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Philip M. Tierno Jr., Ph.D., author of "The Secret Life of Germs," helped solve the mystery behind toxic shock syndrome. He is Director of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology at New York University Medical Center and is a member of the faculty at NYU School of Medicine. He has appeared on such shows as 20/20, Oprah, Dateline, and PrimeTime to discuss the prevalence of germs and the proper cleaning methods for avoiding illness.
Select Germ Prevention Tips from Tierno:
Because of the transient nature of hotel guests, a hotel is the ideal place for the transmission of germs and bacteria. Hotel cleaning staff should pay special attention to areas that act as hotbeds for germs, including the bedroom and bathroom.
In the bedroom
- Use an impervious cover on hotel mattresses or use the HealthSmart® Bed, which helps trap dirt, dust and allergens so they can be washed away just like when you clean your sheets.*
- Avoid heavy drapes and carpeting; hard surfaces are best as they don't trap debris and allergens and can be easily cleaned.
In the bathroom
- Wipe down shower walls after every use to prevent soap scum and germ build-up.
- Shower liner should be replaced frequently especially if moldy.
- Instruct guests to allow toothbrushes to air-dry and provide a covered space for guests to keep them to avoid contamination from flushing toilets.
- Have hotel staff thoroughly clean their hands by scrubbing hands with soap and water for 20 or 30 seconds, then repeating. They should complete this process several times per day especially after using the toilet.
- Wash sheets in hot water, detergent and bleach.
- Have hotel staff use tissues when sneezing or coughing instead of a handkerchief. When used repeatedly, handkerchiefs become "germ reservoirs."
- If tissues are unavailable, hotel staff should sneeze into the crooks of their arms and wash their hands.
- Encourage sick workers to go home to avoid spreading disease.
- Vacuum floors, drapes and upholstery regularly to reduce dust mite presence. Use a HEPA filter to avoid the spread of salmonella and other bacteria through blowing air.
- A damp environment is conducive to germ growth. Allow everything to air dry.
* Must wash in a large capacity front loading machine or dry clean.
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Simmons HealthSmart® Bed allows hotels to do something they've never been able to do before - clean the tops of their mattresses. Find out more.
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In 1999, the Simmons Bedding Company introduced the Non-Flip mattress. Today there are over 14 million non-flip mattresses in use. The unique feature that distinguishes Beautyrest mattresses from the competition is our system of individually Pocketed Coil® springs. Read more about Simmons' history of innovation.
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Beautyrest®: For decades it's been helping people sleep better together. Movement that happens on one side of the bed stays on one side of the bed. Watch the video to see why.
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