Cleaning and Disinfecting in the Time of COVID-19

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Right now, many of us are settling into a new normal. It doesn’t feel normal, and we know it won’t last forever, but we are all making changes to keep our family safe, healthy, and as happy as possible. So, what should you change about your cleaning routine?

First of all, it is essential to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting so that you are effective in keeping your home clean and lower the risk of infection.

Cleaning is the removal of germs, dirt, and other impurities from surfaces in your home.  It does not kill the germs, but it removes them and lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting is the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces.  Disinfecting does not necessarily clean the dirty services or remove germs, but it can kill germs on a surface after cleaning and lower the risk of spreading infection.

What do the Chicks recommend that you do to maximize your chance of keeping your family healthy? These recommendations are for regular cleaning in your home.  If someone in your home is suspected of having COVID-19, please skip to that section below and consult the CDC.

Clean First

Clean surfaces using soap and water.  Routinely clean high touch surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilet, faucets, and sinks. Do this before you apply disinfectant. Make sure you are using the right cleaning agent for each surface!

Disinfect Second

Disinfectants kill germs but also have some potentially harmful effects. Make sure that you follow EPA guidelines for gloves and room ventilation. 

Be very careful about mixing and using disinfecting solutions that are found on the internet.  Some combinations of materials found in your home can cause permanent damage to your home and your family. Here is our recipe.

Soft Surfaces

Clean the surfaces of carpets, rugs, and drapes with soap and water or appropriate cleaners for those fabrics.  Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions with the warmest possible water setting and dry items completely. Do not shake dirty laundry. Clean and disinfect clothes hampers.

Electronics

Our phones, tablets, keyboards, and remote controls are germy in regular times.  Make sure you are regularly wiping them down with alcohol-based wipes or sprays.

If someone in your home is sick…

If someone in your home is suspected of COVID-19, you will need to ramp up the cleaning and disinfecting to try and keep the infection from spreading to other household members.  Make sure you notify anyone that does not need to be in your home (like your Chicks). Consult the CDC here for recommendations for caregivers.

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