The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made us all think more about hygiene and cleanliness, especially in our own homes, but with so many opinions and so much advice out there, how do you know what really works?
Below, you can find out just how transmissible viruses can be within the home, and look at some of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidance for keeping your home as free from germs and viruses, as possible:
How does a virus like COVID-19 spread within the home?
While it’s true that catching a virus from touching a surface in a home is less of a risk then by person-to-person transmission, there is still a chance that someone may pick up a virus from touching an unclean surface that an infected person recently touched. As such, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all high-touch surfaces be cleaned and disinfected a minimum of once a day.
Studies have shown that viruses like COVID-19, can remain in the air for as long as 3 hours, and survive on surfaces such as cardboard, for as long as 24 hours, and surfaces made of plastic or stainless steel for up to 3 days.
Understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting
Disinfecting means using a solution – such as those listed below by the EPA – that kills contaminants, rather than simply leaving the surface looking clean:
- Disinfecting wipes – examples include Clorox and Lysol
- Disinfecting sprays – such as Purell, Clorox or Lysol
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
However, it isn’t enough to simply use the right products, you need to make sure you use them in the correct way, too. The EPAs advice is to allow the product to sit and remain wet on surfaces or objects for at least 10 minutes before wiping away, to ensure that almost all of the germs (99.9%) are destroyed.
What areas of the home are especially vulnerable during a pandemic?
Most homes have a number of areas and objects that are frequently touched, and often by multiple members of the household, and these are the ones that should be cleaned every day, and more often if necessary:
- Faucets
- Light switches/switch plates
- Closet and drawer handles/knobs
- Kitchen and bathroom counters
- Toilet – especially the handle and seat
- Refrigerator, dishwasher and cooker knobs/handles
- Media center, gaming controls
- Computer keyboards
- Door handles/knobs
- All table surfaces
- Stair handrails
Try to clean wearing disposable gloves that you can throw away after use, and wash your hands before and after. In fact, repeated handwashing is one of the best ways of preventing the spread of viruses like COVID-19, and the CDC recommend that you spend a minimum of 20 seconds doing so with soap and water.
It’s still possible to have a cleaning service during a pandemic, provided they take the appropriate measures to keep themselves and all occupants of your home safe by wearing face and hand protection, and maintaining social distancing at all times. If you hire a professional cleaning service, they’ll follow all COVID-19 protocols to the letter, and can help make sure your home is hygienically clean.
