8 times when cleanliness really matters

1 USING THE TOILET

Close the lid when flushing and always wash your hands afterwards. Clean the toilet regularly, and once or twice a day if someone has a gastric illness.

2 HANDLING RAW FOOD

Wash hands before and after preparing food. Clean all surfaces and utensils. Wash vegetables and fruit in running water.

3 EATING WITH YOUR FINGERS

Keep your own portions separate and always wash hands before and afterwards.

4 CARING FOR PETS

Always wash your hands after handling litter trays and food, and keep animal utensils separate. Clean pet cages regularly. Wash hands after handling animals and before eating.

5 LAUNDERING CLOTHING AND LINEN

Always wash your hands after handling dirty washing. Wash clothes, towels and bed linen regularly; underwear and intimate items daily. To get rid of harmful microbes, wash at 60 degrees.

6 DOMESTIC WASTE DISPOSAL

Empty rubbish into outside bins regularly. Wash bin surfaces and wash your hands after use.

7 USING SURFACES FREQUENTLY TOUCHED BY OTHER PEOPLE

This can include the TV remote and door knobs. Clean surfaces handled by yourself and others regularly, and more frequently if someone has an infection.

8 CARING FOR INFECTED FAMILY MEMBERS

If someone in your family has an infection it can easily be passed on. So, all surfaces that the infected person comes into contact with should be cleaned frequently including baths, basins, toilets, door knobs and remotes. Don’t share cooking plates, cups, cutlery etc.