Due to the outbreak of COVID – 19, frequent cleaning of homes, workspace, closed rooms, conference rooms, labs and other places to ensure the safety of the near and dear ones.
Though person to person transmission of COVID 19 possesses a greater risk of transmission through surfaces. It is highly recommended that frequent and through cleaning of surfaces is done at least once a day to avoid the risk of infection or diseases.
A recent survey has found that the corona virus remains on the surface for up to 3 hours and can live up to 24 hours on a cardboard surface and can remain up to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces.
What is the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting?
It is imperative to clean the surface. Just removing the dirt and particles is not enough, it is essential to disinfect the surface to kill the virus and bacteria.
There are several products that one can use to clean the hard surfaces. One can also use vinegar and soapy water for cleaning the surfaces.
Products That Help Disinfect COVID - 19
It is essential for you to know that all the cleaning products are not effective for all types of germs, one should exactly know which products to use to kill COVID – 19.
- Disinfecting wipes
- Disinfectant sprays
- Alcohol sprays
- Hydrogen peroxide
How to Disinfect Against COVID - 19
You don’t have to clean your home everyday but it is important to focus upon disinfecting the areas which are a hot spot for the germs. The most important places that need to be disinfect every day are:
- Cupboards and drawers
- Kitchen and bathroom shelves
- Washrooms, especially the seat and handles
- Computer keyboard and mouse
- Remote controls
- Computer devices, mobile phone, tablets and all gadgets used in daily life
- Refrigerator, microwave handles and oven
- Light switches etc.
You must always wash your hands after you disinfect your home.
House Cleaning Required If You Have a Sick Person Around
If there is a sick person in the house then it is very essential to clean and disinfectant all the household areas.
A person who is unwell should be kept in a separate room and must be given a separate washroom if possible. The area around the sick person should be cleaned as often as required to limit the spread of virus and germs.
It is recommended to provide clean supplies to the person who is sick so that they can clean their own space if they are able to. In case you are using the same bathroom then it is advisable to clean it at regular intervals. It is advisable to wait for as long as possible before disinfecting and cleaning the washroom.
Moisturizing and Washing Your Hands
You should always wash your hands after you cough, sneeze, touch your face, use a washroom or are about to leave one place for another. You should wash your hands when you leave and return from the grocery store or any other store for instance.
Hand sanitizer is a fastest way of cleaning that works wonders. There’s no substitute for washing your hands, though. Soap and water will necessary not kill all pathogens, but it will wash them off.
Moisturizing your hands is also important even more after the use of sanitizers as the hands are prone to get dry and the cracked skin is at a greater risk for all kinds of infections, so applying a little moisturizer after you wash would be nice.
Clean Hands Often
- One should follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands especially after following certain practices:
- After blowing one’s nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Before and after touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- After using the restroom.
- Before and after entering or leaving a public place.
- Before and after touching your mask.
- Before eating or preparing food.
- After touching animals or pets.
- After caring for an ill person.
Hand Sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol. However, if hands are very dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
- Always read and follow the directionsto ensure safe and effective use.
- Keep hand sanitizers away from fire or flame.
- Always store hand sanitizer out of reach of children and pets.
