Dr. Primrose Freestone, an associate professor of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Leicester, follows a daily cleaning regimen that could be described as exceptionally rigorous. Her meticulous approach to hygiene, which includes ironing towels, single-use sponges, and daily disinfection of her toothbrush, stems from her professional understanding of microbial life.
"Once I realised what is growing in us and on us, my first reaction was 'yuck'," Freestone told the Daily Mail. This perspective informs her stringent household practices, aimed at minimizing exposure to bacteria and fungi.
Daily Hygiene and Household Practices
Freestone's personal hygiene routine begins with a shower, after which towels are used only once before being washed at 60°C (140°F). Shower mats are washed weekly, and the shower head itself receives a weekly cleaning with antibacterial hand wash to prevent the buildup of microorganisms from tap water, such as Legionella.
Her approach to toothbrush hygiene is equally thorough. Recognizing toothbrushes as potential breeding grounds for bacteria due to constant dampness and food particles, Freestone washes her brush with antibacterial hand gel after each use, followed by 30 seconds under hot water.
Food Safety and Kitchen Practices
In the kitchen, Freestone avoids live yogurt due to the potential for Lactobacillus Bulgaricus bacteria to cause blood poisoning if it enters the bloodstream. Her food preparation and storage habits are informed by her research specialism in food contamination. Tea towels are used once before washing, and dish sponges are discarded after a single use.
Freestone also minimizes the use of plastic, as its porous surface can harbor bacteria. Any plastic items are scrubbed with multiple applications of antibacterial dish soap and dried in the oven. Instead of traditional chopping boards, which can develop grooves that trap bacteria, she uses scratch-proof glass plates for cutting. Leftovers are refrigerated promptly and discarded after a maximum of two days.
Office and Bedroom Hygiene
Freestone extends her cleaning habits to her office environment at the University of Leicester. Her phone and keyboard are regularly disinfected, as they can accumulate germs from everyday contact. She estimates she washes her hands approximately eight times a day.
Concerned about potential pathogens on floors, such as E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and Aspergillus, Freestone vacuums her home's carpets daily and mops non-carpeted floors with disinfectant. Her mother's past chemotherapy treatments, which compromised her immune system, initially prompted Freestone's stringent cleaning habits, which have persisted even after her mother's recovery.
In the bedroom, Freestone changes bed sheets twice weekly in the summer and once weekly in the winter to prevent the buildup of bacteria and fungi that thrive in warm, dark environments and can contribute to odors and skin irritation. She also vacuums her mattress weekly to control dust mites, whose fecal matter can trigger allergic reactions.
Finally, to eliminate any lingering bacteria, Freestone irons all washed laundry, including towels, tea towels, socks, underwear, and pajamas, using hot steam. This process ensures that all fabrics are as germ-free as possible before use.