Sprucing up and cleaning were already two things you probably did regularly even before the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, after news of the pandemic broke out, it is understandable why many people are bent on going on a more meticulous domestic sanitation routine. Before the outbreak, many of us may have given little to no thought to our home’s general cleanliness.

Even something as trivial as washing our hands properly has been overlooked or even neglected.

By now, washing our hands properly should be second nature to us by now—insomuch that we should not even stop to think twice whether we are doing it correctly or not. Unfortunately, this pandemic has brought to light the many things we may not have been doing correctly before. For many, the current experience has been illuminating.

That said, it is crucial to ensure that our homes, surfaces, and frequently touched items are not only thoroughly cleaned but disinfected to prevent the spread of a deadly virus.

Proper hygiene and sanitation have become the world’s most paramount concerns. In this regard, people are looking for the appropriate ways to disinfect their household surfaces on top of learning household cleaning techniques.

Keep in mind, however, that there is a marked difference between cleaning and disinfecting. The former is guaranteed to kill some germs, but it is not as effective as the latter is. With a deadly virus in our midst, it is important now more than ever to not only clean but disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. These items include countertops, refrigerator handles, phones, doorknobs, keyboards—anything you are regularly touching.

That said, you should develop the habit of disinfecting everything you touch and thinking of it contaminated—including your keys and wallet. Whether you recently moved into a condo for sale in Cebu or have been living in the same house for years, it is imperative to ensure that you are disinfecting your homes properly.

Things to keep in mind when disinfecting your home

Before we get into the various ways you should be disinfecting your homes, below are some essential tips to keep in mind:

a. Not all cleaning products are created equal

While you can save on cleaning supplies expenses, natural household cleaning materials and products are not recommended. This is because household cleaning products have not been tested for effectiveness against COVID-19.

If you are disinfecting surfaces and areas at home, it is recommended that you only use products from known store brands such as Lysol, Clorox, and Seventh Generation.

b) Read the instructions carefully

Disinfectants are most effective if they are used correctly. That said, you should read the directions of use before applying them to any of your surfaces.

Similarly, you should also note how long the product must sit on the surface before allowing it to air dry or wipe it off. Virus and bacterial walls need time to break down, which means that they are not immediately killed upon contact with the chemical.

c) Protect your skin with gloves

Disinfects are harmful chemicals. This means you should take extra caution in handling them and make sure you are adequately protected.

To prevent yourself from developing contact dermatitis (skin rashes), donning gloves before handling any disinfectant chemical solutions is recommended.

d) Make your own disinfectant with bleach

If the stores run out of disinfectants, you can make your own by mixing five tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water or four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water.

Keep in mind that for your disinfectant to be effective, the bleach should be fresh and not near its expiry date.

e) Rub with soap and water to eliminate germs

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, rub them together to create friction.

Friction helps break down pathogens, which means that vigorous hand washing for at least twenty seconds is most effective. The same goes for cleaning surfaces.

f) Treat electronics with care

To disinfect your gadgets such as phones, keyboards, and the like, use products containing at least 70% alcohol.

g) Store chemicals properly and keep out of reach of children

Make sure that you store your chemicals out of reach from small children. These can be dangerous if misused and should never be ingested.

Ways to disinfect your home

Now that you have an idea of what to keep in mind prior to your cleaning and disinfecting endeavor, this article will now focus on how you can disinfect the various areas in your home.

1) KITCHEN

The kitchen is the busiest area in a home. It is where the family comes together, not just for a meal, but for basically anything. As a result, the kitchen also doubles as an entertainment center and, at times, a family room.

That said, it is considered ground zero for the most troublesome spots in the home. Every surface in the kitchen is a magnet for germs, viruses, bacteria, and even insects and other pests. It is also one of the likely places to transmit viruses and bacteria.

Below are some general tips for disinfecting your kitchen surfaces:

Before touching anything, it is recommended that you wash your hands with soap and water—especially if you have been outside or just came from work.

Regularly disinfect and wipe down counters, tabletops, and any other kitchen surface frequently touched or interacted with. This includes stoves and microwave buttons.

While we typically wash our dishes, silverware, and utensils after using them, it is recommended that you wash them before using them as well.

If cleaned and stored incorrectly, your kitchen sponge harbors thousands of foodborne pathogens and germs. Kill germs on your sponge by getting it wet and putting it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Similarly, it is recommended that you thoroughly squeeze it after use and keep it in a place that allows you to air dry it. Keep your kitchen towns clean by washing them often.

2) BEDROOM

Bedrooms are our private spaces. Unfortunately, you are never alone in bed—regardless of whether you share it with someone else or not. Dust, bed bugs, mites, and possibly pet dander are your regular bed companions. These microorganisms contribute to poor air quality and can be quite bothersome—whether you are allergic to them or not.

To get rid of them, use zippered plastic mattresses and pillow covers. Additionally, wash all of your beddings in hot water once a week to kill these microorganisms.

3) BATHROOMS

Bathrooms are where we relieve ourselves, and in some cases, they can be the dirtiest area of the home. Pathogens and microorganisms lurk where you would least expect it, which means you should be thorough in your cleaning endeavor.

When cleaning bathrooms, be sure to include everything—from the toilets down to the flush handle. Keep flush handles sanitized with a strong disinfectant specifically manufactured to kill bacteria or viruses.

Be sure not to overlook your bathroom floors and ceilings when sprucing up. A few things to keep in mind when cleaning bathroom floors and walls are as follows:

4) DOORKNOBS

Doorknobs are notorious for being home to a myriad of microorganisms. While they do not pose a serious threat, they can potentially be harmful if it enters your mouth, nose, eyes, cuts or scrapes and causes you a variety of problems.

That said, wipe down your doorknob with antibacterial cleaner regularly to keep germs, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms away.

Takeaway

With a deadly virus on the loose, it is imperative that we take extra precautions to ensure our home remains a clean and safe haven for you and your family.

While it can be easy to overlook cleanliness considering modern conveniences, bear in mind that these can bring a spectrum of harmful diseases and safety risks into the home. Keep your family safe and healthy by having a proper home cleaning and disinfecting regimen with the tips and suggestions above. Want readings like this? Check out our other blogs on this website.

Also, if interested in Amaia properties or investment opportunities, do not hesitate to get in touch with us here on our website.