How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home during COVID-19

Cleaning the dirty surfaces and then disinfecting them can prove to be an incredibly effective strategy for preventing the manifestation of COVID-19 and other respiratory disease-causing pathogens. It involves removing the physical disposal of impurities, dirt, and germs from surfaces, though it does not neutralise the harmful microorganisms.

Disinfecting, on the other hand, involves the application of chemical agents for removing the germs. In this blog, we shall discuss how to clean and disinfect a typical household in the right manner.

How to Properly Clean and Disinfect Your Household Surfaces

• Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Non-Porous Surfaces

Ensure to clean and disinfect your hard-backed chairs, tables, light switches, door handles, toilets, desks, sinks, and electronic goods. This includes tablets, mobiles, keyboards, and remotes.

• Use Disposable Gloves

Put on disposable gloves for cleaning and disinfecting your household surfaces. Do not reuse disposable gloves and make sure to throw them away after a single-use. Even if they are reusable, do not wear those gloves for other household tasks. Don’t use them when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to limit the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

• Thoroughly Read the Product Instruction Labels

You should also remember to clean your hands immediately after taking off the gloves and do not forget to pay close attention to the instructions provided by the respective manufacturers for applying the disinfectants and cleaning agents. Note that the product labels are your best source for learning about contact time, application method, and required concentration.

• Always Clean and Then Disinfect

If the household surfaces are visibly dirty, then you should clean them in the first place using a bar of soap or detergent and water before beginning the disinfection process. Always make sure to carefully go through the instruction label for ensuring an effective and safe application of the product. Wear protective gears on your eyes and skin for preventing potential splash hazards.

• Ensure Proper Ventilation

Make a point to enable adequate ventilation and do not use more than the recommended quantity, as mentioned on the product label. Use normal water (not cold or hot but at room temperature) to dilute the product unless its label advises otherwise. Properly mark diluted cleaning solutions and do not blend two or more different kinds of chemicals.

• Use Effective Bleaching Solutions

You can either buy a packet of unexpired household bleach and dilute it or make one in your home for staying protected.  The efficacy of bleaching solutions is proven to last up to twenty-four hours. Otherwise, purchase or prepare a solution of three parts of water and seven parts of alcohol.

• Never Clean and Disinfect Near Asthma Patients

You should also refrain from ingesting, breathing, or injecting yourself with or drinking these chemicals, or applying them directly on your skin as it can result in significant damage. Do not bathe or wipe your pets with these chemicals or anything that is not approved to be used on animals. Note that cleaning and disinfection in front of asthma patients can incite asthma exacerbations.

• Use a Suitable Cleaner for Decontaminating Porous Surfaces

Remove visible contamination from soft or porous surfaces, such as drapes, carpeted floor, rugs, et cetera, and then clean these surfaces with an appropriate cleaner. Wash and iron the items after cleaning and as per the instructions provided by their respective manufacturers. Remember to wash them using warm water and then dry the articles completely.

Summary

If you have properly understood the aforementioned eight recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting your home, you would be able to reduce the odds of COVID-19 spread to a significant extent. Let us know by commenting below what else you might be planning to include in your daily cleaning and disinfection ritual.