Even though the spread of COVID-19 has greatly limited our freedom of movement, we still have to go out to buy consumer goods, such as supermarket food, medicines, or other supplies.
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How to disinfect and sanitize the home
And, now more than ever, you need to be cautious about the surfaces you touch in public, such as shopping trolleys and be aware of the germs that you could bring home. To minimize exposure to the disease known as COVID-19, you need to keep your home disinfected and sanitized.
Washing your hands frequently is the most important step you can take, but the virus can still cling to everything you carry around the house: clothes, shoes, and even the phone. In this guide, we will see all the ways to keep your home sterilized by Corona-virus and which objects you should disinfect.
Why is it important to disinfect house surfaces?
Current scientific studies suggest that COVID-19 can resist for hours on different types of surfaces.
These rules are intended to limit the survival of the virus in domestic environments. We must first distinguish:
- Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it reduces their number and the risk of spreading the infection.
- Disinfection refers to the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces, but killing germs on a surface after cleaning can further reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
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How to clean and disinfect hard (non-porous) surfaces
Always wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves must be discarded and changed after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, these gloves must be dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces for COVID-19 and must not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean your hands immediately after removing the gloves.
If the surfaces are dirty, they must be cleaned with a detergent or soap and water before disinfection. For disinfection, the most common household disinfectants should be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (concentration, method of application and contact time, etc.).
Also, if appropriate for the surface, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1,000 ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Verify that the product has not expired. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or other detergents. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against Coronaviruses if properly diluted.
How to clean and disinfect soft (porous) surfaces
For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeting, rugs, and curtains, remove visible contamination, if any, and clean with appropriate detergents suitable for use on these surfaces.
After cleaning: wash the items as appropriate according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, wash them using the appropriate warmer water setting and dry them completely.
How to clean and disinfect linen
Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a sick person, then throw them away after each use. If reusable gloves are used, these gloves must be dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces for COVID-19 and must not be used for other domestic purposes. Clean your hands immediately after removing the gloves. If you are not wearing gloves when handling dirty clothes, be sure to wash your hands afterward.
If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air. Dirty laundry from a sick person can be washed with other people’s items.
Clean and disinfect clothes according to the above indications for surfaces. If possible, consider placing a disposable bag cover (which can be thrown away) or, which can be washed.
Tips for a virus and bacteria proof home
We have collected 4 quick tips to help you in the daily disinfection of your home:
- Use disinfectant wipes to quickly clean surfaces. Think about the things you touch several times a day – door handles, sinks, furniture handles, refrigerator doors, remote controls – and how many germs persist on those surfaces you might not think about. It is sufficient to pass them once or twice a day, but a greater frequency may be required if a person in isolation is present in the house.
- For areas such as the sofa and carpet, you can use a disinfectant spray. This should be sprayed with a large movement to cover the entire surface, then left to dry completely before that surface can be reused. You can also spray it on countertops, mattresses, and tables.
- Your shoes trample everything during the day, and if you do not take them off when you enter the house, you risk bringing viruses and other germs inside. Alternatively, you can purchase disinfectant carpets. To clean the kitchen and bathroom floors, it is possible to dilute 1 glass of bleach with 5 liters of water. Note that it is necessary to use a different disinfectant for porous floors, for example, if you use bleach on hardwood, you risk damaging the color. Instead, use a damp disinfectant cloth on the wooden floors or combine half a cup of white vinegar with 1 liter of water.
- The hydrogen peroxide that we all commonly have at home can be a valuable aid for disinfecting surfaces such as sinks, shelves, or toilets. It must be left to act for about 10-15 minutes. After that, rub the area and then rinse with water.