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A Great Gift Idea for your Child’s Teacher

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

There are only a few school days left…

Have you bought your child’s teacher a gift? Or, even more importantly, has YOUR CHILD had a way to show his appreciation for his teacher this holiday season?

As we parents know, holidays often mean we need to give gifts. Our lists can get long — and all the buying adds up!

In Jackson’s short life, I have already spent a small fortune in Starbucks gift cards.

This year, I wanted to do something different AND I wanted get Jackson involved in giving back to his teacher.

Jackson has an incredible, caring teacher this year, and I know he wants to let her know how much he appreciates her. (When his teacher was away for three days due to a conference, Jackson missed her so much. At the end of the week he sighed to me, “Boy, am I glad that Madame Adams became a teacher!”)

While chatting with his teacher after school one day about kids and germs – and how much she loathes getting sick – I had the idea of giving her the gift of a clean classroom this year.

So, I suggested to Jackson that we go in and clean her classroom for a special Christmas gift.

It just so happened that later that week, I was chatting with a PR firm representing Clorox. They wanted to work with us to help promote their Clean Up the Classroom campaign.

Well, that was just about as perfect timing as there could be! I offered to post about my cleaning up the classroom gift idea and ta da — we have a FANTASTIC and FUN giveaway with Clorox.

Give the Gift of CLEAN…

If you are looking for a way to give back to your teacher this year – AND a way to reduce the germs in your child’s classroom – consider giving your teacher the gift of a clean classroom.

Your kids can arrange a time to go in after class and clean their classrooms. You probably want to go supervise and help out for quality control and so they don’t create trouble for their teacher.

Or, you could simply buy a canister of disinfecting wipes, or bundle up an assortment for a fun gift basket, and give it to your teacher with a note of appreciation.

Donating disinfecting wipes to your classroom is an important way to support your teacher any time of the year!

Jackson, and his friend (along with his friend’s big brother) who joined in the gift giving, had a ton of fun cleaning the classroom. While I am sure their methods wouldn’t pass inspection, the good intentions were definitely there.

Cause really, we ALL benefit when our kids’ classrooms are clean!!!

Reader Interactions


1,031 Comments

  1. I am a teacher and downloaded the Clean up the Classroom kit from their website. I think their “Cinnamon Magic” lesson plan would clearly demonstrate for kids the importance of using soap to get rid of germs.

  2. I think coughing into your elbow and washing your hands/wrists are very important to help stop the spread between kids.

  3. I have never heard of the elbow cough and it makes a lot of sense. I will teach my kids to do this.

  7. I didn’t know germs lived in the washer- I use bleach or bleach alternative in most loads already- I’ll make sure to use in every single load.

  8. I liked the 5, 10 and 25 minute quick clean tips. The clorox wipes were used to clean many things.

  9. I really like the Birthday Song idea…it’s hard for kids to have a concept of how long the right amount of time is for washing hands. Giving them a song they know so well is perfect!

  10. I’ve been doing the elbow cough for a few years now. Used to get funny looks from people, now I think more are catching on. I am going to do the empty load with bleach idea. Probably today!

  13. I know that phones carry germs and my husband always disinfects the handle of our grocery buggy before we shop, but I’ve never thought of regularly cleaning our remote control for germs. Good point and very generous giveaway!

  14. Wow I know it was the first on the page but I always cough into my elbows but never thought much about teaching wee man to do the same… Wee man just started pre-k but we sent him with cleaning supplies to help out… Every little bit helps… Even though he has already gotten sick twice and was never “sick” before starting pre-k…

  15. Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  23. The “Doing the elbow cough” line was a good one. Come to think of it, I’ve seen some adults doing this…guess it’s an idea that’s been around a while.

  25. The sing and scrub song can be heard several times daily in my in home day care…the sounds of children giggling and singing as they wash their hands brightens up my day..thank you

  27. I thought putting the bleach in the washing machine was a great idea! I’m definitely going to use it 🙂

  28. I have always taught my kids to cough in their hands, but never thought to have them cough in their elbows.

  31. I did not realize that germs could remain the the washing machine. I will definitely be running a empty load through with Clorox. It also makes me wonder how clean my clothes are really getting. Hmm…

  32. One thing I was surprised to learn from Clorox’s site was the fact that “green” or “natural” cleaners aren’t tested by the EPA and don’t have a lot of ability to kill germs and bacteria. I’m going to make sure to pay attention to the labels on cleaners from now on to make sure I get ones that have been thoroughly tested by the EPA!

  33. I’ve never heard of the elbow cough before. What a GREAT tip. I have 7 grandchildren I’m gonna teach that to! Thanks! 🙂

  36. A tip I find helpful is giving Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to teachers – I wouldn’t have thought of that, even though the need is so obvious. Thanks for the contest!

  38. I like the Tip about teaching your children to do the elbow cough! To
    encourage them to cough into elbows, not hands (where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch). I knew about this, but forgot about it and now that it has been brought to my attention again, I am going to demonstrate this to my kids! Thank you for another wonderful giveaway!

  39. I love the Elbow Cough tip – it’s something I taught my kids to do when they were little.

  40. My favorite tip is the one about encouraging kids to wash their hands regularly. My husband is a teacher and is constantly fighting off germs that his students bring to class.

  42. Coughing into the crook of their arm is a great tip. I mean, how often are you touching a surface with the crook of your arm to spread germs?

  48. Running a wash load with Clorox to kill germs is a great tip. I had no idea germs could survive a wash.

  49. I love the tip about the elbow cough. It is such a simple way not to spread germs from a cough and one which I had never heard of or thought of.

  51. You know, I cough into my elbow but never thuoght much about it. I’ll have to pass that along, dont; cover your mouth with your hand…couch into your elbow! Oh and don’t ya know I’ll be singing Happy Birthdqy when I wash my hands. 😉

    Thanks again!

  54. washing your hands the right way takes 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing Happ Birthday twice, cool! i’ll remember that!

  58. I like the Happy Birthday tip, (hand washing amount of time needed to wash hands thoroughly).retirenaval(at)gmail.com

  59. Encouraging the kids to cough in their elbow not on their hands is a GREAT tip!!

    This would be a great gift idea for teachers!

    RobinMarie72 @ gmail . Com

  60. The tip about coughing into your elbow is the one I found most useful, because the kids in my youngest son’s class are very young and this would help. Thanks for the chance to win!

  61. I learned the “happy birthday” song for washing my hands several years ago. It’s great to teach kids. Thanks for the contest.

  62. My favorite tip is when you wash your hands, sing Happy Birthday two times to make sure you’ve washed long enough!

  63. I have sick kids at home right now and it is possible that they caught this bad cold and flu from one of their teachers who was sick and coughing before Christmas break. I think that the idea of giving these Clorox wipes to teachers is awesome and I think that I will get some tomorrow to wipe hard surfaces in the house. The site teaches the difference between cleaning and sanitizing and I found that interesting.

  64. The Sing & scrub tip: Make sure kids wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).

  65. I love the idea of the elbow cough and will definitely be teaching that to my younger children before they start school.
    My older children are always catching colds from school. And they seem to run the whole course of the house before leaving.
    Thank you so much for offering this wonderful giveaway.

  66. I may be the last person on earth not to know this one, Do the elbow cough
    Encourage them to cough into elbows, not hands (where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch). I thought I was doing a good thing with making them cover their mouths. lol

    I go through 2 of the large containers of this a month. I couldn’t live without. Thanks for the giveaway!

  67. Use Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes on:

    • Refrigerator and microwave
    door handles
    • Kitchen and bathroom faucets
    • Toilet handles
    • TV remotes
    • Phone receivers
    • Computer keyboards

    This is a great tip for everyone!

  68. I need to remember to clean our remote controls. They aren’t the first thing I think of for cleaning.

  74. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  76. The “elbow cough” is a very good tip. I’d love to win $100 Visa. It would be very useful.

  81. I thought the sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to wash for a proper amount of time was a great tip!

  82. Think one of the best tips was donating
    disinfecting wipes to the teacher. That
    would help keep the classroom clean, while
    letting the teacher know you (the parent) care.

  83. I think the ideas, like to have kids wash in warm water for as long as the Happy Birthday song lasts, is a very helpful and easy tip for children to remember.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  86. I liked the tip aout running an empty load of wash with clorox in the water to eliminate virus germs

  87. As a teacher I know the value of cleaning the hands of the students before and after meals.

  88. I had always been taught to cough into our shoulder, but that can be a very awkward movement. So I have just permitted my kids to continue to cough in their hands. I love this cough into the crook of the elbow. They can all do that movement fairly easy.

    We use clorox wipes in our bathrooms often. They are great for cleaning up the toilet messes that the boys swear none of them make. I know for a fact that guys have a secret contest to hit the fly buzzing around in the bathroom when they pee. Ugh! LOL!

  90. Volunteer to teach a cleanliness class. Teach students to wipe down their tables with Clorox wipes before eating their snacks/lunch on their desk.

  91. Disinfect desks!!!

    During flu season, I wiped down the desks after each high school class left the room. We had an epidemic one year, with 1/3 of our students being out for an entire week! I wiped down every day after every class, and I had five classes!

  93. I liked the tip to reduce germs by running an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  94. My children school , antibacterial soap is listed as school item at the beginning of the school year. A healty idea.

  96. I like the cough into your elbow tip…I’ve taught that to my kids for years! Thanks for the contest!

  98. I know it’s simple but the “teach kids healthier habits” through fun activities like “Cinnamon Magic”. Cool website.

  99. The tip about kids washing their hands for the length of time to sing “Happy Birthday” is a good one.

    Thanks for the giveaway!!

  100. I actually use the video in the classroom and the children after that love to use antibacterial gel and they make sure to wash their hands. Thanks

  101. We use the clorox anywhere spray to go over the whole house periodically to reduce germs

  102. Like most people, I found the tip about the germs living on in the washing machine very gross…yikes. I will start running an empty load with bleach from now on. Thanks.

  103. The elbow cough! All kids should learn this coughing technique, it would prevent germs from spreading all over the classroom!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  106. this is such a good idea! keeping classrooms clean is very important for everyones health!

    Teach kids healthier habits, such as Doing the elbow cough.

  107. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never cleaned our keyboards or remotes but will start! I am also planning to get some bleach for the washer. I never really thought of all this… thanks for the info and the giveaway!

  108. Do the elbow cough tip. I do this once in a while and looks like i am talking to my elbow.

  109. I like this tip to keep germs down when everyone is sick. I never really thought to do this.
    To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  116. Singing and scrubbing works well with all children. Plus, who doesn’t love a sing-along?

  117. I’d never really thought about it but
    need to disinfect and sanitize the remote control!

  119. Wow… I never thought about this….Run an empty load in the washing machine with ¾ cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach to kill bacteria and viruses spread by contaminated clothing. This is something I will do from now on. Thanks for the chance to win.

  120. coughing into their elbows is a great tip, I sure wish more people would do that. I work with the public in Yosemite National Park and touching money all day with all those germs is scary. We have clorox wipes by our registers to wipe down keyboard and mouse, etc. Love to win a gift card for kids teachers.
    Thanks

  122. The Elbow Cough – I never would have thought of that! That is the best tip – for kids and adults alike.

  125. Do the elbow cough
    Encourage them to cough into elbows, not hands (where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch).

  127. I like the tip “Teach kids healthier habits, such as washing their hands the right way.”

  128. I was not aware that germs lived in the washer. Thank you for that information! And for this contest!

  132. I have been teaching my children to cough or sneeze into their elbows instead of their hands.

  134. Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

  135. Coughing in the elbow just makes so much sence. Why did we not think about this before.

  137. I love the idea about coughing into your elbow! I’m going to share this idea with adults as well as kids!

  138. I liked the one about running your clothes washer empty with Clorox in it if you have someone sick in your house. I always worry about washing sickly clothes/towels and then running a regular wash after. I’m definately going to do that from now on. Thanks!

  144. I really benefited from the “hot spots” list. There are so many items and places that we don’t think of, or at least I don’t!

  145. I JUST LEARNED,FROM THE CLOROX SITE,THAT GERMS ARE 400 TIMES GREATER ON A STUDENTS DESK THAN ON AN AVERAGE TOILET SEAT.

  146. Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  147. I like the “The Germ Jumbler Unscramble The Words Game”. This is not only very useful, but is fun too 🙂

  148. I like this one: Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  149. I know enough to clean my keyboard, mouse and phones — but had NEVER thought about the remote controls!! GREAT idea!!

    Thanks for a great giveaway!!

  150. Wow! The “hot spots” for germs was an eye opener!!

    I’d LOVE a $100 gift card! We’re a military family and every little bit helps – alot!!!

  151. Elbow coughing is the tip I’m going to teach all of my kids. Please enter us to win.

  155. I like the tip about teaching your kids to cough (and sneeze) into their elbows instead of their hands. I still have a hard time remembering to do it myself. Thanks!

  160. A useful tip I found: “Make sure kids wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).”

  166. I find this quite interesting~

    Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    I will definitely start doing that! Thanks!

    braaisjo at gmail dot com

  171. The germy washing machine thing was a surprise. I thought that was being kept down by the regular use of bleach…

  174. Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.
    I was very surprised by this.

  175. i never really thought about germs in the washer but it makes perfect sense. a dark moist place…ugh. makes me shudder a bit. thank you for the useful information and a fabulous giveaway!

  176. I work in a recue mission and my husband works in a hospital. We need to kill germs at home!

  178. Will show grandchild this one: Sing and Scrub
    To help stop the spread of germs, teach kids to wash their hands the right way: with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday!” song twice).

  179. I like the elbow cough tip. However, we use good old fashioned cotton hankies for our coughs and sneezes.

  180. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  181. I find bleach is the only way to really clean things and get rid of ickey germs. All the desks in the classroom need to be wiped down with clorex at least once a week.

  182. What a great way to stop passing cold germs between kids at school… and a great idea for a group project!

  186. The tip about coughing into the elbow is pretty great, had not thought of that. Thanks for the giveaway!

  188. I like the tip on what you can clean in 5 minutes. I already use Clorox wipes, but I forget about things like the remote and keyboard.

  191. I like the Resource Round-up links, and I do like that everyone seems to be promoting to cough and sneeze into your elbow. When I worked in retail, I always bent down and sneezed onto the floor. I first heard the elbow trick about four years ago, and I see more and more people doing it. Terrific! The Clean Up the Classroom Campaign that Clorox is running is awesome. Schools and teachers don’t have enough money for everything so sending some free clean-up kits to classes is a great benefit to our schools and students.

  192. It’s a better idea to cough into your elbow instead of your hands to prevent spreading so many germs through touch!

  193. I love the coughing into the elbow. Teaching children tips like this goes along way in preventing spread of germs. I love the Clorox wipes and use at home and at work.

  195. I liked this tip

    Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    I will start doing this!!!!

    ardy22 at earthlink.net

  196. I forgot to say the tip I liked in my first post so I guess just disregard it.

    My favorite tip was about the bleach in the washing machine. I never would have thought about the germs in there before.

  201. I am a second grade teacher myself – it is amazing how kids have no idea of the germs around them! I purchase Clorox wipes (yellow canister) at least once a month, and wipe down desks and surfaces at least every other day. i would love to have $100 to spend on cleaning wipes….

  202. Keeping Clorox wipes at point of contact places is a great idea–never thought to keep them at the computer stations. thanks for the giveaway.

  205. I am moving to a new apartment and in need of an influx of cash and Clorox.

    Thanks for the opp.

    happy new year…

  206. Is it bad that I never think about cleaning the remote? Our remote has got to be absolutely filthy!!! When I get home, that thing is getting a major cleaning.

    sherri419 at gmail dot com

  207. Proper handwashing – and not just for the kids. In public restrooms, I notice the lazy handwashing that regularly happens, which makes me glad when the exit door pushed outwards!

  209. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine

  210. I think that cough into your elbow is a great suggestion…hands touch so many things, you don’t want to spread germs.

  211. I like Teach Kids Healthier Habits. I see these tips as having a pebble in a stream affect. That child stays healthier, the children around that child will be healthier, their parents will be healthier, etc . . . because fewer germs are spread.

    Good idea 🙂

  212. I love the hot spot section. I subscribe to your newsletter also. I love to here different suggestions on how to do things

  214. The entire Hot Spot section is great for parents and teachers alike. It has been a long time since I was a child, so thinking about items that need to be disinfected for children is somewhat of a monumental task. It was great to read a summarized list.

  215. Teach kids healthier habits, I believe that it make take 15 years but if we teach handwashing to everyone starting at 1 year the entire world with be healthier, not to create a generation of germaphobes but germs and disease is transmitted but us.

  216. My kids and I all sneeze in the crook of our elbow and try to also for coughing. Happy New Year.

  217. I like the game to teach children. With 6 grandchildren varying in ages, it is important to do things together that all can learn from

  218. I like this: Doing the elbow cough
    Encourage kids to cough into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch). Hands can get incredibly germy!

  219. I liked the tip about singing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to wash for a proper amount of time — my kids would like doing that!

  222. I love the tip for the 5-minute clean routine! That is a great way to get the kids involved!
    jinglesells at gmail dot com

  225. The most helpful tip on the site for me was that hands should be washed often. My son has really bad asthma and this is something I NEED to be doing. I use the clorox wipes all the time around the house to prevent getting sick.
    http://elislids.blogspot.com/

  226. I love the idea of cleaning the classroom. My daughter seeems to always bring a new germ home with her to share with the rest of the family.
    The cough in the elbow idea is a very good one so its not on your hands to pass on to everyone else when you touch someone/something.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  227. I have not been using Clorox for colors, maybe I should try it. You’re freaking me out with viruses living through the wash cycle.

  229. I like the tip about putting bleach in an empty washer every now and then to get rid of germs.
    I have a suppressed immune system and swear by Clorex wipes. I keep them in the kitchen and in each bathroom and use them. I also like Clorex spray since it’s so easy to use.
    Thanks for the nice and clean giveaway.

  232. Just cleaning with soap and water is not enough to kill germs on hard surfaces. You need to wipes things with a disinfectant like Clorox to help stop the spread of germs in the home and the classroom!

  237. The best tip is Doing the elbow cough
    Encourage kids to cough into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch).Which is try to tell every child to practice.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

  239. The realization that my washing machine does not fully sanitize clothing has left me just the slightest bit paranoid… Thanks for the heads up!

  241. I had no idea that virus can survive through washing and drying clothes. The tip to run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine is very helpful!

  245. I thought the tip about every house or classroom having “hot spots” was a good one. If you dissenfect these regularly it’s a huge help.

  246. I too like the cough in the elbow. My son came home with a print off that site, his teacher is on it! A tip I would like to add is to keep your child at home if he/she is sick!!

  250. Remembering to disinfect surfaces we touch a lot is a good tip. I never think to do that.

  254. Oh My Gosh…I didn’t know that kids are supposed to sing Happy Birthday twice to properly wash their hands and get all the germs off…what a great tip!!!

  256. I think that coughing or sneezing into your arm is a great tip and something that really helps not spread as many germs:)

  259. I like the tip about running an empty washer with clorox to kill the germs (my husband has us do that to clean out the washer, it’s great). thanks for the giveaway.

  260. Hand washing is the best way to stop spreading germs… I taught my kids to sing their ABC’s while washing hands to make sure they washed long enough

  261. isn’t it funny that we just recently learned to cough into our elbows? Makes perfect sense not to “cover your mouth” with your hands.

  263. I like the elbow cough idea. My mom is a kindergarten teacher, so I would love to use the gift card to organize a clean up the classroom surprise with her students’ help!

  268. coughing into your arm is a great one….especially since it’s cold season right now! thanks for the great giveaway!

  277. I like the cough into the elbow tip I’m going to teach my son this.

    🙂 Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! 🙂

  280. The germs in the washer is new to me! I also never thought about giving cleaning supplies to teachers, but may do that now. Thanks for the giveaway.

  282. Wow – I didn’t know germs lived in the washer. Very interesting to know. Love Clorox wipes.

  283. I’m signed up for your newsletter

    (and I also love the “sing happy birthday” while handwashing idea)

  289. A tip that I find helpful is to encourage kids to cough/sneeze into their arms instead of their hands. It will help to prevent the spread of germs onto other surfaces. We all know that kids can’t keep their hands off anything.

    agsweeps (at) hotmail (dot) com

  292. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  300. I work in a daycare and the children are small so we teach them to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze and then to wash their hands. I would love to win a gift card. I could use it.

  301. i always make sure the teacher gets something. after all, they give the greatest gift to a child – knowledge!

  306. all good tips – but the singing happy birthday twice to time it (and make it fun) is my favorite. thanks!

  310. As a teacher, I love this campaign and the idea! My favorite tip is the elbow cough (although I do the shoulder cough myself). Great site and great giveaway. Thanks for the chance. lys76 at msn dot com

  318. Great giveaway and for a great cause. I know my sons teachers could always use something for the classroom.

  320. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds – the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice!

    Thanks for the opportunity.

  321. I love the elbow cough! I think this goes with sneezes too – if it’s not on the kids hands then they won’t spread the germs!
    Thanks

  324. My daughter in law is a teacher and she and my son are frequently ill. This is one of my favorite tips and yes teachers buy so much for their classrooms-

  325. I’m a teacher and i sure would love to have someone come after school and clean my classroom. for that matter I’d love to win this gift card to buy some supplies i need for the classroom

  326. Encourage them to cough into elbows, not hands (where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch)

    brn2lisn(at)gmail(dot)com

  327. I use bleach for my laundry, commodes, and general cleaning in my house. In my classroom I keep Clorox wipes in case anyone sneezes and if I feel the need to kill some germs…

  328. THANK YOU for these great ideas! As an elementary teacher/reading specialist, I really appreciate it!! We do often buy our own supplies, and any little contribution helps. This would be a great gift, and will help keep kids (and their teachers) healthy and in school, too.

    My favorite tip is the elbow cough – I wish everyone did that. I can’t tell you how often I see someone cough into their hands just before they touch a doorknob or handrail.

  330. I’m a teacher, and boy would I really love for someone to gift me with a clean classroom. Of course, I teach high school, and we don’t get presents like the elementary teachers do :((

    On the clorox site, I learned that the average desk has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. WOW!!! I’ll be going in and cleaning those desks when I get back from vacation!

    THanks for the great giveaway.

  331. To wash hands the right way – with soap and warm water for 20 seconds – about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice

  335. I take Clorox Disinfecting Wipes in the car so when we go grocery shopping I grab one and wipe that buggy.

  336. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are not only good for the classroom but for the house as well…..any place where germs lives.

  338. Sing and Scrub–teaching kids to use soap and water and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to wash for a proper amount of time.

  339. Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands, where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch. This is a great tip.

    Thank you for the great giveaway!

  340. I learned I should teach the kids to do the elbow cough.
    Encourage them to cough into elbows, not hands (where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch).

  341. i like this tip: Sing and Scrub–teaching kids to use soap and water and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to wash for a proper amount of time.

  343. Cleaning a classroom is awesome. When I was a teacher it was like living in a petri dish. The kiddos were just little bacteria with backpacks.

  346. Gah! I had no idea viruses could transfer from one piece of clothing to another in the washing machine, so the best tip I saw was to run some Clorox through the machine to kill the nasty little buggers.

  349. We’ve used the Happy Birthday song to time handwashing since my kids were little and now my granddaughter does it as well.
    My sister is a kindergarten teacher and would love to have this GC to buy cleaning supplies for her classroom!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  350. The “elbow cough” is perfect! My kids are constantly coughing out into the air, and as many times as I remind them to cough into their hands, they never seem to remember my advice! Thanks Clorox! I am now subscribing to your site. Merry Christmas!

  351. I had no idea germs and viruses from clothes live on in the washer, so I really appreciated the tip about running an empty load with 3/4 cup of Clorox bleach. I am going to pass this along to my building manager so she can periodically sanitize the community machines in our laundry room! Thanks!

  352. I didn’t realize antibacterial soap doesn’t kill cold and flu viruses and that’s why it’s important to remember to disinfect surfaces like appliance handles.

  353. i had no idea that germs lived in your washing machine! I need to get some bleach, that is something really good to know

  354. Teachers love gift cards to movies or for gas or groceries. It’s practical but more useful than a tree ornament with “Best Teacher 2008” on it. They get tons of those.

  355. As a teacher, I like the tip about making sure each child has his own supplies. I supply the pencils, etc., when children forget theirs or lose them or run out, but that means sharing germs with the last person who used it.

  357. I have heard of the elbow cough trick before but that is still my favorite clean practice, not just at school but everywhere.

  359. I really like the clean up the classroom idea. Anyone with children in school knows how they get sick and bring it home to the rest of the family. My favorite tip is the coughing into the elbow one.

  360. They had lots of useful tips. I like this one: Here’s a HOT TIP: Help wash away germs on Laundry Day!

    Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    Thanks for the great contest. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

  361. they really need to teach everyone, including adults the proper way to wash hands,
    turn on water as hot as you can stand it
    foam up past the wrist, almost to he elbow,
    rinse off
    TURN OF TAPS WITH A PAPER TOWEL DO NOT TOUCH THE taps with your hands
    ick..i watch people do it wrong in the washrooms all the time, no wonder so many illness are happening in food service industries…people don’t wash like they have been trained to do

  362. I have my kids sing the ABC song while they wash their hands and I always wipe down the carts at places like Walmart before we shop. Ick!!

  364. I heart this good tip: Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands — where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch.ty 4 the awesome giveaway and entry 🙂

  365. The best tip is the “Elbow Cough”. If you cough into your hand, you’ll be spreading the germs around whenever you touch things….but you don’t touch things with your elbow, so cough into your elbows people! 🙂

  370. Sanitizing reduces the level of bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Disinfecting with an EPA registered product has been shown to kill those bacteria. thanks

  371. Tip: Encourage kids to cough into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch).

  374. As a first grade teacher, I see it all come through my classroom! This would be a great gift for me!

  377. i like the elbow cough, (Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands — where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch.) I wish more people did it.
    Thank you for the giveaway

  379. I like the cough into your elbow. So many kids today cough and sneeze and don’t cover their mouths.

  380. I like the tip– To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine. –Because hubby’s a butcher and he’s always bringing home raw meat on his clothes!!

  384. I like this tip because it makes it clear how long hand washing needs to be.

    Sing & scrub
    Make sure kids wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).

  385. Make sure kids wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).

  386. I am a 5/6 grade teacher and I teach my students to cough AND SNEEZE into their elbow. I also disinfect the doorknobs every day! Thanks for the giveaway!

  395. My youngest daughter believes in carrying hand sanitizer everywhere. Her motto is “Don’t leave home without it.”

  397. I liked what they said about washing hands often.
    I think that’s one of the best ways to not spread germs.

  401. As a former teacher I was lucky to have a sink in my room for kids to wash their hands. I also disinfected the desks routinely with Clorox wipes and especially the one where students were sneezing or coughing. I like your idea of doing that into your elbow in the tips section. Thanks for a great giveaway, I still substitute and I take my wipes with me.

  406. I didn’t know about germs in the washer. I’m running bleach through it now! YUCK! Thanks for the giveaway!

  408. I leave the wipes under my sink in both the kitchen and bathroom. Really is a quick way to clean up and kill germs…Thank you

    Wiping the remote is a great tip. Who would of thought??

  424. I like this tip for germ factor but also to smell better. Says to run 3/4 cup Clorox Bleach in empty washer for a cycle to eliminate viruses clothes can carry and leave behind. Most times when I open my empty front loader there is a smell so this should help that as well. Thanks

  425. I haven’t bought my son’s teacher a gift yet 😮 (
    Not sure what to get – I had read that the “teachers” branded gifts were the worst gifts to give a teacher….so I’m not sure what to get her.
    Haven’t had to buy teachers gifts in MANY years.
    hushmouth{at}verizon{dot}net

  429. On Laundry Day, Help Make Germs Go Away!
    Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.
    I never knew this!! Thanks!

  430. Because of cold and flu season, this was my favorite tip:

    Here’s a HOT TIP: Help wash away germs on Laundry Day!

    Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  432. newsletter subscriber

    (man I should spell check before hitting submit. my previous post has an error.)

  434. Just learned that when your watching tv using the remote and get up to get a snack from the fridge, you have just touched 2 of the “hot spots” for germs. Yuck.

  437. I like this tip – To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  440. Give kids their own school supplies, so they don’t have to share germy cups, crayons or pencils.

  442. I never knew that studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and that it’s a good idea to run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox Regular-Bleach in your washing machine, when someone has been sick in your household. Thanks for a great giveaway!

  447. I think all the tips are good but i like the idea of singing happy birthday twice when your washing your hands. I hate going into a public bathroom and seeing women walk out without washing there hands maybe next time I will point this site out to them.

  448. My daughter is a teacher… I know first hand the importance of having cleaning materials for the classroom

  449. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway! I liked the 5-minute quick clean routine. Things like the remote control or the refrigerator handle often get overlooked…time to break out the Clorox wipes!

  451. I think that it’s a great tip to tell kids to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.

  454. The teacher must LOVE you guys 🙂 LOL!!

    Anyway, I learned this:

    Sing and Scrub
    To help stop the spread of germs, teach kids to wash their hands the right way: with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday!” song twice).

    Pretty cool, huh?? I NEVER knew that it had to be THAT long!! Definitely gonna be singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY in the loo from now on…if you hear someone singing…just moi 🙂

    tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

  457. I learned the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting. Sanitizing reduces bacteria, while disinfecting with an EPA registered product can kill it.
    smchester at gmail dot com

  458. My son’s classroom always use Clorox Disinfecting Wipes for everything, which I usually donate.

  459. This info was helpful: “Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.” I never really thought that clothes can contaminate other clothing…just assumed everything put in would be cleaned.

  460. The tip to give cleaning supplies is right up my alley. They are great gifts!
    Thank you for the contest!

  464. Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  465. I found the “elbow cough” technique very interesting. Hope this catches on everywhere, not just at school.

  472. Kids can touch up to 300 surfaces in just 30 minutes, so disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes

  474. Teach kids to wash their hands the right way:
    frequently, throughout the day
    before and after they eat
    with warm, soapy water, for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice)

  475. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  479. As a preschool teacher myself, I love the cough into you elbow, and as we teach, sneeze into your sleeve please.

    Thanks for the giveaway, I sure could use one of these gift cards.

  481. From the site, the best tip is the cough into the elbow bit, especially since people are not always into washing their hands immediately if they cough behind their hand.

  484. I thought soap would take care of germs in the washing machine. Learned something new today. Thanks for the giveaway.

  493. I’m happy to be reminded to ” cough into elbows, not hands.” Next to washing hands, that’s probably the most important tip to stop the spread of colds.

  495. I get the newsletter. I got kicked off last night by my computer, so my initial comment is way above here. 🙂

  496. I like the five minutes tip on using the clorox wipes. Going over things in the kitchen and bathroom.

  498. I help in my son’s class once a week. Invariably I get sick. I have donated a case of Clorox wipes to the classroom and have gone two weeks without getting sick.

  499. This is my favorite tip: Doing the elbow cough
    Encourage kids to cough into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch).

  506. Here’s a HOT TIP: Help wash away germs on Laundry Day!

    Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    I just never really thought about this! This is the most helpful tip that I saw. I will be utilizing this immediately.

  507. Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  509. I like the coughing into your elbow idea and the washing your hands to the happy birthday song. both kids can understand and do easily. thanks!

  510. As a wife of a teacher who is VERY conscious of germs, I love it when parents give him Clorox wipes & boxes of tissues. It’s a teacher’s wife’s dream!

  511. Great tips. I agree with wiping down your keyboard and mouse as there are lots of germs on them. Thanks!

  516. I really like the Cough into your elbow tip. I work at an elementary school cafeteria and the kids come through the line hacking away on everything and everybody! They could all use this tip! m04taes(at)verizon(dot)net

  533. Love the idea for the teacher – as a teacher myself, I know how much of your own money you spend on those types of things!

  535. i’m so glad you mention this!!! I’m completing a MS in education right now and as school budgets keep shrinking, teachers have to cover more and more of their classroom expenses–like cleaning supplies and printing tests!

    I think the elbow cough idea is genius.

  539. You know I always knew about handles to doors being “hot spots” for germs and I don’t know why I didn’t think about it but microwave and fridge handles are hot spots too – duh.
    As a former teacher – Thank you for hosting this giveaway. We spend sooo much on our classrooms out of our own funds. Thank you, thank you.

  541. My fav. tip is teaching kids to cough into their elbows. Thanks so much for this giveaway! Merry Christmas!

  543. My favorite tip is to run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine. to kill virus’ and flu germs, in between washes

  546. i like the tip about coughing into elbows..great idea!

    Thanks for a great giveaway! i hope i’m chosen as the lucky winner.

  547. The best tip for me was to run an empty load in the washing machine with ¾ cup Clorox® Regular-
    Bleach to kill bacteria and viruses spread by contaminated clothing.

  549. Share wisely
    Give kids their own school supplies, so they don’t have to share germy cups, crayons or pencils.

  552. Something I did not know….Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  559. As one who always grew up sneezing into his hands, sneezing into your elbow for kids is great advice

  560. I’m trying to remember the “hot spots”; this site is very informative! Keyboards, phones, fridge handles, doorknobs, grocery cart handles, pin pads for debit cards, bank machines, there must be thousands of hot spots!

    Thanks very much!

  562. I really like the Pardner with Parents tip. I think all parents should be involved with their childrens education. And to take it one step farther by donating cleaning supplies or even taking the time to clean the classroom for her is great just a wonderful idea. Hope more parents get involved in this manner.

  568. I had totally forgotten about “Cough into your elbows, not your hands” (where you’re more likely to spread viruses through touch). I’ll have to tell that tip to my son and his wife, who are always telling their two little girls to cover their mouth when they cough.

    [email protected]

  573. I like the tip about the remote… did not even think of that one. I try to wash off the phone, but missed the remote.

    Great tips Clorox

  580. Sanitizing reduces the level of bacteria such as E Coli and salmonella and disinfecting has been shown to kill those bacteria. Thanks so much for such a wonderful giveaway, my daughter is always coming hoe with a list of things her class needs so this card would definitely come in handy for that!

    furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net

  581. I never realized that your washer could be filled with germs. I just figured they got washed away with the dirty water after washing a load of clothing! That’s so gross!! I will now be using bleach to clean my washer every so often. Thanks for the giveaway!

    kport207 at gmail dot com

  584. I thought the tip about cleaning you washer with bleach was a good one. I didn’t realize that viruses could live in my washing machine.

    Thanks for the opportunity,
    Beth

  586. Clorox wipes were on our Kindergarten teachers wish list at the beginning of the year, so I pick them up every time the grocery store does double coupon days!

  587. I liked the tip about how to keep down mildew in the bathroom by tossing the shower curtain liner in the wash with some regular bleach.

  592. running 3/4 c Clorox bleach through the washer after running your normal laundry is a great tip

  594. Hi!!
    I think that is really sweet that your son likes his teacher. That definitely makes the school day more enjoyable…so does a clean classroom:)

    I liked this tip and never heard it before…

    To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  595. I liked the tip about cleaning the washing machine with bleach. I didn’t know germ could be there.

  596. As a first grade teacher the children in my class clean their desk tops with Clorox wipes after recess and again after lunch. We also practice the elbow cough/sneeze.

    Best wishes for happy holidays and a prosperous 2009! Thanks for the contest.

  597. I love teaching the elbow cough. We teach kids to cover with their hands…but kids touch everything with their hands!

  599. My favorite tip is “Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.”

  601. “Give kids their own school supplies, so they don’t have to share germy cups, crayons or pencils.”

    Ack, I didn’t know germs lived in the washer – ick!

  602. I picked up this great tip from the website:

    Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    Thanks for the contest!

  603. 80% of infectious illnesses are spread by touch – and the average student can touch up to 300 surfaces in just 30 minutes. Multiply that by the number of hours in a school day – and you can quickly see why the average desk has 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat. Even if you clean your classroom before the school day starts, germs are bound to be back in full force by the end of the day. And when kids return to your classroom from the science lab, cafeteria or gym – they may bring even more germs with them. Wiping a surface with soap and water or a cleaning product does not eliminate germs. That’s why it’s important to use an EPA registered disinfectant regularly on the surfaces kids touch most: doorknobs, desktops, keyboards and water fountain faucets. Disinfect often to help kill the germs that can cause colds, flu and other illnesses. Using Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes is one quick and easy way to be sure you’re doing your part. For other ideas, check out these Quick Clean Routines for your classroom.

  605. We use Clorox wipes all over the house, especially doorknobs and phones to prevent germs spreading. We also encourage coughing in the elbow instead of into hands to prevent spreading germs

  606. the elbow cough is pretty interesting but i’ll admit i read that above but from the clorox site i choose….”share wisely” such a true tip. Kids are always sharing pencils, crayons, paper, etc. (anything & everything). If kids had their own school supplies at all times than thats less germs that are spread by sharing!

  607. Thanks for offering this giveaway. I love the tip about Doing the elbow cough
    Encourage kids to cough into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch).
    Thanks and Happy Holidays.

  608. i like the tip about running clorox through an empty wash cycle to kill the germs in the clothes washer

  609. Make sure kids wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).

    i love the birthday theme for timing

  612. my mom is a nurse so we were taught to cough in the elbow and to sing the ABC’s twice while washing hands, nice to know my mom was ahead of the game as I’ve taught my kids the same. I can’t bring myself to waste water on an empty load so I always wash my whites with bleach first, probably not as effective but I’m trying!

  613. As Clorox pointed out, “Germs also live on computer keyboards”. Ew! We can all relate to this one.

  615. Hi all-I like the tip about running your washer on an empty load with 3/4 cup bleach to get rid of the nasties! That will be my new weekly laundry routine.
    Thanks

  618. I like the tip to “Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands — where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch.”

  623. Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  626. I love the clorox wipes! I have already donated several to my daughter’s classroom for their use. It’s an easy way for everyone to help clean the class! Thanks

  629. I found the list of places germs like to hide very helpful:
    Microwave & refrigerator handles
    Kitchen & bathroom faucet handles
    Phones
    MP3 players
    Remote controls
    Mouse & keyboards

    We’ve got to do our best to avoid the sickies around here!

  633. I learned that kids should cough into their elbows! From now, my kids and myself will be coughing into our elbows!

    orchestratenoise0726[at]yahoo[dot]com

  635. I love the Germbuster games! Nothing like a little fun to help the chores go faster! I printed them out. Now the first one to get their room picked up gets first choice! Thanks!

  637. I was janitor in a public school.
    I like the tip to teachers. Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands — where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch.

  641. Many of the tips they have I already use. I teach preschool from home and I’m always using Clorox wipes. One thing I did like was their Hot Spot Hit List. I never even thought about disinfecting our remotes. Duh!

  645. I like the tip to encourage kids to cough into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch).

  647. Wow, I was surprised to learn that teachers have to buy their own cleaning supplies — gee, it seems bad enough that pencils & paper are rarely provided anymore!

  649. The coughing into the elbows is a great tip! I’m always telling my son to cover his mouth…but coughing into his elbow makes more sense!!

  654. This is the tip I read: “Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.”

    I was SHOCKED to know that my washing machine doesn’t kill germs!

  655. My 4th grade teacher made us have our own box of Kleenex at all times and also a small trash can on our desk.

  656. Doing the elbow cough
    Encourage kids to cough into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch).

    Thanks

  663. I found this:
    When a child comes home from school sick, he or she may infect the rest of the family! Help prevent the spread of germs by using Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes* to sanitize and disinfect these germ “hot spots” in your home:

    * Phones
    * Kitchen/bathroom sink faucet handles
    * Light switches
    * Remote controls
    * Doorknobs
    * Refrigerator handles
    Thanks for the chance.

  664. Wonderful idea. I was a teacher & I did buy all my own supplies. I have your buttons and subscribe.

  668. I like the tip to run an empty washer load with bleach to kill any germs. Who knew there were so many germs in there? YUCK!
    give_me_a_latte at yahoo

  669. Cough into your elbow as opposed to just letting it fly. I try to teach this to my patients as well. Thanks for the giveaway!

  670. Paper products are also a great idea, my child’s classroom always runs out of kleenex, paper towels, soap and hand sanitizer.

  675. I liked the tip about all the Hot Spots for germs; examples: phones,computer keyboards,light switches, TV remotes, door knobs, refrigerator handles!

  677. I learned that contimated clothes with germs and viruses placed into the washer machine can spread to the washer machine and to other clothes and then of course to individuals. And the great tip to rid the washing machine from germs. Thanks for the great opportunity!

  679. Please enter me & Thanks for the giveaway!

    The tip I found most helpful were the Quick Clean Routines for parents 🙂 I never thought that just wiping down everything from doorknobs to light switches with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes would help fight germs, but it seems really easy and makes a lot of sense!

    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  681. I like this tip: Do the elbow cough
    Encourage them to cough into elbows, not hands (where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch).

    I have been trying to teach my kids to do this.

  685. i visited the site and signed up. I found this tip for the home on the site. Run an empty load in the washing
    machine with ¾ cup Clorox® Regular-
    Bleach to kill bacteria and viruses
    spread by contaminated clothing. I think cleaning up the classroom starts at home. By keeping our children illness free we are reducing the number of germs spread at school.

  688. My favorite tip was about doing the elbow cough. Here I’ve always taught mine to cover their mouths in order to not infect everyone around them. Of course that completely ignores the fact that everything they touch after that becomes contaminated.

  691. I’d LOVE to win! I’m a Speech Pathologist in a low income school and don’t receive Christmas gifts from my students 🙁 🙁 This would make up for that very nicely!

  697. I like this tip
    Make sure kids wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).

  700. The “hot spot hit list” covers areas that make total sense, yet might not be places you think of initially! (computer mouse, for instance)

  702. Germs can be anywhere, I love clorox, it cleans very well, and the classroom is the perfect example. So many germs with kids sneezing all over the place.

  704. I never thought about disinfecting my washer, but they say to run an empty load through with 3/4 cup Clorox Bleach to do it.

    thanks for sharing

    ceashark at aol dot com

    carolyn s

  705. the elbow cough was the best tip I thought, I would never have told my kids that until now, what a good idea at keeping germs down!!!

  706. Disinfecting and sanitizing household “hot” spots helps keep the family germ free as well as the classroom by keeping the spread of nasties from reaching others. We do this in our home and the kids love to pitch in. Gotta love Clorox wipes!

  711. Cough in the elbow to reduce spread of germs. We say to the kiddos “Cough in the corner” and it has worked great! Thanks for the chance.

  712. I love the tip about running bleach in an empty washer, to get rid of germs that may be lurking there. I never knew that! I guess old dogs can learn new tricks! Thanks for directing me to the clorox website and for the opportunity to enter the contest.

  713. I like their recommendation of running 3/4 c Clorox bleach through the washer after running your normal laundry.

  714. tip- Encourage kids to cough into their elbows, not their hands (where they’re more likely to spread viruses through touch).

  722. I didn’t even think about microwave & refrigerator handles being germy places at home! Now I know to clean them extra well!

  725. Having kids cough into their elbow is great, and also wiping down surfaces like doorknobs, tables and lightswitches has to help too!

  726. I like the elbow cough idea – having kids cough into their elbow instead of their hand. This would definately not spread so many germs!

  735. I liked the suggestion to run bleach through the washer in an empty load, to kill any viruses left from clothing. I hadn’t thought of that, good suggestion!

  736. I didn’t know that viruses can survive going through the washing machine and can be transfered to other clothes and other loads of clothes, adding bleach to an empty washing machine kills them

  739. I like the quick clean routines…they suggested some things to disinfect that i had not thought about!

  742. Having been a teacher, I can tell you this is an AWESOME idea!
    I’d love to win one of the gift cards.

  744. I read a tip that aid to run an empty load of water and Clorox bleach through the wahing machine to kill germs in the machine from clothes that have been exposed to viruses. I’d have never thought to do that!

  746. I love the idea of cleaning your teacher’s classroom. They work so hard and deserve some special attention! Thanks for the chance to win the gift card.

  751. I loved the tip about the differences between sanitizing and disinfecting. Thanks for passing along the information, and the opportunity.

  757. My favorite tip is:
    “Sing & scrub – Make sure kids wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).”

  759. Cleaning the remotes — who would’ve thought?! Great tip, and thanks also for the awesome idea of cleaning the room for the teacher!

  764. Do the elbow cough
    Encourage them to cough into elbows, not hands (where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch).
    Thank you for letting me enter!

  766. coughing into your elbow is tip i have been trying to teach my kids for years 🙂
    thanks so much

  769. What a great idea. I think I might need to talk to some of our playgroup moms about doing the same thing in our kids classrooms at church.

  770. As a former school teacher, I can tell you that a Clorox clean up kit/wipes/spray would be a FABULOUS gift. I bought a lot of my cleaning supplies too. Classrooms can get kind of grimy with 25 fourth graders & all their stuff!

    I could definitely help stock up my daughter’s preschool classroom with one of these gift cards. What a great giveaway!

  773. Not only do we do the cough in the inner elbow area, but we sneeze there as well…we make it a point to use our sleeves to open doors anywhere that’s not at home and if we’re in public bathrooms we too use paper towels to open doors but if there are no paper towels we use our shirt to open the door(tuck our hand under our shirt and use the hem to open the door).

  776. I also subscribe to your feed. Just downloaded the cleaner classroom learning kit – what a good idea!

  780. I’m a teacher AND a parent! My mom used to be a school secretary for a private school and I mentioned at back to school time that we were busy cleaning the room before unpacking and she said “Doesn’t your custodian clean your room over the summer?” HA! they barely clean the room during the school year…WE clean it! Sure would be great to have this to help!

  784. I am a 2nd grade teacher – can I say how much I would LOVE for someone to clean my classroom??? What an awesome idea! 🙂

  787. I like the idea of supplying your kids with their school supplies so they don’t have to share. You can download a shopping list of healthy supplies and school supplies. Thank you!

  793. I live for these wipes and if I won I buy lots for my classroom and my husband’s classroom! 🙂

  800. feed subscriber… I’ve wondered if germs can travel from clothing item to clothing item, and by reading the home tips, I now know. We have had quite a few bugs lately and I am going to be sure to clean our washer with bleach!

  808. I like their “hot spots” list…I never thought to clean my remote (I know, gross huh??) But now I will thanks to their tips. Also, I liked the idea of running a load of wash with some clorox to kill lingering viruses that can be spread to other clothes.

    I just have to say that I think this program for teachers is SO GREAT! Before I had my first son, I taught 6th grade (1 yr) and 4th grade (2 yrs). I ALWAYS bought my own cleaning supplies and would have LOVED if my students had done this for our classroom. SO to all you parents out there, save your teachers the extra pounds and get the wipes instead of the fudge this year!!! {{wink}}

  813. I like the “wash in hot water” regarding laundry. In such an economic conscious state, it’s hard to remember that for just a few pennies more, I can protect us against germs by turning the washing machine to “hot.”

    Thanks!
    Megret
    musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com

  814. I wish they would teach children at school the importance of handwashing and spreading germs. I think this would be a GREAT teachers gift!!

  815. WE LOVE CLOROX WIPES!!!! as a mom of 7 and childcare provider for 3 other little ones this is a STAPLE in our home. I buy them in bulk at B.J’s wholesale club, I keep them in each of the bathrooms and by each of the computers!!! Truley love this product!!

  817. I love the “Hot Spot Hit List!” I’ll definitely be sure to pay extra attention to those areas now that hubby has the stomach flu -again.

  824. With a young daughter, I especially like the “Happy Birthday” song for washing her hands long enough! Hand washing is so important, and even more so in the winter months!

  825. This one is I think the most important.
    Germs are spread a lot through touching, and kids love to touch…everything.

    Teach kids healthier habits, such as
    Washing their hands the right way

    * frequently, throughout the day
    * before and after they eat
    * with warm, soapy water, for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice)

  826. I agree with the “get involved” tip. In fact, my little boy’s class has decided to clean green and all the parents spend 10 minutes cleaning after class ends. just trying to keep our little ones healthy!

  829. I like to wipe off the light switches and door knobs daily..so I was happy to see that tip there..I love the quick clean routines lists..I am gonna print that off! We love our Cloroz wipes here!

  834. Counghing into the elbow is one thing I am always telling the kids. People touch everything in school and my kids are no different. So i keep reminding them not to touch and if they must cough, into the arm it goes so the hands stay cleaner.

  835. I like the elbow cough tip. My kids do it, but I am still trying to convince my husband it’s better than sneezing into his hand!

  846. I found the “Quick Clean Routines” really helpful!

    🙂 Thanks for the giveaway and information on your site!

  850. I have Clorox Wipes in every bathroom and use them daily. I am a clean freak.

    I need those gift cards!!! Thanks for a great giveaway!!!

  852. I would have never guessed that your washing machine is contaminated with germs with all the soap and hot water used. Learn something new everyday 🙂

  855. Oops, aparently my subscriber comment worked but the original didn’t. I was excited to read the cough into the elbow tip b/c that is how I’ve been teaching the girls to do it. It’s nice to know we’re doing things a good way! Thanks for the chance to win.

  859. We’ve been doing the elbow-cough for years, but now that I’m on chemo, we’re REALLY strict about it. Three little kids = six little hands in Mommy’s face. I feel better when I haven’t seen anyone snot on their hands recently. 🙂

  863. I like the elbow cough tip. I am always around children and I have had children (not knowing any better) come up to me and cough all over my face. When really it isn’t their faults it’s our faults for not telling them. I will have to use this tip.

  865. What a great idea, and glad Clorox is onboard with it too! We cleaned our boy’s preschool over the Thanksgiving break and it was much appreciated. A tip we practice is doing the elbow cough!

  870. for moms, I like the tip about running chlorox through a wash cycle w/o clothes to kill any remaining viruses in the machine…we just got over a stomach virus, so may be doing that one this afternoon! Thanks!

  876. I taught for nine years and I can honestly say that I would have loved for someone to do that for me. Great idea!

  888. We homeschool, but we are always using Clorox wipes around here. I love the “Doing the elbow cough” tip. I’ve been trying to get my 5 year old to do that!

  892. Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    i find this insane i have never in my life heard this not ever!!

  893. My daughter’s teacher is always lookin for these types of items. She would be thrilled. So would I for less germs.

  898. I always try to get my kids to cough in the crook of their arms! And I make them wash their hands randomly throughout the day. 😉

    I love Clorox cleanups. I keep them in my car!

  902. I’ve never cleaned out my washer before and according to the site, it can hold lots of germs. I like the tip of adding 2/4 cup Clorox to the washer and running a cycle. Great tip! Great giveaway too.

  904. Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    Yuck!

  911. I like the sing and scrub. My four year old does this now. She used to be convinced that touching the water at all was the same as washing up.

  913. The cough in your elbow idea is one I hadn’t heard.
    Also running 3/4 cup of Clorox in an empty wash to kill viruses is good.

  914. Ewww…germs in the washing machine? Glad we are coughing in our elbows at least!! My son’s school is a high education for low income children, so the gift card would help in so many ways. We take him there just because they have the very best teachers in the city.

  916. I really like the concept of quick clean routines–my husband is a total germaphobe, so he’ll be happy to know that I’m going to add these “hot spots” to my daily/weekly cleaning plans.

  917. Count me in! I am also an email newsletter subscriber.

    This is a good tip for us, we’ve had some sickness recently: To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

  921. I did NOT know this…”Sanitizing reduces the level of bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Disinfecting with an EPA registered product has been shown to kill those bacteria…” VERY interesting…AND I will let other parents know that for every two Clorox products we buy and register, our teachers can get FREE clorox products. How cool is that!
    Thanks so much for sharing!!
    ~Lana B~

  934. I forget how many things get covered in germs that I never think to wash. The tip to clean stuff like remotes and keyboards is great, now I want to go wipe mine down.

  937. I really enjoyed the tip on running the washing machine with 3/4 cup in it. I also found the Quick Clean Routines List helpful. A simple and fast way to tackle those germ hotspots.

  941. Studies show that clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and viruses may even remain in the washer afterwards. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    Wow, I can honestly say I never knew that. No wonder we always seem to keep passing back and forth colds all winter.

  942. I buy Clorox wipes at Sams and use them in almost every room of the house. I wipe down the remotes, doorknobs and the light switches.

  946. I thought this was a great idea:

    Clothes with viruses on them can contaminate other clothes in the wash and remain in the washer. To reduce the germs spread throughout the household, run an empty load with 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach in your washing machine.

    Great giveaway!

  947. Here’s what got me: “Kids can touch up to 300 surfaces in just 30 minutes.” WHOA. That’s a lot of surfaces. Do I doubt it? No. I’ve seen my children in action. Great idea for a classroom gift!

  950. I like the tip about not forgetting to wipe down the TV remote– I never remember that one. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  960. I’d have to say my favorite tip is one that can benefit everyone, not just teachers – Clorox has some tips as to what you can clean in 5 minutes (wipe table tops and desktops, light switches, etc.) The rest of us can use the same ideas at home – germs build up there, too and its quick and easy enough to get rid of them!

  961. I love knowing that singing the “happy birthday” song is the right duration of time to wash your hands!

    Sara

  963. I believe teaching kids healthier habits is the best tip of all. As a side note I keep containers of Clorox wipes sitting around all over my house. On the bathroom counters, kitchen counters, kids room, in the living room play area, just inside the back door … it truly does cut down on the germs carried into the house and about the house. I’ve found that we have a lot less colds and viruses in our home since I started stashing Clorox wipes around and actually got the family involved in using them.

  971. I love love love the gram buster games. Specifically the word jumblers. It is a great way to get our kids involved in germ fighting and still have fun while learning. Thanks for the great giveaway!

  979. I love the quick clean routine over at Clorox! They also have lesson plans for teachers. Thanks for offering a great giveaway!

  984. I found a cool hot spot hit list of things to clean that get really dirty more often! I’ll try it out, I hate getting sick all the time!

  988. I think this is a great idea and yes a student teacher you learn about the elbow cough and how to wash your hands but the sharing of school items such as crayons is often done because there is not enough to go around but I never thought of it as sharing germs

  990. I love the Elbow Cough tip! I have never even thought of that before, but it’s genius!
    sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

  995. Our school has started using Clorox wipes on the preschool tables after snack. I didn’t realize how many different kinds of germs can just live on the tables such as flu and salmonella. Yuck.

  999. I use the Clorox wipes every morning to ‘once over’ my bathroom. Then, I can go farther between real cleanings. 🙂

  1003. I am going to go run an empty bleach load… now all I can think about is viruses on all the clothes!

  1004. Elbow cough. My daughter has an immuno suppressing illness, and I’m trying to teach the world to do this!

  1009. What a great gift idea. I made scarves for my daughter’s teachers, this year. But I like the idea of giving cleaning supplies. I think I’ll keep the gift giving coming, after the 1st of the year & send in a gift basket of cleaning products when they go back to school on Jan 5th.

    I love the cough in the elbow tip!

  1012. good tip Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands — where they’re more likely to spread germs through touch.

  1015. My kids have been taught from day one to cough and sneeze into the crook of their arm. Glad to know we are doing it the right way!

  1016. I didn’t realize germs lived in the washer. I figured they were magically washed away. lol. I already used bleach in my washer. that was the tip.

    I would love to be entered into this giveaway. Thanks.

  1019. Tip: Sing and Scrub–teaching kids to use soap and water (obviously!) and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice to wash for a proper amount of time.

  1023. I love Clorox Wipes and I keep one in each bathroom, the kitchen and Computer room….erm did you know that keyboards and mice are just swimming with germs?! You can really keep your bathroom clean and germ free with a quick wipe down every day.
    Thanks for a great giveaway~ it’s always hard to find good gifts for teachers and I really enjoyed your idea.
    ((hugs)) Mechelle

  1025. I just read on their site that germs live on in your washing machine. Which is really disgusting to me. (Oh, and their tip for that is to use bleach, of course.) We use Clorox wipes in our house. I swear our bathroom would be cleaned about a million times less often if we didn’t clean it with wipes.