How to disinfect home against COVID-19?

How to disinfect home against COVID-19?

You must have heard, “Slow the spread of the virus by staying at home.” While it is true, we shouldn’t forget that our homes can be exposed to the virus. According to WHO, the covid-19 virus can be transmitted through direct contact, indirect contact via various surfaces, or droplets in air. The cases of its transmission through surfaces were reported but the experts say it’s an unlikely process. But prevention is always better than cure. We consider our house as the most trustworthy place. It’s where we seek security and comfort against something as deadly as the virus. Therefore, it’s necessary to keep our house clean and sanitised for our protection. Here’s how to disinfect the home against COVID-19.

 

How to disinfect home against COVID-19?

Though it’s unlikely to catch the virus from the surface, the danger persists. According to WebMD, experts say that surfaces like metal, wood, plastics, stainless steel, cardboard copper, aluminium, glass, ceramics, and paper can carry the virus from 1 to 10 days. It’s a great idea to deep-clean and disinfect the house. If you want to prevent home disinfection service providers and domestic helpers from entering, here’s how to sanitize the home by yourself.

1.Clean the high-touch surfaces

The surfaces that often come in contact with people are known as high touch surfaces. These surfaces are at a high risk of being contaminated and spreading diseases. Mostly, the infections spread through your respiratory system, but it also spreads through your touch. Our hands often come in contact with various objects. They can easily carry microorganisms. When you fail to wash your hands, you expose yourself to a great risk. Therefore, you are advised to wash your hands to prevent COVID-19. But it’s not enough. You need to get to the core of the problem. The thorough cleaning of things like door handles, toilets, desks, staircase, light switches, and shared equipment is required.

The steps to follow to clean the surfaces are:

1. Pre-cleaning

This stage includes the removal of dirt and litter through rinsing or dusting. In simpler terms, de-clutter before cleaning.

2. Cleaning

Mix warm water and detergent in equal parts. The mixture is supposed to loosen the harsh substances and provide cleanliness. Take a microfibre cloth and cleanse the high touch surfaces. Make sure you change the water and cloth frequently.

3. Rinsing

After cleaning, you need to rinse off the detergent residues and other substances with warm water and a clean cloth.

4. Disinfecting

There are various chemical-based products available in the market that are used for disinfecting surfaces. WHO recommends dipping the cloth in the solution and wipe it in different places. Besides, EPA suggests using products like:

  1. Disinfecting wipes
  2. Disinfectant sprays
  3. Hydrogen Peroxide
  4. Isopropyl Alcohol

EPA also advises letting the products dry on the surfaces for at least 10 minutes before using them. While using the disinfectants you should always read the instructions labelled on the package. Moreover, you should wear gloves and allow ventilation in your house.

Also, Read- A DIY Guide Into Creating a Home-Spa Bathroom

2. Clean the soft surfaces

Have you paid attention to those cushions, beddings, drapes, carpets, or rugs lying around in your house? These items tend to make us and our guests feel comfortable and cosy. But these soft surfaces tend to carry germs too. You can opt for a home disinfection service or clean these surfaces by yourself. Here’s how to sanitize the soft surfaces of home by yourself.

  1. Make a mixture of equal parts of soap and water, or take out your cleanser and clean the soft surfaces
  2. You can even launder them with warm and appropriate water temperature
  3. Disinfect the soft surfaces using the guidelines above
  4. Wear a mask and vacuum the surfaces

3. Clean the laundry

We know that the virus can spread from person to person through indirect or direct contact with harmful respiratory droplets. However, these droplets can also get attached to your clothes and other objects. When you touch these surfaces and then your body parts like eyes and nose, you may get infected. Therefore, you should learn how to disinfect the laundry in your home.

  1. Wear gloves before doing laundry
  2. Soak the items in warm water. WHO suggests keeping the temperature at  60–90°C (140–194°F).
  3. Wash your items with laundry detergent or soap.
  4. Dry your clothes and other laundry items
  5. Disinfect them with EPA approved products or those with 0.1% sodium hypochlorite

4. Clean the electrical appliances

Electronics are the home of dust, dirt, viruses, and bacteria. The viruses from your hands can get transferred to the electronics like phones, laptops, game systems, etc. Before cleaning you need to check the recommendations of the manufacturer, disconnect the electronics, and avoid spraying any disinfectants. Follow the steps below, and they should help you with the electronic disinfection process.

  1. Smartphones and tablets: Wipe the smartphones and tablets with a dry microfiber cloth. Thereafter, dip the cloth in equal parts of rubbing water and alcohol. Clean the device, and don’t forget the corners.
  2. Laptop: Gently brush the crumbs and dirt from a keyboard. Take a damp cloth and clean the laptop screen. You can also use water and rubbing alcohol solution.
  3. Flat-screen TV: Use a damp cloth to clean the screen of the TV. Clean the corners and remote with cotton balls. You can also apply water and rubbing alcohol solutions.

5. Disinfecting home when someone’s sick

Living with a sick person can induce anxiety during this time of the pandemic. Besides, a sick person carries transferrable germs. Therefore, it’s advised to have a separate room for them. If a sick person can clean for themselves, give them the necessary supplies. But here are some steps to disinfect a sick person’s room in your house.

  1. Before cleaning a place where a sick person resides, wear gloves and a mask
  2. Start cleaning the areas and disinfect them with detergent and water mix and disinfecting products
  3. Open all the windows and turn on the fans for air circulation
  4. Use soap and water to clean the utensils of the sick person
  5. Give an individual trash bag to the sick person

Wrapping Up

During these crucial times when COVID-19 is dominating our life, we need to be safe. Besides, we need to follow all the instructions on personal hygiene and learn how to disinfect the home against COVID-19. Cleaning and disinfecting can clean the viruses and germs and provide you immunity against dangerous diseases. Therefore, take the necessary steps and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Also, read – How to Keep a Clutter-Free Home

FAQs

  • How to reduce contamination on the surfaces?

Sanitize your house using our guide. Ask your guests to always wear masks, especially the ones who haven’t been vaccinated. Isolate sick people and follow the Govt personal hygiene and safety guidelines.

  • Why should you clean the surfaces at home?

You should regularly clean the high-touch surfaces at home because they come in contact with the family members and guests. They carry germs and viruses. Moreover, clean all the small areas in your house with water and detergent. Don’t forget to disinfect after cleaning.

  • Can you make your disinfectant for COVID-19 at home?

It is advised to invest in a disinfectant of a good company to get various benefits. But if you cannot, you can make a solution of bleach and water. It’s suggested to use 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart. Be careful with the bleach and spray it on your surfaces. You can also mix two parts of antiseptic liquid, one part of hand sanitizer and four parts of water to create a disinfectant spray. Keep this mixture in a spray bottle for ease of use.

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