Airplanes:

Germs can spread easily on a flight.³ Trapped in close quarters with strangers and circulated air spells disaster.⁴ Wearing a face mask can help to reduce the spread of germs.⁵ We also recommend disinfecting your seat when you board. Use Dettol Antibacterial Disinfectant Surface Cleaning Wipes and wipe down:

• Arms
• Tray
• Window
• Use a hand sanitiser such as Dettol Instant Hand Sanitiser after visiting the lavatory and before eating

Toothbrush:

You put it in your mouth twice a day, but do you ever think of all the germs lurking on it? This isn’t so much about where germs hide as where they may come from. Did you know that when you flush the toilet, it sends a spray of germy water droplets into the air? These can land on surfaces throughout your bathroom, including your toothbrush. The droplets can float around your bathroom for almost 90 minutes after each flush before landing on surfaces.⁶ Suddenly rinsing doesn’t seem like enough! Always close your toilet seat before flushing.⁶

Movie theaters:

A movie theatre is a confined space where everyone is breathing the same air, so the possibility of germ transmission is increased.⁴ When spending a long time in an enclosed space, wearing a face mask can help to reduce the spread of germs.⁵ Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly whenever you get a chance, especially if you will be eating and drinking while watching the movie.⁷ If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitiser.

The kitchen sink:

Food particles left to soak can be a breeding ground for bacteria.⁸ Clean the sink with a brush and detergent to physically remove germs.⁹ Follow this up by disinfecting with the Dettol Antibacterial Multipurpose Cleaner Trigger Spray, which powers through both grease and soap scum.¹⁰

Restaurants:

Always be nice to the person handling your food. It’s a life lesson that everyone should know. Improperly washed hands, or hands that weren’t washed at all, can taint food with germs.⁸ Not to mention, raw or undercooked foods can expose an entire kitchen to a wide range of bacteria.⁸ Even ordering your food well done is not a guarantee against exposure. If a kitchen worker handles raw foods and then touches your dinner plate or freshly baked rolls, they can contaminate your cooked food.⁸ Choose your restaurants wisely, and always check the health certificate.

Bed sheets & towels:

When you’re sick, bed can seem like the cosiest place on earth. But it also might be a breeding ground for germs. Germs can live on towels and sheets for days without a host.11 To kill bacteria when using your washing machine, you should wash laundry at a temperature of 60°C or higher.12 If you are washing at a lower temperature, you can help remove germs from your clothing or linens by adding Dettol Antibacterial Laundry Sanitiser to your wash.13

Your doctor’s office:

You may not think of your doctor’s office as germy but remember that you are sharing a small space with many people who may be unwell. Waiting room chairs, doorknobs, toys, and even your doctor’s clothing can become contaminated.^4,14 Try to avoid touching shared surfaces and wash your hands every chance you get, or use hand sanitiser when soap and water aren’t available.⁷ When taking your child to the doctor, bring toys and books from home.

The best protection from spreading germs is washing your hands thoroughly and regularly.⁷