With a striking increase in numbers, many of us question each aspect of our life that revolves around the coronavirus. The widespread of this pandemic has led to immense mental and physical stress. While the COVID-19 symptoms are often that of any seasonal flu, you should start taking your cleaning routine seriously by following coronavirus disinfection tips seriously.
Similarly, it’s better to incorporate a few key routine steps for the coronavirus disinfection. Be it changing cleaning products or disinfectants, and it’s always a good idea to double-check if they are helping us maintain our health.
It’s best to look over these coronavirus disinfection tips to make your home a safer place at a time of a worldwide emergency.
Coronavirus Disinfection Guide
Clean and Then Disinfect
Cleaning does not necessarily kill germs, but it lowers their number and reduces infection.
On the contrary, disinfectants work best on a clean surface, so it’s best to get rid of dirt or other material that might get in the way. Doing this will ensure that your disinfectant can do its job to kill germs and viruses.
To kill these germs, you’ll need to use chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, etc. designed to disinfect a surface. You can also use a combination of products that can clean and disinfect at the same time. Make sure to read the instructions on the product label for best results.
Some disinfectants kill germs faster than others, so be sure to read the label. This will indicate how much contact time or dwell time, and the disinfectant must sit on a surface to effectively wipe the germs out.
Coronavirus Disinfection of High-touch Surfaces
How clean is clean enough? When it comes to high-touch surfaces, you might be wondering if you are cleaning something way too often or maybe too little. The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces every day, even if they are not visibly dirty. Generally, the more you and your family members come in contact with surfaces like countertops, handrails, doorknobs, and light switches, the more frequently it should be cleaned. Work out a schedule between family members or hire professionals to get the coronavirus disinfection going.
In this case, it should be on the surface for up to 10 mins or more for the disinfectant to do its work correctly. Remember, spraying the disinfectant and wiping a surface will not be effective in killing germs. It’s critical to follow the instructions and leave the disinfectant on the surface as advised.
Coronavirus Disinfection Tips for Soft Surfaces
It’s not practical to clean soft surfaces like your cushions, carpets, and fixtures, with a 70% alcohol-based product or Sodium hypochlorite. These surfaces are more challenging to clean, and the current recommendation is to remove them from frequently used areas, if possible.
If not, you can clean these surfaces by purchasing specific products that are safe to use and won’t damage your fixtures, rugs, and carpets. Also, adding a removable wash cover over these surfaces is a great way to eliminate all those germs and bacteria.
Routine Cleaning
You could be bringing unwanted germs to your home every time you go outside. Be it groceries or just to run some errands. We all know the virus can live on the packaging for days altogether. Any items that you buy are on public shelves, and hundreds of people touch them.
You want to make sure that you clean those items first. A straightforward way to do so is to keep the soap+ water mix ready on the go. Pick up that spray bottle and start wiping the germs away with the help of a paper towel.
Similarly, your veggies and fruits play a crucial factor when it comes to the coronavirus disinfection. Mainly the root vegetables and fruits that you eat with the skin on. Take a pot, add warm water + salt and soak your veggies for 10-15mins straight. Re-wash them under running water and wipe them with a clean towel before use. Doing this may seem like a lot of extra work and pain at first, but it’s better not to take any chances to keep everyone in your home healthy. Also, I cannot stress this enough, wear a mask.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Products
Sodium hypochlorite is said to be beneficial in killing some coronaviruses in the past. You usually find it in your household bleaches. They are said to be effective on small surfaces after a contact time of a minute. For larger areas, you can dilute household bleach with water to get your desired strength.
Similar results were obtained with EPA approved disinfectants and detergents. Your EPA-approved soap and water mixture is equally useful for your routine cleaning. Also, you can use antimicrobial or alcohol wipes that are easily available in the market.
Hygiene and Safety Protocols
It’s advised not to use various types of disinfectants together. Wear gloves and protective eye gear while working with disinfectants. Many disinfectants contain strong chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and eyes. Wipe your eye gear and non-washable items with sanitizers or 70% alcohol wipes.
Disposable gloves work amazingly well, but they’re not the most cost-effective solution. If you’re using reusable gloves, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 secs after removing them.
Store your cleaning and disinfecting products safely and away from the reach of your kids and pets. Keep them away from direct sunlight too. If you’re using a spray gun, make sure not to generate a mist. Spray onto a washcloth directly and use it to wipe your surfaces. Once done, you can then toss in the washing machine to get rid of all that gunk. Don’t forget to tumble dry it thoroughly before use.
If all of these self-cleaning tips seem too much for you, you can always enlist the help of a professional cleaning service. Not only will they thoroughly disinfect your home but you can be assured that they’re following all the right guidelines while doing so.
Overall, maintain these safe hygiene practices and habits to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by referring to our coronavirus disinfection tips. And always remember to Wash, Wash, Wash Your Hands.
