I don't have a science background but I'd like to be able to distinguish between viruses and infections, and understand something about germs and bacteria, so I can be more careful about hygiene. Also I'd like to know exactly which potentially disease causing dangers can be neutralized with vinegar alone, and which ones require bleach or something else. Also, how long these dangerous bugs can live.

My main concern is protecting my mother, who lives in a nursing home, so the dangers are limited (I don't need to know about AIDS transmission, for example). She shares a washroom, and quite often I find filthy toilet paper in the open. Can she get sick from this even if she never touches it? Can she get sick by breathing near something like a hamper full of dirty bedding? If the smell is strong enough to be detected, does that mean it could make someone sick?

I bring a vinegar spray bottle with me when I visit, and clean up as much as I can, but I can't clean every surface every time. I don't think I'd consider using bleach since there are no windows or ventilation fans in the immediate area.

We're all aware of the importance of washing our hands frequently, but I still don't know if something on my hands can make me sick even if it never gets ingested. Are there dangers that can get through the skin?

Thanks.

you should wear gloves if handling obviously soiled things especially at a nursing home and wash as well

MariaCatherine, there are a lot of misconceptions about household bleach being bad for the environment, but it begins and ends/breaks down into salt water (derived from sodium chloride).  It's MUCH more effective than vinegar for the purpose of disinfection.  Bleach kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and mold/mildew.

Proper ratio: 1/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.

Can you get a good air purifier for her room? That would solve the issue pretty well re: airborne disease.  
We're in the market for one and doing some research.  I heard some people discussing this one yesterday and looked it up. It's stainless steel and no need to buy expensive filters + other benefits.  LINK

Lastly, as ConfederateCatholic mentioned, don't be shy about using disposable gloves.

My concern about bleach is the fumes, which I understand are toxic. There's no ventilation fan or window in the washroom which she shares with one other lady.

I don't think I'll be able to afford that air purifier, but I will bookmark the page in case my situation changes.

I understand hospitals are using alkyline water.  It disinfects.  No other chemicals are needed.  How does one obtain alkyline water?  I don't know.  You have to have something, machine(?) that does it.