Posted by LynnNC on 11/18/09 12:46pm
Msg #311392

Warning about Purell...

...be careful not to have it get on wood! I had a cold last week and after I sneezed at a closing, I used Purell. Some of the Purell dripped on their dining room table and took the top coat of finish off...it dulled the luster. I offered to pay to have it refinished and they said not to worry.

Reply by jba/fl on 11/18/09 12:51pm
Msg #311393

It's the alcohol in the Purell. Must have been varnish,

or is it shellac? Get the 2 confused. One alcohol is used to clear, other, alcohol strips.

Reply by MW/VA on 11/18/09 3:05pm
Msg #311406

FWIW, there is another product available that doesn't contain alcohol. It is called Germ-X.
It comes in wipes--either container or individually packaged.

Reply by Jessc098 on 11/18/09 4:06pm
Msg #311416

Oh shoot! Lynn, you must have felt awful. Thanks so much for the warnings. I always use antimicrobial wipes on the stash of blue pens I carry around with me when I get home from a closing. (to avoid spreading germs among households) I know it's paranoid, but pens are about the worst way to spread germs out there.

Reply by Laura_V on 11/18/09 4:58pm
Msg #311420

Great tip!

In swine flu season, we need to be extra careful.

I know a nice guy whose friend's college-age daughter died of swine flu.

I'm in my 4th week of it and I'm still sleeping/resting in bed around 14 hours a day.

Do a Micheal Jackson and take care of yourself! I ain't shaking hands with nobody. I simply mention "swine flu" at the beginning of notary appointments and everyone says OK!


btw- I stopped shaking hands with clients years ago. I just make certain my notary briefcase is in one hand and something else is in the other. Before this stupid flu, I hadn't had even a cold in almost 4 years.

Reply by parkerc/ME on 11/18/09 7:18pm
Msg #311444

Re: Great tip!

So sorry to hear you were hit with the swine flu, but glad it hasn't dampened your sense of humor above. I'm like you . . never even a cold in over 4 years. But for the first time in 15 years, I did get the regular flu vaccine . . and will get the H1N1 when it becomes available to us older folks. Never know what you're going to encounter stepping into a BO home. And I confess, I didn't even think about the pens, which I will now be sure to wipe down as soon as I get in the car. Good tip indeed!!!

Reply by jba/fl on 11/18/09 7:37pm
Msg #311454

Better yet - use cheap pens and just leave them behind. n/m

Reply by parkerc/ME on 11/18/09 7:44pm
Msg #311457

Re: Better yet - use cheap pens and just leave them behind.

Even better tip!!

Reply by snoopdogMs on 11/19/09 6:47am
Msg #311500

Over the years I have not bought into this

every day germ hysteria. It has its place in the health care industry. As far as pen usage, the germs probably have a short shelf life. One could keep a good stash of pens and after a closing band the used pens together to separate from the dried out ones. Of course, keeping some wipes would be in order for someone who insists or who might be immuno compromised (this individual probably would have a mask on and insist on the closer wearing one which would be in order). I have yet to have someone talk about transfer of germs on the pens and I am not about to make the suggestion otherwise. I did not grow up with a Lysol or bleach wipedown except occasionally and neither did my kids. Stomach virus, colds or flu were and are extremely rare in my home. I just keep my hands out of my mouth and wash before eating. Exposure to germs builds our immunities and this hysteria is over the top. I have a friend whose daughter in law will not bring the grandbaby over unless the home is bleached down (my friend is immaculate in her cleaning) This younger generation is being sold a bill of goods in my thinking. Prudence yes, hysteria no. Did you know that the lowly fly inoculates our food which is actually for our benefit if he does not succumb to the flyswatter first!!!

Reply by jba/fl on 11/19/09 7:04am
Msg #311506

Re: Over the years I have not bought into this

Neither have I Snoop, not in the least. IIF you are sick, then I will closely guard your items used and separate from the rest of the family,IF you are really sick. Otherwise, your germs build my imminity and everyone elses.

That poor grandparent - the DIL is OCD in my opinion and is doing tht child no favors. What's she going to do when school is required? Or the child wants friends to interact with? Likewise, there are the temperature people too - our bodies have a built-in thermostat so there is not need to bundle beyond the necessary. Blue lips should tell you when it's time - LOL.

Practicality needs to be in the picture, and faith in our own bodily functions.

Reply by Patricia/VT on 11/19/09 8:25am
Msg #311519

Re: Over the years I have not bought into this

I believe you are absolutely right. Our bodies develop resistance and immunities as a result of exposure. It never occurred to me to sanitize pens! I do carry little foil wrapped wash & dry cloths, and have always been a "hand-washer". Like you, I have rarely been ill. Of course individuals with compromised immune systems must take precautions, as do health care workers.