Cleaning in Lock-Down Part 1
During the COVID-19 quarantine is a perfect time to clean and sanitize your home, but With a full house it can be a little challenging. We enlist the help of our children to help maintain our homes cleanliness. Many hands make light work…Well, most of the time.
First tip: FREQUENTLY wash your hands. Replace/wash the hand towel used to dry your hands.
Second tip: DWELL TIME is important on how long the chemical being used is allowed to work.
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them.Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household will work.
https://cfpub.epa.gov/giwiz/disinfectants/index.cfm – Website of approved disinfectants through CDC. This list can be searched by EPA #, Active Ingredients, Use site, Contact time, etc.
From CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Home
Everyday Steps
How to clean and disinfect:
Wear reusable or disposable gloves for routine cleaning and disinfection. Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant. Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. High touch surfaces include: Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
Disinfect Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectantexternal icon. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Read EPA’s infographic on how to use these disinfectant productsexternal icon safely and effectively.
Many products recommend: Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label) Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product
Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface
Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, and ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection.
Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.
To make a bleach solution, mix: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.
Complete Disinfection Guidance
Soft surfaces For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes.
Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for
use on these surfaces. Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely. OR Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These disinfectantsexternal icon meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19. Vacuum as usual.
Electronics
For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls. Consider putting a wipe-able cover on electronics. Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting.
If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least
70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.
Laundry
For clothing, towels, linens and other items.
Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick. Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items. Do not shake dirty laundry Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. Remove gloves, and wash hands right away
Clean hands often
Wash your hands often
with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Always wash immediately after removing
gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Additional key times to clean hands include:
After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing After using the restroom Before eating or preparing food After contact with animals or pets Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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