Disinfecting to Protect Your Home

It doesn’t have to be spring to give your home a refresh. Making the right product choices for your home is important especially with children and pets. Read labels to ensure you are using the right products to remove germs and disinfect properly. Enjoy a sense of calm and comfort in a home that has been cleaned and disinfected. From clutter to grime to disarray, some time spent making order out of chaos will be a welcome and healthy perk.

Tips for a Cleaning Marathon

First things first, gather the right materials. All-purpose disposable gloves, cleaning cloths, cleaners, and trash bags will have you well equipped to handle any cleaning task. Wear all-purpose disposable gloves to protect your skin and nails from chemicals. Use a fresh pair of gloves each time you clean as your first line of defense. These shouldn’t be reused week after week; throw them away instantly. Take care to keep these cleaners out of your eyes and away from pets and children. Use precautions to ensure that your cleaning supplies are kept out of reach of little ones before, during and after cleaning.

Disposable cleaning wipes are ideal as are soft microfiber cloths and paper towels. Be mindful of the products you choose as many are not designed for disinfecting (see the list below). Just in case you thought sponges were well-suited for the task, you may want to know that they are a hotbed for bacteria. In fact, they may be dirtier than your toilet!

Scrub with Soap and Water Before Disinfecting

Before disinfecting it’s important to remove the grime. Elbow grease is key. The key word is scrub – not a casual wipe or swipe as if you are looking at photos on your phone. Experts say to first scrub like you are trying to remove something sticky. Once the surface is dry, you’re ready for the strong stuff. Apply the bleach solution (formula below) or other disinfectant and allow it to sit before wiping off.

DIY Solutions

If you don’t have access to store-bought disinfecting wipes or any other cleaning products, you can make your own solution. Bleach is effective enough to kill nearly every virus on planet earth – and any other germ – according to Dr. Paul Pottinger, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Washington Medical Center. It can also damage surfaces, so be careful to test a small area first. Note: Over time, bleach can corrode metal.

The CDC has released a formula for a diluted bleach solution that is an effective disinfectant: One gallon of water with 1/3 cup of bleach. If that’s more than you need, pour 4 teaspoons of bleach into one quart of water. Remember to only mix bleach with water; resist the urge to play the role of an experimental chemist and add in other cleaning products.

Harsh chemicals can be hard on the olfactory system. If at all possible, open a window or two to allow in some fresh air.

Focus on High-Touch, High-Traffic Areas

Protecting your loves ones and home is the ultimate goal. Get ready to activate your inner “cleaning warrior” to get your home in top shape. High-touch and high-traffic areas retain a bevvy of germs and bacteria. Germs and bacteria love to hide; they congregate and multiply on faucets, counter tops and drawer pulls. Germs hibernate on all doorknobs in your home, even the exterior door handles. Remember also to clean remotes, laptops, light switches, cabinet and refrigerator doors, and cell phones. Scientists tell us that our mobile devices are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria growth because they provide a warm environment. 

Regrettably, most humans do not read labels. Anytime you are using chemicals, especially inside your home, it’s wise to always read all caution labels. Also, check the expiration date.

Steam Sanitizing

This is another efficient way to disinfect. The CDC defines steam sanitizing as “moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure.” This dependable method is often used because it’s nontoxic and inexpensive. Using steam requires caution as it can have adverse effects on some materials – and it may burn if it comes in contact with your skin. The direct steam contact at the required pressure and temperature is highly effective in disinfecting, especially carpet. The pressure allows higher temperatures, which are necessary to kill microorganisms.

What Not to Use

Vodka or Other Spirits

In a deep clean of your home, avoid using liquor. Spirits like vodka may mix well in a drink, but they are not the right liquids to use in your home for cleaning.

Distilled White Vinegar

While distilled white vinegar has the benefits of being economically affordable and efficient on glass, it will not provide the disinfecting benefits you desire.

Cleaning Up for Your Health and Well-Being

Cleaning is not the first choice for how to spend your time, but the positive outcome is worth it. Try putting on some of your favorite tunes, breaking the tasks into smaller manageable ones, and conquering and dividing with the family. Make it a family affair with “ten-minute tidies,” so everyone can pitch in. With elbow grease and time, you can power through to a fresh, disinfected home. A few several deep cleanings along with general upkeep will have you feeling fresh and comfortable in your own home.