Knowing how to properly clean and disinfect your house on a regular basis has always been a crucial skill to have, and it has only grown in importance during the recent months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In order to help our fellow Americans keep their homes tidy and germ-free, we have written a short home disinfection guide. If you don’t have the time to apply these tips yourself, or you don’t think you can apply them correctly, your best bet is to have professional home cleaning services in Whittier, CA, do it for you.
Keep reading to learn more.
What are the steps to disinfect a surface?
With the COVID-19 pandemic posing a serious threat to people everywhere, the ability to effectively deal with household germs has become absolutely vital. This includes knowing not only how to apply a disinfectant, but also how to protect yourself and which surfaces to focus on.
Here’s how to disinfect surfaces in your home:
Stay safe
A face mask (or a cloth covering) and disposable gloves are a must while cleaning during the coronavirus crisis. You should also avoid touching your face while cleaning, and carefully wash your hands after you’re done.
Clean
Merely applying a disinfectant on a surface won’t remove the dirt and dust on it. That’s why you should first clean a surface using an appropriate household cleaner. Soap and water, or a multi-purpose cleaner, are more than enough for most surfaces.
Use a quality disinfectant
When buying a household disinfectant, always choose one that has been certified by a reputable agency such as EPA. Since disinfectants often contain harsh chemicals, you should never use them before thoroughly acquainting yourself with the instructions on the label.
Avoid using unproven or “chemical-free” disinfectants such as vinegar. While these substances can be useful for some types of cleaning, their ability to destroy germs is yet to be proven.
Focus on high-touch surfaces
Certain surfaces are more likely to contain dangerous germs, so they should be your main focus when disinfecting your house.
These surfaces include:
- Handles and doorknobs
- Desks and tables
- Countertops
- Touchscreens
- TV and AC remotes
- Computer keyboards and mice
How long should disinfectant stay in before cleaning?
Unfortunately, a universal answer to this question doesn’t exist. The reality is that there are many different disinfectants, and how long each of them takes to do its job depends on factors such as the ingredients used in its manufacturing, how it’s applied, the surface it’s used on, and more.
As mentioned earlier, take the time to read the instructions on the bottle, and follow them closely when applying the disinfectant. Some strong chemicals can fill your home with harmful fumes, so don’t forget to thoroughly air your home after using them.
What cleaning solution should you use to sterilize contaminated items?
An EPA-certified household disinfectant should kill the vast majority of household germs. If a disinfectant is unavailable, you can substitute disinfectant wipes, or a solution made out of water and bleach.
If the contaminated item is made of fabric, the best way to disinfect it is to put it in the washing machine and wash it on the warmest appropriate setting. Afterward, let the item dry completely before using it again.
Where can I book the top home cleaning services in Whittier, CA?
The time and energy necessary to perform an in-depth cleaning and disinfection isn’t always
easy to come by. If you have more pressing responsibilities to attend to, or you’d rather use your valuable free time to relax at the Dog Park with your pet, give Oasis Natural Cleaning a call.
We team up with the most experienced cleaning pros in Whittier. They will quickly show up at your doorstep and take care of your cleaning and disinfection needs. Get in touch with us today.