Surface cleaning and disinfection during the coronavirus outbreak

There’s still too little that’s known about the novel coronavirus, which is responsible for COVID-19. So far, it’s been discovered that the virus can be spread from close person to person contact through respiratory droplets. Meanwhile, more studies are needed to determine the transmission of coronavirus to persons from contaminated surfaces. The latest research also shows that infected individuals who are asymptomatic may still be responsible for transmission. There are pieces of evidence suggesting SARS-CoV-2 remain viable for several hours on different types of surfaces. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other types of viral respiratory diseases in homes and community settings, it is best to clean and disinfect visibly dirty surfaces using surface disinfectants.

Consumers become more conscious and cautious

COVID-19 has made everyone more cautious of the surfaces they touch outside their homes and more conscious of the germs they could bring inside their houses. So, what people do is they try to do their supply run as quickly as possible. When they get home, they minimize their exposure to the disease by sanitising and disinfecting their house. Hand washing is among the best steps to take. The problem is that the virus can remain on surfaces you’ve brought with you into your home. Some good examples are your clothes, shoes, mobile devices, and even your debit or credit cards. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get rid of the virus effectively.

Surface disinfectants

Think about all the things you touch inside your house in a single day – remote controls, refrigerator doors, cabinet handles, sinks, doorknobs, light switches, and countless others. Imagine the germs that linger on all those surfaces including those that you may have forgotten about. Your home is your sanctuary and you may not be as active in washing your hands at home as you are in a public setting.

To make sure that viruses are kept at bay, use surface disinfectant when you’re cleaning your home. At least once a day could do the trick but if you’re living with someone who is sick, you should wipe down the surfaces inside your home more often. Let it air dry once you’re done so that the surface disinfectant has time to kill any microbes that may linger.

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces at home

Researchers have discovered that COVID-19 can live on surfaces like cardboard for as long as 24 hours. But it can stay longer, around two to three days, on stainless steel and plastic. Therefore, cleaning high touch surfaces using surface disinfectants is a step you need to take even if you are not leaving the house.

Non-porous/hard surfaces

When cleaning hard surfaces, be sure to wear disposable gloves. Don’t forget to discard them once you’re done and clean your hands right away after removing the gloves.

If the surfaces are filthy, it is recommended to clean them first using water and soap before disinfecting. When using surface disinfectants, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Porous/soft surfaces

For soft surfaces like curtains, rugs, and carpeted floors, you can get rid of visible contamination and clean them using the appropriate surface disinfectants. Once you’re finished, launder them using the right cleaners and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry them completely.

Electronics

For touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, tablets, cellphones, and other electronics, the first thing you need to do is get rid of any visible contamination. Don’t forget to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaners and surface disinfectants. Think about using wipeable covers for your electronics and be sure to dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid liquid pooling.

Hand hygiene still tops the list of preventive measures

You’ve probably heard it a million times but it’s still worth mentioning that hand washing remains as the best preventive measure when it comes to reducing the risk of contracting the coronavirus or passing it to someone else. Wash your hands after you sneeze, cough, use the restroom, touch your face, or before you leave one place for another. For example, wash your hands before and after your supply run. Using hand sanitisers is another excellent preventive measure.

N95 masks during coronavirus outbreak

While we are discussing methods of avoiding the spread of COVID-19, we should also discuss face masks. Everyone is alarmed at the high transmission rate of the Coronavirus. It is currently thought to be transmitted in water droplets, either by respiration, coughing or sneezing. If you cannot avoid being in areas where you could potentially bump into infected people, consider using something like a N95 mask. This does an excellent job of filtering water droplets from the air you breathe.