The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the importance of good personal hygiene in keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy. On top of frequent hand washing, we should also make sure that our homes are properly cleaned and disinfected so that we are truly safe against viruses while we are staying in. Read on to keep your Suntrust home virus-free.
Clean and disinfect
You should know that cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. Cleaning is removing visible dirt, germs, and any contaminants from a surface, while disinfecting is actually killing these germs to stop them from spreading. Experts suggest that doing both at least once a day — or anytime someone comes in and out of your home — is essential in preventing the transmission of coronavirus.
Use the right products
While regular soap and water are enough to clean your house, disinfecting requires more than that. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), household disinfectants like bleach kills all bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including coronavirus. Check the label to make sure that it has sodium hypochlorite as its active ingredient, which makes it suitable for disinfecting.
To make a bleach solution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends diluting 5 tablespoons of bleach in a gallon of water. Let the solution sit on surfaces for at least 10 minutes before wiping them down for thorough disinfection.
Wear proper cleaning gear
Always protect yourself when handling harsh cleaning products like bleach. Wear an apron, rubber gloves, and boots if possible, and wash your hands and body once you’re done cleaning and disinfecting.
Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces
A recent study found that the novel coronavirus can remain and live on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days. While you don’t need to scrub down your entire house every single day, it’s best to regularly disinfect the following high-touch surfaces in your home.
- Doorknobs
- Table surfaces
- Kitchen and bathroom counters
- Cupboard and drawer knobs
- Refrigerator, oven, and microwave handles
- Light switches
- Faucets
- Toilet seat and handle
- Staircase railings
- TV remote controllers
- Chairs
Of course, electronics like mobile phones, tablets, and keyboards must also be cleaned regularly, since these are items that we touch constantly. Sanitizing wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol are recommended for disinfecting these gadgets.
Don’t forget your clothes
While experts believe that shoes and clothing aren’t likely to transmit the virus, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Despite following social distancing guidelines, we still don’t know what our clothes might have been exposed to outdoors. You can do your laundry like you normally would, but change your clothes every time you’ve been outside or exposed to crowds.
Keep washing your hands
This should go without saying, but don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after cleaning and disinfecting. Scrub your hands, wrists, fingers, and under your fingernails to ensure that you are lowering your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
