cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and pneumonia

Salmonella

Common pathogen
Transmitted via contaminated surfaces
Infections develop 6-36 hours after ingestion
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)

Lives on skin naturally
Enters through cuts, hair follicles, or skin cracks
Soap washing effectively eliminates it
May cause food poisoning, Toxic Shock Syndrome, pneumonia
Thirty percent of people carry it nasally

Multiple-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Antibiotic-resistant
Naturally environmental
Skin-dwelling
Significant healthcare industry problem
Good hygiene prevents transmission
Primarily causes skin infections

Hepatitis B (The Housekeeper’s Disease)

Transmitted through bodily fluids, needles, razors
Requires proper personal protection and cleaning products
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, vomiting, abdominal pain

Conclusion

Basic microbiological knowledge protects both housekeeping staff and property occupants. Be Safe, Be Clean, Be Happy!

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