Whether your home is contaminated with the virus or not, experts say that aside from washing your hands regularly, you also have to clean and disinfect your home to prevent the spread of the virus.

COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is thought to be transmitted person-to-person. But studies also show that a person can get infected by the virus through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. According to the CDC, this virus can live on different surfaces for several days. Thus, it is important to regularly clean and disinfect high touched surfaces to reduce your chances of getting infected.

Keep reading to learn the right way to clean and disinfect your home.

Cleaning And Disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting are two different processes. While cleaning is about removing germs, dirt, and other contaminants from surfaces, doing this alone does not kill these contaminants. On the other hand, disinfecting requires the use of a chemical that can kill off germs and bacteria.  

As mentioned, coronavirus can live on surfaces and can be contracted when touching these surfaces and touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Thus, cleaning and disinfecting are both necessary to kill germs and prevent the spread of the virus.

How To Clean And Disinfect Your Home

Guidelines For Cleaning Your Home

• Wear reusable gloves for cleaning and disinfecting your home.
• Use soap and water first to remove dirt and other contaminants on the surface.
• Then, apply an EPA-approved household disinfectant or you may also use an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol to disinfect surfaces. If applicable for a certain surface, you can also use a diluted bleach solution.
• Follow instructions on the labels for proper and effective use of the product.
• If a product recommends keeping a surface wet for some time, make sure to provide proper ventilation during the time of its use.
• Frequently clean high touched surfaces like Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc

Cleaning Soft Surfaces

To clean soft or porous surfaces, such as rugs or carpets, use water and soap or cleaners that are appropriate for those surfaces. If contaminants are present, remove them first.

If it is possible, launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions and wash them with warm water. Thoroughly dry them after washing. If it is not possible, you can disinfect these items using EPA approved household disinfectant.

Cleaning Your Devices Or Electronics

Cleaning and disinfecting your electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, remote control, and keyboards can be a bit tricky. They are probably one of the most important valuables you have during the community quarantine period. But, they can be a magnet of germs as they are often touched and carried everywhere. Thus it is important to clean and disinfect them properly.  

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in cleaning your devices. If the instructions are not available, you can use alcohol-based sprays and/or wipes that contain at least 70% alcohol. Ensure proper drying of these surfaces to prevent liquid from pooling into your devices.

Furthermore, you may also consider using wipeable covers on your electronics.

Cleaning Your Laundry

Although it is not clear how long the virus can live on clothes, we must take precautions when cleaning clothes and other textiles.

Fortunately, most laundry machines work well in clothes. So, you can just simply wash your clothes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. But, if it is possible, use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry them at a slightly higher temperature to kill off any pathogens.

If you are going to handle dirty laundry from a sick person, make sure to wear disposable gloves, and avoid shaking the dirty laundry.

After doing the laundry, be sure to clean and disinfect hampers. Clean and disinfect hampers using the guidance of cleaning and disinfecting other surfaces. When done, dispose of gloves properly and wash your hands with soap and water.

How To Clean Your Home When Someone Is Sick

When someone in your home is sick or suspected to have infected with the virus, you have to be extra careful to prevent contracting the virus. Follow this advice on how to clean your home when someone is sick.

• If it is possible, keep a separate bedroom and a bathroom for someone who is ill.
• If it is possible, allow the sick person to eat or be fed in a separate room and make sure to wash the items used with hot water.
• Masks, food trash, tissues, and other kinds of trash from an ill person should be thrown in a separate trash bag and make sure that it is properly sealed. Or, you can also dedicate a lined trash can to a sick person and dispose of it often.
• Lastly, make sure to wash your hands with water thoroughly after feeding and handling items used by the sick person.

Professional Deep Cleaning Services

Follow the tips above to have a healthier environment in your property or you may also hire a professional restoration company, like Superior Restoration. Superior Restoration offers coronavirus cleaning services for homes and commercial properties. Contact our local office today, Water Damage Lake Elsinore.