How To Disinfect Your Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic

The entire world is experiencing trying times with the widespread of the Corona virus which turned it into a pandemic. The new normal has been tough to adjust to, which entails taking care of ourselves and our loved ones to prevent contracting the virus. Nonetheless, it is what it is and under our current situation staying physically clean and maintaining a germ and bacteria-free home are the basic precautionary measures that have to be taken.

Based on what is currently known, COVID-19 is being spread by coming in close contact with another person. Although there is no documented case wherein the virus was transmitted by coming in contact with surfaces that an infected person touched, it is still recommended to disinfect commonly touched surfaces in households, hospitals, and other places that people go to and use during this time by various health officials in different countries. This is to limit the chances of the virus’ survival inside these places.

Thankfully, it is medically proven that the virus can be easily destroyed by disinfectants. So kick-up your germ-killing ways at a time where it is necessary to keep yourself and your home safe. Here is how to disinfect your home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces

Clean and disinfect surfaces that are most commonly touched in your house. These include doorknobs, light switches, tables, cabinet handles, toilets, sinks, keyboards, remote controls, touch-screen phones, and the like.

It is important to use only the recommended disinfectants to guarantee credibility. Additionally, you have to follow the set of instructions indicated on the disinfecting product that you chose. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends disinfecting these surfaces on a daily basis. Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface.

How to disinfect surfaces:

Non-porous (hard) surfaces

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning surfaces then discard them after using. Wash your hands thoroughly after removing the gloves that you used. If surfaces are dirty, clean it first using detergent or soap prior to disinfection. Disinfect by applying your product of choice properly.

Porous (soft) surfaces

Soft surfaces such as rugs, carpets, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, do it with the warmest possible water setting and completely dry them after. Otherwise, use products that are approved for use against COVID-19 and are suitable for soft surfaces.

Electronics

For electronics such as your portable devices, (smartphones and tablets) keyboards, and remote controls, remove any visible contamination if there is present. Follow manufacturer instructions for all cleaning and disinfecting products. If no manufacturer guidance is available, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays that contain at least 70% alcohol in disinfecting touch screens. Thoroughly dry the surfaces to avoid pooling of liquids that can cause damage on the device. Also, you can consider putting wipeable covers over electronics if applicable to prevent contamination.

Linens, clothes, and other items that need laundry

Since most of these items have soft surfaces, launder them according to manufacturer guidance provided on their label as well. Use the warmest water setting and then dry items completely. If the laundry you are handling is from a sick person, wear disposable gloves.

Keep in mind that you can wash the sick person’s laundry together with the other items and also, do not shake the dirty ones. Clean and disinfect clothes hampers and remove your gloves and wash your hands immediately after.

Summary

It’s better to be safe than sorry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow these disinfection procedures to keep your home virus-free. It’s all simple and doable steps that can help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Always remember to wash your hands regularly and to stay vigilant and smart.

Author Bio: Rosette Monell has a knack for anything DIY. She spent her younger years learning about the different hardware tools and equipment in the hopes of establishing a hardware business in the future. Her career options may have changed, but today, she continues to write so passionately about her first love.