The Covid-19 pandemic has sent the world into a tizzy. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Although there have been similar flu outbreaks in the past, none, except the Spanish Flu of 1918, was as severe. Needless to say, governments and healthcare organizations are scrambling to contain spread of the virus, SARS-CoV-2, through various measures like social distancing and wearing masks, because till date, we do not have a vaccine or drug to fight this invisible invader.
So what can we, the common people, do to keep ourselves safe?
The first thing that we can do is ensure our living spaces are clean and germ-free. According to an April, 2020 study, the virus can live on surfaces like cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days. Therefore, it is important to clean and disinfect our homes on a daily basis.
Difference Between Cleaning And Disinfecting
Cleaning entails removal of dust and debris through sweeping, dusting, vacuuming and mopping. Disinfecting means killing microscopic allergens like viruses, bacteria and fungi using chemicals called disinfectants. For inhibiting the virus, we need to both clean and disinfect our living quarters.
Here are 5 ways you can keep your house clean and free of viruses.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces
The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends disinfecting high-touch surface at least once a day. These are surface that are touched very frequently like door knobs, door edges, handrails, light switches, kitchen and living room surfaces, mobile phones, earphones, remote controls, wallets, toilet seats, taps, tables and chairs.
If the surface is too grimy, you first want to clean it with soap and water. Use a clean piece of cloth or a kitchen sponge wipe. Then wipe the surface with a disinfectant wipe or a disinfectant solution that has at least 70% alcohol. You can also use bleach. One cup of bleach mixed with five gallons of water is suitable for non-wood surfaces. For wooden surfaces, a solution of white vinegar and water works well.
The disinfected surface needs to dry naturally. Do not quickly wipe it dry. Most disinfectants need to stay wet on a surface for at least a few minutes in order to be effective. We suggest using a wipeable waterproof cover for your phone. It will be easier to disinfect and there’ll be less chance of the disinfect damaging the device.
Here is a list of disinfectants effective against SARS-CoV-2 recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Wet and dry vacuum cleaning
This is a great way to remove dirt from floors, stairwells, curtains and furniture. Particles like sand, food crumbs, animal hair, human hair, etc settle on floors and rugs, and it is essential to clean these as soon as possible so that they do not attract germs. Vacuuming is the most effective way to extract these allergens. Even hardened dirt embedded deep in carpets and floors can be pulled out with the help of the suction force. For a hassle-free solution, we recommend using a 2-in-1 wet and dry vacuum cleaner for cleaning floors. It is a versatile device and greatly simplifies your work.
If you have the budget for it, you can opt for a robot vacuum cleaner. Otherwise a conventional canister or upright vacuum will also do. Any vacuum cleaner is good so long as you know how to use it properly. Use the right nozzle for the right space and surface. Follow the instructions on the manual and you should be fine.
Even if you are not using a vacuum cleaner, you can manually sweep and mop the floor with disinfectant. Pay special attention to high-traffic zones like porches, hallways, lobbies, kitchens and corridors. You want to clean the floor in these places more thoroughly.
Safety protocol when returning home
When you come home from outside, you bring a lot of germs into the house on your clothes, shoes and bags. As soon as you enter the house, remove your shoes and overcoat at the door. Leave your bags in a corner and head straight to the bathroom. Wash your hands, face and other exposed parts with water and soap. Next, disinfect your bags and the things you have brought home. You can use wipes or simply wash them with soap water. You can also sun them out as heat is known to kill coronavirus.
How to handle food
If you order take-away, transfer the eatables into a dish and wash off the container immediately. If it is a disposable container, throw it in the trash can which should have a lid. Remove and throw away outer cartons of cereal boxes. All unnecessary shrink wraps and plastic packaging must be disposed off. Beverage bottles and cans can be wiped with disinfectant. Fresh vegetables and fruits must be thoroughly rinsed under a running tap, preferably with warm water. Wash your hands with soap and water once you are done.
How to wash clothes
Do not shake the unwashed laundry. It might release active viruses into the house air. Warm water destroys germs. So, use the warmest water appropriate for the fabrics you are washing. Use a generous amount of detergent or soap. Allow the clothes to dry fully, either in the dryer or outside on a clothesline in the sun. All of the above steps are necessary to fully exterminate the virus. Remember to disinfect the laundry bag as well. And wash your hands with soap immediately afterwards.
These are some of the few things you can do to make sure you and your family stay safe and healthy through this pandemic.