It’s essential to keep your home as clean as possible in this time of pandemic. As the Coronavirus continues to spread, frequently cleaning and disinfecting your home is the best thing you can do for your family. We have ways to keep your home as free of germs as possible.
Difference Between Disinfecting, Sanitizing And Cleaning
There is a difference between everyday cleaning, sanitizing and deep disinfecting. Chemicals must be used when disinfecting to kill pathogens like the coronavirus. Sanitizing means you reduce the amount of germs on a surface, but you might not be able to kill them all. Cleaning uses soap and water to remote germs, dirt and debris from your home. Cleaning does kill germs, but it does not get all of them. It’s essential to disinfect surfaces in the time of Covid-19.
Best Cleaning Products
It’s important to remember that not all cleaning products are created equal. This means not all cleaning products kill COVID-19. You should only use disinfecting wipes and sprays, isopropyl alcohol, bleach and hydrogen peroxide. You should let the product sit on the surfaces for ten minutes before wiping them down.
If you work with peroxide, you should always wear some disposable gloves to protect your hands from drying out, you can buy them online for a few bucks here.
Products That Don’t Kill The Coronavirus
There are products that many people think kill germs like Covid-19, but they do not. White vinegar is great for many things in the home, but it does not kill these types of germs. Vodka and homemade hand sanitizers also get the reputation as great cleaners, but they will not kill the virus.
Never Combine
It’s dangerous if you mix chemicals that don’t work well together. When you’re working with different cleaners around the house, take precaution. Never mix vinegar or ammonia with bleach. This is toxic. It can blister your skin and even cause lung damage. Never mix rubbing alcohol with bleach. This creates chloroform which can cause liver and kidney damage.
Soap And Water Cleaning
You can always follow your disinfecting with basic soap and water. Rubbing helps to eliminate germs because it creates friction that breaks down pathogens. You should rub surfaces as well as wash your hands rubbing them together for at least 20 seconds.
Surface Cleaning
All members of the household can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. This means things like doorknobs, light switches, toilets, electronics, and handles. You can wipe down these types of surfaces throughout the day. They are the places frequently touched even when you don’t realize it.
Take Shoes Off
When you come into your home from being outside, take your shoes off. Germs stick on the bottom of your shoes. This means you track them into your home when they are still on your feet.
Laundry
Germs easily travel on our clothes. They might not live for days, but it’s important to launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions to completely rid of germs. Do not shake your dirty laundry. Wash it on the warmest setting possible. Always wash your hands after you put the dirty clothing in the washer.
How to Disinfect If Someone In The Home Has The Coronavirus
You must take extra precautions if someone in your home tests positive for Covid. First, the person should be quarantined away from everyone in the home. They need to use a separate bathroom as well. Only clean and disinfect around them when it is absolutely needed. If the area is soiled, make sure you limit contact with them.
Wash Your Hands
The world sounds like a broken record, but washing your hands is essential. This lowers the risk that you will contract the virus. This also lowers the risk of you passing it on to someone else. Always wash for 20 seconds or more.
It’s a neverending fight to keep your home as free of germs as possible. Germs are inevitable, but you can keep them away as much as possible with these tips. Stay safe and as healthy as possible.