How to Effectively Disinfect Your House During COVID-19

The coronavirus has killed hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, which is why it is important that you take every precaution to keep yourself and your family safe. In this article, we hope to educate you on easy steps to take to disinfect your home, especially places frequently touched and accessed by the younger ones. Let’s take a look at this quick yet comprehensive guideline, shall we?

Cleaning products:

The virus as we know has been reported to last for hours and even days on surfaces so you have to take extra precautions when disinfecting. What are the products certified to kill COVID-19? Here’s a list:

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Sanitizers of over 70% alcohol content – This one has 80% 
• Disinfectant sprays, such as Purell, Clorox or Lysol
• Clorox Disinfecting Bleach
• Disinfecting wipes, including Clorox, Lysol or store brand wipes
• Hydrogen peroxide

Where to clean:

Now that the recommended products have been identified, the next cause of action is to put them to use. But what parts of your house require more attention than others? Pay attention to the following areas:

• Doorknobs
• Electronics and remote devices
• Counters and shelves
• Bathroom tub
• Toilet flusher
• Tables
• Toilet sink
• Keyboard surfaces
• Pet houses
• Baby crib
• The entire floor of the house

Now that you know the surfaces that require the most of your attention, how do you go about disinfecting each surface? Check out a quick guide to disinfecting the proper way:

1. Electronics and Gadgets: Firstly, use EPA approved wipes on electronics and gadgets to clean out both visible and invisible germs. Next, use alcohol-based sanitizers also EPA approved but if you’re unable to get those specific ones, then an alcohol-based disinfectant that contains 70% plus alcohol will suffice. Ensure that gadgets and electronics are switched off to avoid accidents that may occur due to wet surfaces. Ensure you wipe surfaces dry also and leave to dry.
2. Clothing: it is crucial to wear gloves when sorting dirty laundry and remember to dispose of immediately and safely once done. For the laundry process, try using bleach to disinfect white clothes, while for the colored clothes, liquid disinfectant is preferable (ensure instructions on the product container are followed carefully). Immediately wash, disinfect the laundry basket, and keep in a clean place. Wash and sanitize hands afterward.
3. Surfaces: When handling surfaces like doorknobs, wood/floor tiles, bathroom sinks, and tubs, we advise to use bleach substances and a scrub (ensure to always glove hands and mask face during this process). For areas such as pet houses and baby cribs, the use of harsh substances such as bleach is not advisable, instead settle for liquid disinfectants or alcohol-based sanitizers and keep all babies and pets out of contact during this process and for a little while after.

Wrapping It Up

For most, cleaning is not a new activity but cleaning with the intention of cleaning a virus might seem daunting but it shouldn’t. Follow these procedures carefully, clean intentionally, and remember to never ever mix disinfectants and always wash hands after.