It’s virtually impossible to completely rid your home of all germs, and most of the time, it isn’t necessary, even during a pandemic. However, it is necessary to try and ensure that your home is hygienically clean, and thankfully, it’s simple enough to achieve with the use of soap, water and disinfectants:
Getting your laundry clean:
In most cases, the simple act of cleaning something with soap or detergent and water, is enough to kill harmful germs, but if clothing is heavily soiled or may have come into contact with the virus, then you could consider rinsing the clothes before you wash them. Many washers have a ‘soak’ option, making this easy to do.
Use your favourite laundry detergent and the hottest water temperature that the clothing label permits, but if any of the items may have come into contact with the virus or a person who is suffering with a contagious illness, then you can use a disinfectant to help destroy any bacteria. Bleach is the most common disinfectant used within homes, but naturally you can only use this with white items. For other coloured clothing, add a general disinfectant to the wash cycle.
Surfaces that are hygienically clean:
Any surface in your home that is frequently touched, needs to be disinfected regularly, and thoroughly, especially during a pandemic. Some of these surfaces may include doorknobs and handles, toilet flushers and light switches, to name but a few. You can use a store-bought disinfectant to do the job or make your own with diluted bleach.
Electronic items such as phones and remote controls, are better wiped with a disinfecting cloth or with store-bought wipes that are especially designed to sanitize such items. You can also purchase plastic covers for computer keyboards that make cleaning them hygienically, much easier and takes away the risk of damaging it. Do this daily at least, and more frequently if someone in the household is sick or has recently been in a public place outside of the home.
Banishing bacteria outside of the home:
When you go shopping, it’s a good idea to carry some disinfecting wipes with you to use on the handles of your shopping cart or ATM keypads before you touch them. Cleaning everything that you touch when you’re out and about is hard to do; impossible in most cases. So, instead take care to wash your hands at every opportunity or use a gel sanitizer and ensure that kids are informed about touching things, and when they should be washing their hands. Kids are versatile and will soon pick up new routines, so you probably need to worry more about yourself than any little ones!
Best hygiene practices should be continued after the pandemic, so try to adopt these stricter cleaning controls along with all other members of your household.
