The removal of germs from your home’s surfaces is a standard housekeeping chore, done through various cleaning methods. However, the threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has made plenty of homeowners the world over more vigilant with home maintenance.
The drastic rise of people infected with COVID-19 and the virus’ capability to remain on physical surfaces for different lengths of time depending on the type of surface might have pushed you to look for ways in which to combat these pathogens.
Clean home and offices can help lower chances of contracting and transmitting the virus. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) for one, has recommended steps to clean and disinfect frequently-touched areas in our houses. The rest of the article explains what needs to be done to completely clean and rid our home of such viruses.
Focus on High-Touch Surfaces
Researchers have made the discovery recently that COVID-19 can live on surfaces like cardboard for up to 24 hours. The novel coronavirus can also live on stainless-steel and plastic surfaces for 2-3 days. Thus, the need to clean and sanitise high-touch surfaces DAILY is essential to make our home free from COVID-19.
Here are examples of high-touch surfaces around the house:
- Door handles
- Table surfaces
- Kitchen counters
- Dining chairs
- Restroom counters
- Water tap/water tap knobs
- Toilet seats and handles
- Light switch
- TV remote control
Clean First, Disinfect Next
The first thing that needs to be done is to clean such surfaces first and remove all traces of dirt, dust and debris.
Secondly, you need to apply a proper disinfectant on the area. Whatever type of disinfectant or cleaning chemical you use, make sure to allow the solution to stay in contact with the surface long enough to exterminate viruses and pathogens. The time required for the solution to soak will be based on the chemical or disinfectant.
In addition, do not make use of a variety of cleaning solutions simultaneously since some household cleaning solutions if mixed can produce harmful, toxic gases.
The majority of disinfectants these days provide a list of viruses they are effectual against. This is the factor you will want to consider more. If the disinfectant features an indication that it can be used to eliminate influenza, RSV, SARS and other types of coronaviruses then it can be applied against COVID-19 as well.
Disinfectant Recommendations
- Disinfectant sprays (Lysol, Clorox, etc)
- Disinfectant wipes (Lysol, Clorox, etc)
- Bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Isopropyl alcohol
Using Bleach as Disinfectant
Bleach, when mixed with cold water, turns into an effective disinfectant against lots of germs from bacteria down to coronaviruses. Generally, you can make a solution by mixing a quarter cup of bleach for every one gallon of cold water. You must always read the directions on the bleach’s label first for a more effective disinfectant mix.
Make this diluted bleach solution as required and utilise it within 24 hours since its sanitising capabilities wears out over time. You can immerse household surfaces that won’t be damaged by bleach for more than 10 minutes. To sanitise non-porous items, immerse the item in the solution for up to 30 seconds only.
Bleach is harsh on the skin so always use protective gloves when handling the product. It should not be used as an alternative for hand sanitisers or hand washing as well.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide as Disinfectant
Hydrogen peroxide is mostly available in 3% concentrations. It can be used straight from the bottle or watered down to a 0.5 concentration for combating surface germs. Hydrogen peroxide solutions should remain on surfaces for up to a minute before removal.
Using Alcohol as Disinfectant
70% isopropyl alcohol is effective against lots of pathogens, which also includes coronaviruses. However, those with 100% or pure concentrations tend to evaporate too fast to be effectual against germs. Spray and wipe surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol and guarantee that it stays wet for up to 30 seconds.
These times are scary, but we essentially have solutions right in our hands – frequent cleaning and sanitation.
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