DIY Home Cleaning Tips to combat the spread of Coronavirus

Coronavirus cases are rapidly increasing on a global scale. Most countries have taken bold steps, including imposing lockdowns, to control the novel virus, but this is not enough to combat the uneasiness and stressful scenario. While it’s quite impracticable to monitor the sanitation levels of everything you touch outside the home, you can take certain measures to clean and sanitize your home, to ensure that your family is protected.

DIY Tips to Clean the Home during Coronavirus

These tips are meant to be followed alongside major coronavirus prevention guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. As always, one of the most important ways to limit the spread of any virus is to wash your hands for more than 20 seconds. Another vital way to limit the spread of germs is to avoid touching your face and to always cover your mouth whilst coughing or sneezing. The best way to avoid any exposure and ensure wellness for yourself and your family is to follow guidelines for self-isolation and social distancing.

Properly Clean the High-Touch Surfaces of Home

Many researchers have confirmed that Coronavirus stays on various surfaces for days at a time. For example, the virus was found to live on stainless steel and plastic surfaces for three days. It is necessary to clean the high-touch surfaces of your home daily, as a practice to kill the virus and stop it from spreading.

High touch surfaces can include but are not limited to, doorknobs, cellphones, light switches, TV remote or other remote controls, kitchen counters, bathroom taps and counters, toilets, tablets and other handheld devices. In order to effectively clean these surfaces, it is recommended to use a common household disinfectant, such as Lysol disinfecting wipes. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces, virtually stopping the spread. Please remember to follow the label as not all wipes and solutions are made the same and their application for effective removal may differ.

Make use of the Appropriate Cleaning Equipment

When you start using cleaning supplies, including mops and sponges, make sure that you are not spreading germs by using the dirty items. It is strongly recommended to use disposable wipes and cloths. Once you are finished using them, dispose of them right after cleaning to avoid additional exposure.

Maintaining the overall cleanliness of your home will limit the spread of germs. It is important to understand that cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill the germs, after removing them. Whereas disinfecting surfaces properly, kills germs on site. Doing both, cleaning and disinfecting will limit the spread of germs and viruses.

Wash clothing regularly

Disinfecting your clothes is essential as the fibres in our clothing harbour dirt, and impurities. They need to be appropriately cleaned to limit the spread of germs. Clothes should be laundered as per the instructions of the manufacturer, using appropriate detergent. It is also important to use warm or hot water to wash clothes, as it is more effective in targeting and killing certain bacteria and viruses.