Your home is meant to be a place for relaxation, recuperation, and security. The big challenge about maintaining the cleanliness of this space is that everyone brings in contaminants on a daily basis. If left for too long, these contaminants can pose risks to the health of everyone in the household. Even if your home appears clean, it’s still important that you keep up with regular sanitization efforts. Here are some pointers on how to promote a sanitary environment:
- Know the difference between cleaning and disinfecting.
Cleaning and disinfecting are two different activities with two separate purposes. Cleaning is meant to eliminate contaminants, while disinfecting is meant to kill pathogens. If people enter and exit your home frequently, it’s a good idea to do a bit of both on a daily basis.
- Focus on high-touch surfaces.
Pathogens can survive on different surfaces for quite a while, so it’s important that your home’s high-touch surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Depending on the habits of your household, these surfaces can include: doorknobs, tables, kitchen and bathroom countertops, faucets, toilets, light switches, remote controls, game controllers, and dining chairs. When in doubt, think about what your family touches the most throughout the day and focus on those surfaces.
Once you’ve identified them, clean and then disinfect. Clean by removing dust, debris, and contaminants with warm, soapy water or other cleaning solution with a hand towel. Follow up by applying a disinfectant that has been designed to work on the material your specific surface is made of. Typically, regular disinfectant sprays and wipes will work just fine. You can find items like these at most general stores, though due to current events, they may be sold out. If this is the case, consider ordering your product from a reputable brand online.
- Know your options.
If you are having a hard time finding store-bought disinfectant, the CDC has released an approved formula for making your own bleach-based spray. To make it, combine four teaspoons of bleach with one quart of room temperature water. Pour into a spray bottle and shake vigorously. After applying the solution to a surface, let it sit for 10 minutes and then wipe it away with a wet cloth. Never combine bleach with any other cleaning chemical.
The key to maintain a sanitary home is to know how to effectively clean and disinfect. By reading this post, you’re already off to a great start! If you have any further questions, remember to check the Center for Disease Control’s website.