How To Clean And Disinfect My Home Effectively During The Pandemic?

In May 2020, experts spoke to the US News about ways to effectively clean after a family is quarantined at home with COVID-19. Since then, a lot has changed during the pandemic, but thorough cleaning and hygiene of living spaces where the virus circulates is still essential.

Fortunately, most people who contract COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms and can recover safely at home. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people with symptoms quarantine and use as few rooms as possible to prevent the spread of the virus to other family members.

Whether your goal is to prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu, or highly contagious viruses and bacteria, here are some things you need to know to properly clean your hospital room. Refer to our article below for more information. 

How to safely clean your home’s surfaces

In most cases, regular cleaning can prevent the spread of germs. Always wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after cleaning. Follow these tips to safely clean various surfaces in your facility.

For hard surfaces (Counters, light switches, desks, and floors):

• Clean the surface with soap and water or a detergent suitable for the surface.

For soft surfaces (Carpets, rugs, and curtains):

• Clean surfaces with products containing soap, detergent, or other cleaners suitable for these surfaces.
• Whenever possible, wash items according to label directions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and allow the item to dry completely.
• Safely remove dirt by vacuuming surfaces such as carpets and rugs.

For laundry (Clothes, towels, and bed linen):

• Use the warmest appropriate water setting and allow the item to dry completely.
• It’s safe to wash dirty laundry from someone who’s sick of someone else’s stuff.
• Clean the laundry hamper or basket according to the guidelines on the surface. 

For electronic devices (Tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, …):

• Consider attaching wipeable covers to your electronics to facilitate cleaning and disinfection.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for cleaning electronic devices.

For outdoor areas (Patios and walkways_:

• Spraying cleaners or disinfectants on low-touch outdoor surfaces, such as sidewalks, roads, and groundcovers, is not necessary, effective, or recommended.
• Clean frequently touched plastic and metal surfaces like playground equipment, and railings if they are visibly dirty.
• Cleaning and disinfecting wooden surfaces (wooden playground equipment, benches, tables, etc.) are not recommended. 

How to effectively disinfect your home

For disinfection, use an EPA-registered disinfectant if you know of certain harmful germs (such as viruses or bacteria). Not all disinfectants are effective against all harmful bacteria.

Cleaning the surface with soap and water should be done first. Always read the label on your sanitizing product to ensure it can be used on the type of surface you sanitize (hard or soft surfaces, food contact or residue surfaces, etc.).

Follow these important safety guidelines when using chemical disinfectants:

• Open doors and windows and use fans or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) settings to increase airflow in the area. 
• Wear recommended protective equipment (such as gloves and goggles) to protect skin and eyes from splashes.
• After applying the disinfectant to the surface, leave the disinfectant on the surface long enough to kill the bacteria. This is called the contact/wetting period. Contact times and instructions for use can be found on the safety data sheet. The surface should remain wet during the exposure time to kill the bacteria. 
• Ensure the safe use and proper storage of cleaning and disinfection products, including storing them safely and using the required PPE.
• If the product instructions say to dilute the product with water, use room temperature water (unless otherwise specified on the label). Note: Water-activated or diluted disinfectants may have a shorter shelf life.
• Clearly label all cleaning or disinfecting solutions.
• Keep and use chemicals out of reach of children and animals. 
• Do not mix products or chemicals together, as it is dangerous and may change chemical properties.
• Do not eat, drink, or breathe cleaning agents or disinfectants into your body or apply them directly to your skin. These products can cause serious injury.
• Do not wipe or bathe your pet with disinfectant.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water immediately after disinfection.

In most cases, spraying, fumigation, and broad-spectrum or electrostatic spraying are not recommended as primary surface disinfection methods and pose several safety hazards unless the product label states that these methods can be used.

Need some tips? We’re here to help!

Are you struggling to clean and disinfect your facility? Follow our article above to see some incredible changes. 

In case you need to refresh your living space, at sparklingandbeyond.com, we provide you with affordable and reliable cleaning services and a lot of helpful tips. 

Feel free to contact us today! Our experienced cleaning experts are waiting for you!

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