Tips for disinfecting the home in the COVID-19 era
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.
Best Disinfectants to Buy Online
- LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including the...
- DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This...
- ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This...
- Multi-Purpose: Our cleaning concentrate cleans, disinfects, freshens, and eliminates unpleasant stenches. This one-gallon jug...
- Multi-Surface: Our versatile formula can be used on many household surfaces, including upholstery, carpets, bedding, showers,...
- Multi-Use: Not only is our versatile cleaning and disinfecting formula effective, but it can double as an air freshener or...
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and...
- COLOR SAFE BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria***,...
- LYSOL LAUNDRY SANITIZER: Better than in-wash scent boosters that just mask bad odors. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills the odor...
- CLEANING SUPPLIES: Keep your space disinfected with Lysol Disinfectant Wipes, a top choice for those searching for household...
- LYSOL WIPES: This 4 pack wipe bundle is essential for surface sanitization! Perfect for disinfecting bathrooms, classrooms,...
- DISINFECTING WIPES: Lysol multi-purpose cleaning wipes are 3X stronger than paper towels. Trusted by teachers and homeowners,...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.
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.
The best products to disinfect and sanitize the home
- KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES AND GERMS during household cleaning. Safe to spray eating surfaces, no rinsing
- SAFE TO SPRAY AROUND KIDS & PETS, Free of alcohol, ammonia, bleach, fragrance & dyes
- NATURAL HYPOCHLOROUS KILLS germs on counter tops, highchairs, floors, appliances, medical devices CPAP and Bipap
- Microban is an EPA registered disinfectant, tested and proven to kill viruses in accordance with the EPA Emerging Viral...
- This multi-purpose cleaner sanitizes surfaces, disinfects bacteria & viruses, deodorizes, and prevents mold & mildew
- Don't worry about continuously reapplying this antibacterial cleaner, it provides a multi-layer protective shield that keeps...
- AEROSOL FREE: Clorox Disinfecting Mist features aerosol free packaging that requires no propellants and a formula that’s...
- FAMILY FRIENDLY: Made with plant based active ingredient, free from fragrances and dyes, and safe around kids, pets and food...
- KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES* AND BACTERIA**: Kills 99.9% of viruses* and bacteria**, including the COVID 19 virus***, and removes...
- LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including the...
- DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This...
- ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This...
- DISINFECTANT SPRAY KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES AND BACTERIA: Lysol Disinfectant Spray is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of...
- ANTIBACTERIAL BLEACH-FREE DISINFECTANT : this Lysol disinfecting product should work as hard as you do; this household...
- DISINFECTING SPRAY FOR GERMS: This disinfecting spray eliminates messes and 99.9% of germs and odor causing bacteria.
- HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AND APPROVED for sanitizing DAY CARE CENTERS in all 50 states
- POWERFUL YET GENTLE enough for everyday use, leaves no harsh residue, just spray and let air dry
- HEALTHIER PLAY AREAS; Sanitized chew toys, baby carrier, stroller, potty training, and car seat
- LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including the...
- DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This...
- ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This...
- BLEACH FREE DISINFECTANT: Clorox Disinfecting All Purpose Cleaner is formulated without bleach, but doesn’t compromise the...
- ALL PURPOSE CLEANER: This Clorox disinfectant is great for everyday use and effectively cleans messes, including grease,...
- BATHROOM CLEANER: Make your bathroom sparkle with Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner in a spray bottle that cleans and...
- KILLS SARS-CoV-2 IN 2 MINUTES on hard, non-porous surfaces. Antibacterial, antimicrobial, and virucidal. Kills 99.99% of...
- CONTAINS NO HARSH CHEMICALS, Disinfect high touch areas without the use of PPE or gloves. No overwhelming fumes. No allergy...
- OMRI CERTIFIED (for organic use). Kills bacteria that can cause foodborne illness or food poising such as Salmonella, E.coli,...
- DISINFECTANT SPRAY ELIMINATES 99.9% OF VIRUSES AND BACTERIA: Lysol Fabric Disinfectant Spray is tested and proven to...
- FABRIC SANITIZING SPRAY FOR SOFT FURNISHINGS: This spray disinfects and removes odor causing bacteria on soft furnishings in...
- ELIMINATES 99.9% OF ODOR CAUSING BACTERIA: This Lysol Fabric Disinfectant Spray eliminates odor causing bacteria from your...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.