The current global pandemic has taught us all a lot about germs and how they can so easily be spread from person to person, or by touching contaminated objects, and many people now want to know how they can ensure that their homes remain hygienically clean. With the Covid-19 virus able to survive on some surfaces for several hours or even days, keeping a clean home has never been more important.
Here are some guidelines for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in your home:
Understanding the difference between cleaning and sanitizing:
Cleaning is the act of removing germs and dirt, while sanitizing describes the use of chemicals to reduce the number of germs and bacteria. Many people don’t realise that only by doing both, can they guarantee that a surface or object remains virus free.
Cleaning guidelines for your home:
While you don’t want to become obsessed with cleaning your home, it is vital that you recognize the importance of doing so, particularly amid a pandemic, and one of the first steps is to make sure you have the right cleaning solutions and tools for the job. Soap and water can be great for eliminating germs, as can bleach or rubbing alcohol (70% or higher). Always wear gloves that are either washable or disposable and ideally a full apron or gown and face mask to prevent you from picking up any germs as you clean. Once you’re ready, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you begin, then:
- Clean first, sanitize after
Use detergent or soap and water to remove grime, dust and germs, and then once the surface is clean and dry, wipe it down with a disinfectant. Try to use different cleaning cloths or paper towels for each new task.
- Don’t touch your face!
This is much easier said than done, but it’s important, not only when you’re out and about, but when you’re cleaning at home, too.
- Try not to neglect any surface or item of soft furnishings
Whether it’s rugs, sofa’s, drapes or cushions, these should be washed frequently, especially if someone in the home is sick with a contagious disease. If possible, machine wash as many items as you can, and use appropriate cleaners (as per the manufacturers care instructions) on the rest.
- Hot heat for linens
Most linens can tolerate a high heat setting, so check the care instructions on your bed sheets, mattress covers and towels before washing them at the highest temperature possible.
- Clean laundry baskets and hampers
If you can’t use a washable or disposable liner for your laundry basket, then be sure to clean it thoroughly, often.
- Empty the vacuum cleaner after each use
This can be a bit of a hassle, but is very important, and you should also wipe it down frequently, along with your washing machine and dryer.
- Make sure your cleaning supplies are clean!
Everything that you’ve used to clean your home with, will itself need to be either cleaned or disposed of.
If you want your home to be professionally cleaned to a high standard of hygiene that is guaranteed to keep you safe from picking up viruses such as Covid-19, then there are plenty of reputable companies out there with budgets and schedules to suit every need.
