COVID-19: How To Properly Disinfect Your Home

The whole world has been on edge lately due to the recent outbreak that is the novel coronavirus disease or COVID-19. This virus is known to quickly spread around the body, and from one person to another. Also proven to be fatal in many cases, it is, without a doubt, causing panic to most - if not all - people.

Over the past two weeks, the Philippines, in particular, has experienced a sudden influx of COVID-19 cases. While the government is doing its best to contain the outbreak, many citizens can’t help but feel worried and anxious.

A recent study shows that the virus can live on exposed areas and surfaces like cabinet hardware and cupboards for up to 24 hours. Meanwhile, it lasts up to three days for plastic and stainless steel materials. But thankfully, this shouldn’t cause anyone to panic because there are effective ways you can sanitize and disinfect your homes during this entire quarantine period.

CLEAN

Clean all high traffic areas and surfaces with soap and water. Make sure you do routine checks and general cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, areas, rooms, and equipment in your entire household.

High traffic surfaces and areas include:

  • Desks
  • Phones
  • Keyboards
  • Desktops or laptops
  • Entrance doors and doorknobs
  • Shared rooms
  • Light switches
  • Car steering wheels
  • Remote controls

DISINFECT

If appropriate for a particular surface or area, use diluted household bleach solutions and disinfectants. Make sure to check the product’s label. More importantly, that it is not past its expiration date. These disinfectants are most effective against many types of viruses - COVID-19 being one of those. Here are alternative products you can use when keeping your home sanitized:

  • Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol content
  • Home and bath disinfectants like Lysol or Clorox
  • Homemade bleach solutions
    • To make one, mix five tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water or four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water

DO THE LAUNDRY

It is essential to frequently do your laundry during this time of crisis, especially if you go out and make quick trips to the grocery store to stock up on food and other necessities. When doing the laundry, keep these things in mind:

  • Wear disposable gloves
  • Do not shake dirty laundry
  • Use the warmest appropriate laundry setting. But most importantly, launder according to instructions
  • Dry items completely
  • Clean and disinfect clothing hampers and racks 
  • Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly as soon as you take off the gloves

We hope that this quick guide is enough to help you properly disinfect your home amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Above all else, make sure you practice proper hygiene (yes, even at home!) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and never cough or sneeze without covering your nose or mouth. The best way to fight this virus is to also keep yourself healthy, so drink your vitamins and eat your vegetables as much as possible. Stay safe, everyone!