A clean and germ free home is indeed a healthy home. According to health point of view, it is important to live in a clean and germs free place to avoid getting ill. It takes some effort to maintain and keep your home clean and it has its own benefits and perks, specially, at this age when corona disease has effected millions of people and taken thousands of lives across the world, your clean home is like a fortress against harmful germs. First we have to learn difference between cleaning and disinfecting because usually, these two terms are taken for same meanings.
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Cleaning: Cleaning is the process in which we remove dirt and contaminates from surfaces.
Disinfecting: Disinfecting is the process in which we kill the germs make us sick.
To avoid harmful germs we have to do both processes. I have gathered the science-based and practical practices that you’ll want to follow, especially as safety precautions are our only weapons against getting the disease and transmitting it to others.
1-Target hot zones of your home
The mostly touched surfaces at house are hot zones because Corona virus can survive on these surfaces. Clean the area first with soap and water or a cleaning spray and then use a disinfectant, whether that is a bleach solution, spray or disinfecting wipe. When a disinfectant applied on a surface, hold for a few minutes before wiping it away to give it time to kill the virus.It is suggested by experts let it air dry if possible for more better results .Use disposable gloves or rubber gloves while cleaning.
You have to clean /disinfect following areas time to time.
- Table and counter-top surfaces
- Doorknobs
- Bathroom surfaces
- Light switches
- Telephones and mobile phones
- TV, AC, Fan and other appliances remotes
- Car steering wheel and door handles
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a) Life of Corona virus on different surfaces
According to a latest study done by Harvard Medical School, Corona virus can remain live on different surfaces for different duration.
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2-How to clean and disinfect Electronics
For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, mobile phones and remote controls. Clean according to manufacturer’s instruction or with surface cleaners then use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol and dry surface thoroughly.
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3-Washing and disinfecting of clothes
Wash clothes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest water setting and dry items completely. Wear disposable gloves when handling clothes used by a person who is ill.
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4-Cleaning and disinfecting of Hands
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick. After coughing, sneezing, touching your eyes, nose, ears, before and after eating food and after contact with animals.
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a) Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is used to disinfect your hands only when they are visibly clean, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. If hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
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5-Commonly used disinfectants
Some of the most commonly used disinfectants are isopropyl alcohol,wipes, sprays, and hydrogen peroxide. Due to high demand and short supply in the market, if you can’t find store-bought products, you can make disinfectant at home using bleach.
CDC recommends this mixer for homemade Bleach Disinfectant:
- 4 teaspoons household bleach
- 1 quart water
This mixture can be poured into a spray bottle and used on hard surfaces. In most cases, using bleach is overkill but it’s better than nothing. The CDC also reminds everyone to never mix bleach with any other cleaning solution and that it can discolor some surfaces. Also, be sure to use bleach in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves while using.
6-Safety measures when someone is Sick at home
Provide separate bedroom and bathroom to a person who is sick. Limit your contact with the person who is sick.
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Attendant can provide personal cleaning supplies to the person who is sick . Supplies include cleaners,tissues, paper towels, and EPA-registered disinfectants . If they feel up to it, the person who is sick can clean their own space.
The person who is sick should clean and disinfect bathroom after each use. If this is not possible, the attendant should do so.
a) Food
The person who is sick should be fed in their room if possible. Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water. Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.
b) Dust bin
Dedicate a dust bin for the person who is sick. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands afterwards.