With the school year well under way, chances are your kids are bringing home more than homework each day. Hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes are likely on those teacher supply wish lists right now.
With nearly 22 million school days lost each year due to the common cold and flu (CDC) and as many as 2.7 million bacterial found per square inch on common school surfaces (NSF International), it’s no wonder that parents fret about the germs in their children’s classrooms.
Any steps we take to keep our children healthy ultimately save precious time and money spent on doctor’s visits and medications. While we can’t protect them from everything, cleaning those surfaces with a disinfectant is a great dose of prevention, don’t you agree?
My family strives to avoid harsh chemicals in our home. I make my own homemade cleaning solutions whenever possible. But sometimes convenience is worth a small expense. Disposable wipes are a welcome convenience in the classroom, too.
We received a nifty Back to School pack courtesy of My Blog Spark and Seventh Generation. Their disinfecting wipes kill 99.99% of germs naturally using the active ingredient thyme, a component of thyme oil which is derived from the herb thyme. I gladly let my kiddos try out the wipes, which have a surprisingly strong herbal scent.
Want to win a Back to School Pack for your family? Thanks to Seventh Generation and My Blog Spark, I have one to giveaway to a KingdomFirstMom.com reader. It includes a Seventh Generation backpack, two canisters of wipes, disinfecting multi-surface spray cleaner, facial tissue and paper towels.
Enter to win:
Prize- (1) Seventh Generation Back to School Pack, pictured above
1. Leave a comment below: share a quick germ-killing tip that you use in your own home.
If you are reading via email or in a reader, please click through to the post to enter.
For up to (2) Bonus Entries:
2. Subscribe via RSS or email, and/or become a “fan” of KingdomFirstMom on Facebook. You must confirm your email subscription for it to be a valid entry! Leave a separate comment letting me know you have done so. If you’re already a subscriber (thank you!), simply leave a comment.
3. Follow Seventh Generation on Twitter or Facebook.
This giveaway will end on Monday 9/20, at 11:00pm CST. Winner will be chosen at random, and notified via email.
About Alyssa Francis
A wet sponge can attract all kinds of bacteria. To kill the germs, wet the sponge and microwave it for 2 minutes.
I keep a spray bottle with vinegar and water in it for quick clean ups!
Tamara Chewning´s last [type] ..Im renaming the blog It will now be called Teeth
I follow you on FB!
Tamara Chewning´s last [type] ..Im renaming the blog It will now be called Teeth
Following Seventh Generation on Twitter and FB!
Tamara Chewning´s last [type] ..Im renaming the blog It will now be called Teeth
We mainly try to have good hygiene by washing hands before meals and using the bathroom. We wipe down counters and tabletops with cleaner at the end of each day.
I subscribe via google reader.
I use disinfectant spray on doorknobs, light switches, and other frequently used surfaces often.
Alyssa M´s last [type] ..Thirsties Cloth Diapers
Subscribed to emails and liked you on FB
(Alyssa Spencer McVey)
mcvey1326(at)hotmail(dot)com
Alyssa M´s last [type] ..Thirsties Cloth Diapers
Following Seventh Generation on Twitter & Facebook
@CrazyToddlerMom
(Alyssa Spencer McVey)
mcvey1326(at)hotmail(dot)com
Alyssa M´s last [type] ..Thirsties Cloth Diapers
I keep all eco friendly cleaning products in a bucket that I carry around when I clean.
I subcribe.
I subscribe
Following Seventh Generation on FB!
We use vinegar and water for clean ups in the kitchen after meals
thanks!
Terra Jones´s last [type] ..Nifty Nappy Diaper Review- 2
I subscribe via google reader
thanks!
Terra Jones´s last [type] ..Nifty Nappy Diaper Review- 2
I’m a FB fan of seventh generation
thanks!
Terra Jones´s last [type] ..Nifty Nappy Diaper Review- 2
We wash our hands when we walk in the door. Thanks!
I subscribe through Google.
Thanks to you, I now use vinegar, a natural disinfectant.
I like to use vinegar, but add essential oils to it.
I’m a fan!
Am a fan of Seventh Generation!
I use disinfectant wipes on phones, door handles, remote controls and other surfaces touched frequently.
I subscribe to your RSS feed
I follow you on facebook!
I use baking soda and vinegar to clean almost everything in my house.
Ashley´s last [type] ..The Tomlinsons
I’m a RSS subscriber.
I always keep disinfectant spray and wipes for when the kids start showing symptoms from somthing they caught in school and wipe doorhandles and spray the air
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B´s last [type] ..What am I reading
I keep canisters of disinfectant wipes in both bathrooms. Whenever anyone in the house is sick, I use them frequently to wipe down the bathroom surfaces in between cleanings to prevent (hopefully!) the germs from spreading.
email subscriber
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B´s last [type] ..What am I reading
seventh gen fb fan (michelle b)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B´s last [type] ..What am I reading
I follow you via email!
We cut up SOS pads so we don’t waste the entire one on a gross cleaning project or spread germs.
I follow you on facebook (Andrea Loucks Clute).
Thanks!
I follow you on Facebook and subscribe to your daily emails.
I now folle Seventh Generation on Facebook.
I keep a bottle of hand sanitizer on my desk, and we all use it before and after using the computer. Between 2 high schoolers doing research for school and me working on it all day, the keyboard is a major home for germs, I’m sure!
I’m a subscriber via email.
I wash my hands constantly, especially while cooking
I subscribe via email, thank u!
I follow Seventh Gen. on Twitter. . .thanks!
We wash our hands regularly and also wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes everyday!
I love your cleaning tips. I hope I win. Thanks.
I have bottles of hand sanitizer in every room and carry wipes in my purse for cleaning carts hand rails in stores .
I subscribe by email and I’m a facebook fan.
I Subscribe thru Email, Love Your Blog.
I Follow you on FB.
Wipe down the toilet everyday with Disinfecting Wipes from Seventh Generation.. Will keep the family healthy.
I follow Seventh Generation on Facebook.
I am an email subscriber
I have hand sanitizer in each room, making it easy to reach for some just in case (especially with a new baby at home). But I try not to obsess.
I follow you via rss and Facebook!
I follow seventh generation on twitter
@elannbe
To kill germs in my house I use the H2O mop.
Lisa D´s last [type] ..Adventures In Cloth Diapering- Day 2
I’m an email subscriber!
Lisa D´s last [type] ..Adventures In Cloth Diapering- Day 2
I follow Seventh Generation on Twitter @My2CentsFL
Lisa D´s last [type] ..Adventures In Cloth Diapering- Day 2
We change our dish cloths & towels every day and our bathroom hand towels every other day.
Whitney´s last [type] ..Thanksgiving Thursday
Subscriber via reader.
Whitney´s last [type] ..Thanksgiving Thursday
Hi…I routinely wipe down all door knobs, switch plates, remotes and the phone every few weeks. This really helps to keep the germs at bay. I do it more often if one of us is sick. Thanks for the great giveaway, I love Seventh Generation products. Great company!
Read your blog through Google Reader, thanks!
For quick bathroom cleanups during the week, we always keep a container of wet ones nearby.
I subscribe via email.
Following seventhgeneration on twitter!
I’m a subscriber!
I “like” 7th Generation on FB.
We clean everything! My daughter has type 1 diabetes and gets all kind of germs. So we have to be consistent about wiping off everything and constant hand washing!
We use a steam cleaner to keep germs at bay.
fan on facebook! Love your testimony of faith!
I spray everything with bleach & water. I cannot wash dishes without bleach.
I am a subscriber.
Tweeted……
feed://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline/163130975.rss
I use vinegar/water in a spray bottle for a lot of different things. Everything from window to counter tops. I also use as many natural disenfectant envirometely safe cleaners as possible.
I follow KFM on Facebook and via email updates
To Decrease the chance on bringing bacteria into our home we all have separate shoes that we wear out to take care of the chickens and other animals. This makes it so poop shoes don’t have a chance on makin it through the house
I have spray bottles the kids picked out (pink and purple for my girlies of course!) with vinegar and water that they can use with a rag to help clean up! They can pick an EO if I have any they like to fragrance their cleaner.
I like Seventh Generation on Facebook as well
I’m a facebook fan!
I pour rubbing alcohol over our toothbrush heads anytime someone is sick, or someone leaves the toilet lid up when flushing (ewww!). It sounds awful, but as long as you don’t use them until the alcohol evaporates, it won’t harm you, and it cleanses and disinfects the toothbrushes.
I’m an email subscriber and Facebook fan.
Just “liked” Seventh Generation on Facebook.
I use vinegar as a disinfectant in the kitchen and bathrooms. You can use essential oils to scent the vinegar is you don’t like the smell.
Linda @ Linda’s Lunacy´s last [type] ..Saturday Blog Hops
I throw a cup full of vinegar into all my loads of laundry!
Granite Counter Cleaner:
Get yourself a super sassy spray bottle and combine:
1/4 C. of rubbing alcohol
5-6 drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid
Water
Vinegar as your rinse aid in your dishwasher!
I am also a FB Fan
Fan on facebook.
I have my son take off his shoes as soon as he gets home from school, wash his hands, and change into some play clothes. Because their shirts from school carry so much germs on them.
Following Seventh Generation on Twitter and FB!
Tamara Chewning´s last blog ..Im renaming the blog It will now be called Teeth
I like to keep a spray bottle of cleaner under the sink in every bathroom and in the kitchen. This way I am wiping down surfaces atleast once a day.
Like others, we keep a spray bottle with vinegar and water. I also LOVE Seventh Generation products and keep them around as well. The wipes are wonderful for quick clean ups.
I follow KingdomFirstMom on facebook.
I follow Seventh Generation on Twitter and Facebook.
We use vinegar and alcohol to clean everything.
follow you on facebook.
follow Seventh Generation on facebook.
I use vinegar and water to clean.
Tammilee
I follow you on facebook.
I follow 7th generation on twitter.
I’m a subscriber!
We use antibacterial gel daily at home and use tissues and teaching the “sneeze/cough in your arm not hand.
I follow you on FB
I follow Seventh Generation on FB
We use a lotion antibacterial (like germx but a lotion) when we are out and about to keep the mass of germs away and during the winter months we change our clothes when we get back from being at the doctors, school, or errands.
I follow you on FB
Practice good hygeine, I try not to touch my face. Also anytime I walk on stairs or use and escalator don’t touch the railing my hsband gave me this tip.
we usa spray of vinegar n water to keep thing wiped off
i like kingdomsfirst mom on facebook n i subscribe to your emails
Vinegar and water are great cleaning tools! I also keep purell around for peoples hands.
I am already following you on facebook
I am already following Seventh Generation on facebook.
we got battery powered soap dispensers – they make washing hands very easy for little ones.
following on twitter
I subscribe with the rss!
thanks for the giveaway
I agree that vinegar and water work great!
Mitchell Wischmann´s last [type] ..Amazon- 24 Bags of Cinnamon Sugar Stacy’s Pita Chips 1023 Shipped!
RSS subscriber.
Mitchell Wischmann´s last [type] ..Amazon- 24 Bags of Cinnamon Sugar Stacy’s Pita Chips 1023 Shipped!
I already follow Seventh Generation on Twitter.
Mitchell Wischmann´s last [type] ..Amazon- 24 Bags of Cinnamon Sugar Stacy’s Pita Chips 1023 Shipped!
a lot of lysol and hand sanitizer
i follow you on facebook
i follow seventh generation on twitter
I use hand sanitizer frequently.
I follow Kingdom First Mom on Facebook.
I follow Seventh Generation on Facebook.
Handwashing often.
I use baking soda and hot water to kill the germs in the garbage disposal!
I keep hand sanitizer very accessible all over the house so my kids never have an excuse to at least sanitize their hands!
I follow you-Kingdom First Mom- on twitter
username Chadley4ever
I Like Kingdom First Mom on face book!!
I follow you on FB!
Germ busting tip: Soap and hot water – easy
I follow Seventh Generation on FB.
Though I love to use rags and washcloths to cut down on paper waste, they tend to grow mildew instantly. I only use them for 24 hours before tossing in the wash, and also, after each use (wiping the counters, table, kids’ faces) I rinse and ring out with the coldest water from my faucet. The cold deters bacteria from forming right away, keeping it fresh longer.
I subscribe via google reader! Love your blog.
We wash hands a lot! I mostly Seventh Generation products. I love the bathroom spray cleaner!
I “like” you on FB!
I follow Seventh Generation on FB! I get their newsletter too. It’s great!
We spray our doorknobs regularly with an ammonia and water cleaner and we wash our sponges in the dishwasher, or microwave them for about 30 seconds.
We wash our hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. We also try to wipe off places that frequently have germs like phones and door knobs.
I subscribe to your emails.
I follow on FB!
Bleach…bleach…bleach! Just a capful in a spray bottle with water, it’s the best germ buster I know.
I subscribe by email.
I like you on Facebook.
I use the sani-wipes on the phone and on counter tops to kill germs and keep the bacteria load down.
I follow you on facebook.
I am a new follower of Seventh Generation on facebook
I use white vinegar for the majority of cleaning in my kitchen.
linda long´s last [type] ..Day 3 – Back to Blogging
I subscribe via email daily digest
linda long´s last [type] ..Day 3 – Back to Blogging
I “like” seventh generation on facebook
linda long´s last [type] ..Day 3 – Back to Blogging
I use my steam mop to clean the kitchen and bathroom floors. I love it!
I follow you on facebook!
I’m a fan of seventh generation on facebook!
My favorite quick tip is using those clorox disinfecting wipes. I keep one in every bath and the kitchen and I use them all the time!
Im an email subscriber!
Clean up spills as soon as they happen. I use vinegar in my dishwasher as a pre-rinse agent. I also use vinegar and water to mop the floors.
I am an e-mail subscriber.
I follow Seventh Generation on Facebook.
I follow Seventh Generation on FB
I do my cleaning with vinegar, baking soda and a variety of essential oils!
Good old fashion hand washing done frequently!
I subscribe via e-mail.
I like to use fresh sqeezed lemon juice to clean with. Lemon juice has disinfecting properties. I sueeze a large lemon, put the juice in a spray bottle, then spray on counters, appliances and any surface I feel germs might be hiding. I already subscribe to your blog, and love it!
I am a subscriber!
My favorite germ killing tip is to open up all my blinds and curtains during the sunniest part of the day. Sunlight naturally kills germs and freshens a room.
We don’t use sponges in the kitchen. Instead we have a fresh dishcloth every day.
I subscribe via Google Reader.
We use vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide to clean various things. Definitely beats bleach!
I like you on facebook!
I subscribe by RSS feed. I use baking soda and Vinegar.
We wash our hands frequently. Thanks!
I’m also an email subscriber. Thanks!
I microwave sponges to kill germs.
Hannah C
psychopathicpixie @ yahoo
I am an email subscriber
Hannah C
psychopathicpixie @ yahoo
I like to keep disinfecting wipes on my bathroom counter. That way, I tend to wipe things off as I see them instead of letting germs build up until cleaning day!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I follow seventh generation on twitter
Hannah C
psychopathicpixie @ yahoo
I’m an email subscriber, coriwestphal at msn dot com.
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Cori Westphal´s last [type] ..Toluna – Get Rewarded for Suveys
I like Seventh Generation on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I use vinegar too.
I keep disinfectant wipes on each floor under the sink for a quick disinfecting cleanup.
I subscribe via RSS
I use wipes on remotes, phones,and keyboards both at home and at work. Love 7th gen products.
just subscribed via email.
We wash our hands alot !!!
I am a subscriber!
I use vinegar to clean my home
We give everything a quick wipe down with disinfectant wipes each day.
I am a Kingdom First Mom facebook fan (fb name Just Coupons)
I follow Seventh Gen on facebook (fb name Just Coupons)
I spray white vinegar around the toilet to clean up after my boys.
Right now I use Lysol wipe on everything!! I also use spray bottle with vinegar!
I rinse, wring, then nuke a damp dishcloth to kill germs.
Disinfecting wipes all over my house. I also have hand purifier everywhere. I am very afraid of germs..
I make sure to wipe down the telephones often. They are such germ catchers/spreaders.
I am a fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook!
Teresa´s last [type] ..Its My Day To Cook!
We make sure to wash our hands right when we get home from being out!
I am a KFM facebook fan!
I also follow Seventh Generation on twitter (amimommy).
A lot of hand washing and always cleaning the counters w/ 7th gen. spray. I don’t want harsh chemicals where my food is.
I subscribe via email.
I wipe the kitchen counters with vinegar or a household cleaner after I am done cooking for the day.
Chhaya´s last [type] ..Govinda Ala Re !
The sun is a natural germ killer for clothes. After washing hang dry in the sun. The sun kills the germs and bacteria that leave clothes smelling sour. The sun also is great for naturally bleaching items.
giveawaymommy at yahoo.com
I am a seventh generation facebook follower
I am a new email subscriber
We use the disinfecting wipes on door handles, countertops. etc.
I’m an RSS subscriber
Following Seventh Generation on Twitter. @presprizes
wash hands alot
email subscriber
follow SG on twitter-lmurley2000
like SG on facebook-lmurley2000
Well, I still use a little bit of bleach.
I receive your rss feed via e-mail.
Last time Menards had disinfecting wipes on sale, I stocked up. They are so easy to use on a spill or the countertops!!
I am a fan on fb.
I love seventh generation. I also subscribe to your email.
I’m a big fan of using lysol wipes to kill germs. Thx for the giveaway!
put the toilet lid down before you flush – stops gross germs from getting on other services
We are always washing our hands……important since we have a thumb sucker in our midst!
Debra @ A Frugal Friend´s last [type] ..Free Disney Cruise Line Vacation Planning DVD
follow them on twitter @AFrugalFriend
Debra @ A Frugal Friend´s last [type] ..Free Disney Cruise Line Vacation Planning DVD
use disinfectant spray on doorknobs, light switches, and other frequently used surfaces and wash hands
email subscriber
I keep bleach cleaner under my sink
RSS subscriber
I’m following Seventh Generation on Twitter
We use papertowels in the bathrooms once someone gets sick in the house. I know it’s not ecofriendly but it does keep everyone else in the house from getting sick!
My 11 month old son puts EVERYTHING in his mouth. so every couple of days I take his little toys, and soak them in the sink filled with water and 1 cup of bleach for a few minutes. I then rinse them with hot water and set them aside to dry. I also wipe his larger toys down with anti-bacterial wipes everyother day!
I do the microwave thing 2mins with a sponge.
I subscribe
We use the plastic bags I save (when I have to use them for forgetting my re-usables!) for dirty diapers, tie it up, take it straight to the trash outside, then wash our hands!! It keeps the house from getting stinky from those diaper pails and provides another use for plastic bags! I’m confident my home doesn’t smell like a dirty diaper;) LOL
I wash my kitchen sponges every night in my dishwasher to disinfect them.
I keep anti-bacterial wipes near my phone and wipe it down often.
I follow you on facebook & subscribe to your email list.
I am a subscriber.
I follow Seventh Generation on facebook (and am a user of their products!)
I love the Lysol Dual Action Disinfecting wipes – they have a rough side for scrubbing and a smooth side for wiping up. They are a great thing to have handy in the kitchen and bathroom!
I am already a fan of yours on Facebook – Mommy.Ishtar
we wash often!!
like you on facebook!
I am now a fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook – Mommy.Ishtar
like seventh generation on facebook
We use Norwex cloths.
we’re major handwashers around here!
i follow you on fb
I make it a point to wash my hands the minute i come home from getting groceries, paying bills, or whenever I leave the house. I encourage the rest of the family to do the same. Who knows what germs you transfer to your home after you have been out.
I subscribe to your email.
I follow you on facebook
I’m a fan of yours on facebook!
I love the cleaning wipes for cleaning, but sometimes will wipe down the counter with a cloth or paper towel first to get the grime so I don’t have to use as many.
I am a fan of Kingdom first mom on facebook
I use white vinigar to clean pretty much everything!
BUT we love seventh generation products too! Nice giveaway!
I am a fan of KFM on facebook!
I have disinfecting wipes in all bathrooms and the kitchen along with hand sanitizer in the kitchen.
I’m a facebook fan – Wanda McHenry
Follow Seventh Generation on twitter – @myfolly
I follow you on facebook.
Encourage frequent handwashing! And leave my work shoes at work. Don’t want to bring anything home.
We use hand sanitizer after we grocery shop. Did you know that all of the groceries from the store are from warehouses that have mice/rats? That’s why it’s important to wash the tops of cans of soda before drinking.
We follow the Seventh Generation on Facebook. I’ll always be a fan of Keeping The Kingdom First. Woo Hoo!
I stick toothbrushes in our dishwasher frequently (of course it’s Seventh Generation soap ;D)…I do it everyday when someone is sick.
I follow you on Facebook already!
And OF COURSE I already follow Seventh Generation! <3 their products!!!
I use vinegar to kill germs and such in my home
We have a cup dispenser in the bathroom so nobody shares their germs!
I use Lysol wipes. Not very green.
I love the new Hands Free Lysol Soap Dispenser. (Plus I bought it on sale w/ a coupon) It is great when I cook with chicken. Also, the soap it comes with smells AMAZING. Don’t know if I’ll be purchasing refills unless i have a coupon for those though.
I like you on FB and am already a subscriber
I like Seventh Generation on FB
i have a toddler so i am constantly wiping the floor…..with 7th generation cleaner!