Now more than ever, people are paying attention to their home hygiene. From a family member that has a common cold to the concern of spreading the Coronavirus, sanitizing your home as part of DIY can be extremely important to keep everyone, even those in your community, healthy.
In March 2020, USA Today Reported, “Depending on the type of surface, the [Coronavirus] can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, according to the WHO. A recent U.S. investigation indicated that viable virus could be discovered three hours later in the air, four hours on copper, 24 hours on cardboard, and two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. It is more likely that the virus spreads through droplets person-to-person, but it is important to be cautious and that can start in your home.
While regular cleaning and maintenance are important, sanitizing takes things a step further. It’s getting rid of germs and disinfecting areas that are high-touch. It can be hard to determine what needs to be cleaned and sanitized, so to help, we’ve created this checklist you can download, print out and mark off what needs to be done so you can feel safe and healthy in your home.
A cleaning service can help with these tasks too. They’ll have the right equipment to sanitize properly and leave you worry-free. Connect with a cleaning professional in your area for free.
Cleaning & Sanitizing Materials
Not all cleaning supplies are created equal. For disinfecting, products should be at least 70% alcohol, according to the CDC. Here is a list of products you’ll want to have on hand for the various areas you’ll need to clean.
- Bleach
- Bucket
- Rags
- Gloves
- Alcohol-based cleaning wipes & sprays
- Scrub brush
Before you get started, it’s important to wear plastic cleaning gloves. This not only protects your hands from the harsh chemicals but also protects you from the germs that currently rest on the surface.
It is important that you don’t mix chemicals or cleaning supplies, as it can cause a toxic reaction that can be harmful to your health. Here are a few you should never mix:
- Bleach & Ammonia
- Vinegar & Hydrogen Peroxide
- Vinegar & Bleach
- Alcohol & BleachÂ
You may have seen a video on social media showing how you can clean with vinegar and baking soda. Although it is a reaction that is fun to watch and can cut through stubborn grease, it actually has no disinfectant power. Keep vinegar and baking soda apart if you’re disinfecting your home.