The outbreak of the novel coronavirus provided enough impetus for everyone to consider cleanliness as a priority. Given that COVID-19 is known to be transmitted via person-to-person contact and via surfaces, it’s all the more important for each one of us to disinfect not just our bodies, but also our surroundings and our belongings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. The agency recommends that you do a bit of both, even if you or anybody in your home isn’t sick. According to them, cleaning is all about removing contaminants from a surface, while disinfecting is about eliminating pathogens. You should make it a point to do both daily, especially if anything or anyone has entered or exited your home.
While transmission of the virus from person-to-person is still a much greater risk compared to transmission via surfaces, the CDC emphasizes that we should clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in our homes at least once a day to be safe, assuming we have had contact with the outside world in one way or another, like a person leaving and returning or delivery of goods coming in.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
According to researchers, the virus can live on surfaces like cardboard for 24 hours, and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces is recommended to avoid contracting coronavirus. This means that you should clean and disinfect things like doorknobs, table surfaces, hard dining chairs, kitchen counters, bathroom counters, faucets and faucet knobs, toilets, light switches, remote controls, and game controllers once daily. Everyone’s home is a little different, so consider the surfaces you and everyone in your home interact with most.
How to properly clean and disinfect
- First things first, clean the surfaces by removing any contaminants, dust, or debris. You can do this by wiping them with soapy water or a cleaning spray, and a hand towel.
- Next, apply a surface-appropriate disinfectant. The quickest and easiest way to do this is with disinfecting wipes or disinfectant spray. You may also use isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
If you cannot find disinfectants in stores, you can create your own by using mixing household bleach and water. Add 4 teaspoons of bleach and a quart of water into a spray bottle and shake vigorously. Spray on the surface you’d like to disinfect, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe away with a wet cloth.
Clean and disinfect your belongings
As for your personal belongings, you should clean and disinfect items that you use often, like your electronic devices. However, doing so can get tricky. Devices are a magnet for germs, but they’re sensitive items that require careful handling.
For things like your phone and tablet, disinfect them with a disinfecting wipe or alcohol solution. Pay close attention to the screen, the buttons, and anywhere where dust and pocket lint may hide. Remove any case that’s wrapped around them and clean the device underneath, put it back on, and then clean the outside. Like with the high-touch surfaces in the home, a once-daily disinfecting isn’t going to hurt your devices.
As for your computer, avoid using a disinfecting wipe on the screen to be safe. Your best bet is to clean it with isopropyl alcohol solution and a soft towel. Wipe down the keyboard, the trackpad, the exterior, and where your wrists rest on the laptop.
Conclusion
Cleaning and disinfecting your home and your surroundings are paramount especially at this time. While the tips dispensed above may seem excessive, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Opt for house cleaning services for a better peace of mind for you and everyone else in the household.
If you need help with coronavirus cleaning in Fort Walton Beach, FL, get in touch with us today. We got you covered!
