How To Prevent Spreading Of Viruses & Disinfect Your Home

As flu and viruses continue to spread, more and more people are looking for ways to disinfect their living spaces. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid close contact with people who are sick, but there are also things you can do to deep-clean and disinfect your home. 

Remember to clean first, disinfect later

Cleaning refers to the removal of germs from surfaces. Disinfecting refers to the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Both can lower the risk of infection spread, but you should clean first, disinfect after.

Don’t forget to read the label on your disinfectants. Some need to remain wet for anywhere from two to ten minutes.

Use household cleaners and disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces

Look at tables, doorknobs, light switches and toilets as places to start. Before you disinfect dirty surfaces, clean them with detergent or soap and water.

For disinfecting, you can use alcohol solutions that contain at least 70% alcohol. Don’t use expired products.

Wear gloves and make sure you have good ventilation while you clean

Wear disposable gloves and throw them out after you’re done using them.

If you’re using reusable gloves, don’t use them for other purposes, and wash your hands after the gloves are removed. 

Wash dirty laundry on the warmest setting possible

Use the warmest appropriate water setting for washing the items and let them dry completely afterward. Also, consider washing the laundry bag that holds your clothes, as that surface can also collect germs and viruses.

Clean and disinfect your carpet

Carpets act as a filter for bacteria and harmful substances. We recommend carpet cleaning and disinfecting for the professionals. However, if professional carpet cleaning is not in the budget, you can use an at home steam cleaner with white vinegar as a natural disinfectant. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and mist it over your carpets. Allow the vinegar air-dry. Get your steam cleaner and fill the fluid compartment with three parts water to one part white vinegar and steam clean your carpet.