Cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces in your home has never been more important. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) , bacteria can live for two to three days on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces and 24 hours on cardboard. Therefore, it is important to ensure you are consistently cleaning high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, tables, countertops, keyboards and light switches.
The Cleveland Clinic, along with the CDC, has provided the following tips to properly disinfect those high-touch surfaces:
- If a surface is visibly dirty, clean it with soap and water first, then use a disinfectant.
- Wear disposable gloves.
- Make sure you have good ventilation in the area where you are cleaning.
- Use a diluted household bleach solution, or an alcohol-based solution with at least 70% alcohol.
- Follow instructions on the cleaning product’s label, and check to make sure it isn’t expired.
- Wash your hands when you’re done.
Keep Electronics Clean
There are few household items more frequently touched than your cell phone:TV remotes and your laptop keyboard. Do not forget to disinfect these items. To clean these items:
- Use a disinfecting wipe on electronics.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfecting. A good guideline is to use alcohol-based wipes or sprays that contain at least 70% alcohol.
- Make sure to dry the electronics' surfaces thoroughly.
Keep Soft Surfaces Clean
Don’t just worry about cleaning the hard surfaces of your home. Remember to routinely clean your linens, towels and clothing. Bacteria lives on all surfaces so make sure to do laundry about once a week.
Take extra precautions when someone in your home becomes sick.
Even when taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it's possible someone in your family will become sick. Remember, most people who contract COVID-19 will have only mild symptoms and are able to recover at home .
The CDC recommends following these cleaning guidelines if you or someone in your household becomes ill:
- The person who is sick should stay in a separate bedroom with their own bathroom, if possible.
- Interact with the person who is sick as little as possible while still providing the care your family member needs.
- If the person who is ill can manage it, ask them to clean their own space. You can help from a distance by providing tissues, paper towels, cleaners and disinfectants.
- Wash the sick person's dishes and utensils with hot water and soap. Be sure to wear gloves or use a dishwasher.
- Give the person who is sick their own lined trash can. Use gloves when handling and disposing of trash and wash your hands afterwards.
Stay safe and stay healthy, folks!
