Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms attached to surfaces that can (re)contaminate water by releasing microorganisms. We grew E. coli biofilms on household taps and on storage container coupons, and cleaned them with locally-available agents (bleach, boiled water, soapy water, vinegar) and methods (flowing, scrubbing, or soaking taps; soaking and wiping container coupons). After cleaning, we enumerated surface E. coli and imaged biofilms using epifluorescence microscopy. Biofilms were removed from taps when: soaking assembled for five minutes (bleach, boiled water); and, scrubbing and soaking unassembled for five minutes (bleach, boiled water, vinegar). Only soaking methods removed E. coli from container coupons. To remove biofilms, we recommend soaking assembled taps in boiled water for five minutes. No recommendation for cleaning containers emerged as soaking storage containers is impractical. Results are consistent with biofilm research, and highlight the need for technical research to develop realistic cleaning recommendations for water storage containers in households.

生物膜是附着在表面的微生物的聚集体，可以通过释放微生物来（再）污染水。我们在家用水龙头和储物容器优惠券上生长了大肠杆菌生物膜，并用本地可用的试剂（漂白剂，开水，肥皂水，醋）和方法（水龙头的冲洗，擦洗或浸泡；容器优惠券的浸泡和擦拭）清洗了它们）。清洁后，我们使用表面荧光显微镜对表面大肠杆菌进行了计数，并对生物膜成像。在以下情况下，从水龙头上去除生物膜：浸泡五分钟（漂白，开水）；然后将未组装的刷子擦洗并浸泡5分钟（漂白剂，开水，醋）。只有浸泡方法才能去除大肠杆菌从集装箱优惠券。要去除生物膜，我们建议将组装好的水龙头在开水中浸泡五分钟。由于浸泡存储容器是不切实际的，因此不建议使用清洁容器。结果与生物膜研究一致，并强调需要进行技术研究，以制定针对家庭储水容器的切实可行的清洁建议。