Cleanliness is paramount when facing a health crisis such as the current Covid-19 pandemic, and it’s important to know what the best cleaning products are to effectively destroy the virus. Here are the top products to ensure that you, your home and your family members are kept safe from harm:
Good old soap and water:
Since soap interferes with the fats in the shell of the virus and helps to lift it off surfaces, it should be your first line of defence against Covid-19. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and do so especially after having been in contact with anything that might be harbouring the virus. Food items and packaging can also be safely washed using soap and water.
Cheap and effective: bleach:
Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, an active ingredient that destroys many viruses. However, be sure to leave the bleach to do its’ stuff for at least 15 minutes after you’ve applied it to a surface, before wiping it off.
It’s not just for surgeons: surgical spirit:
Ethanol is the primary ingredient of surgical spirit and has been proven to destroy viruses such as covid-19 in as little as 30 seconds. In much the same way as bleach, the alcohol kills the protein and RNA that makes up the virus, and when applied to a cloth and used on surfaces, it will work quickly and simply evaporate.
Simple surface wipes:
Most store-bought surface wipes contain benzalkonium chloride, an ingredient that works by removing germs through the pressure applied when they’re used, causing the germs to attach themselves to the wipe. Leaving an antiseptic layer on surfaces after use, this helps to kill germs, too. However, while these are handy to use and may help destroy millions of bacteria, there is as yet, no evidence that they can kill human corona viruses. Use these as part of your normal cleaning routine, but not as part of any special anti-covid-19 cleaning measures.
Sanitizers for hands:
Always check the concentration of surgical spirit, or ethanol in your chosen hand sanitizer, since this is only effective in destroying viruses like covid-19 if the level is at 70% or higher. Once you have an appropriate hand sanitizer, use it often and don’t forget to clean the bottle itself.
The most important advice any healthcare specialist will give you, is to keep washing your hands (with soap and water and for up to 20 seconds) and to sanitize all products and clothing that may have had some contact with the virus. While these are scary times, with the right precautions and by heeding all government guidelines and rules, we can help stay safe from harm.
