Now more than ever, people need to stay safe from viruses. Covid-19, or Coronavirus, has made people think more about cleaning and disinfection. It could mean a major impact on someone’s health, and even life.
So what can you do to limit any dangers in your home? Here are some things you can do.
Hand Hygiene
Hand Hygiene is very effective at reducing the spread of a virus. It also prevents you from infection yourself. Hand hygiene starts with cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water. These recommendations are based on standards from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
Washing your hands properly
Washing your hands properly with soap and water does not just remove the coronavirus; it can actually destroy the virus as it is washed away.
How do you do it?
- Wash your hands often, especially if you’ve been in public.
- Wet both your hands and lather with a generous amount of soap.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Remember to wash even under jewelry and fingernails. It’s important to wash long enough for the soap to interact back and forth with any virus particles.
- Rinse and dry.
Sanitize your hands properly
When you can’t wash your hands you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. They can be effective if used correctly.
What kind of sanitizer works?
- It must have at least 60% – 70% alcohol.
How to use:
- Use enough product to cover every part of your hands, including the areas between your fingers and on the back.
- Rub your hands together until they feel dry. This should take around 20 seconds.
Clean and Sanitize Frequently Touched Surfaces
Frequently touched surfaces have higher chances of having germs and possible viruses. Cleaning and disinfecting them will reduce the chance of infection on anyone in the household.
Here is a list of commonly touched surfaces:
- Tables
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Handles
- Desks
- Toilets
- Faucets
- Sinks
- and Electronics
Use Proper Disinfectants
The CDC refers to a recommended list for EPA-registered disinfectants.
Search for your preferred product or see a list of products that have been proven effective in disinfecting surfaces against viruses, including Covid-19. It also lists how long a product must remain on the surface while air-drying to be effective.
One effective product listed is Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Availability will vary, but there are many more products that will do the job as well. This particular product must be on the surface for a minimum of 4 minutes while air-drying to be effective.
Use Gloves
It is important to avoid getting bacteria and viruses on your hands while cleaning. Using either rubber gloves, or disposable ones will work.
Clean Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces
- If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
Soft (Porous) Surfaces
For soft surfaces, like carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, mattresses, pillows, remove visible dirt and contamination if present.
Clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. Lysol Disinfecting spray is an EPA-Approved product that will disinfect properly.
The key to proper protection is to cover the surface with the mist and allow it to remain wet for at least 30 seconds up to 10 minutes so the active ingredients in the spray have time to work. Drying times for specific viruses are listed on the container.
Conclusion
Cleaning and disinfecting your home doesn’t have to be too difficult. With simple guidance, you can prevent illness as best as you can.
On your next cleaning day, use Dirtfree to keep track of your disinfecting. It will make sure you know when to disinfect your home. Try it today!
