The current pandemic has taught us to view germs differently than we used to. Handwashing has always been important, but now we realize just how important it is to do it, and do it often. The same applies to cleaning and sanitizing our homes, office, and even our cars to prevent transporting germs back and forth. Here are a few tips for making sure that your home is germ-free.
When we were children growing up, if something was dirty, you cleaned it. But sometimes it can be hard to tell if a surface is dirty or not. It may look clean, but microscopic bacteria that you can’t see may be lurking there waiting to make you sick.
That is why it is so important to keep counters, tables and other high touch areas clean by disinfecting them every day, just like we do with our hands.
House Cleaning Tasks to be Done Daily:
Kitchen
To rid your kitchen of germs, clean countertops, sinks, cabinet pulls, appliance handles and cutting boards. Empty trash cans and spray disinfectant and allow it to dry before replacing the bag.
Bathrooms
Clean and disinfect the surfaces in the bathroom including faucets and handles. Clean and spray the toilet and flush handle with disinfectant or use sanitizing wipes. Replace towels and washcloths after every use. Although it is good to hang up bath towels, don’t reuse them due to the infection rate of Coronavirus.
Cleaning Tasks to be Done Weekly:
This is the real deep cleaning that will get rid of bacteria and germs. If you keep these tasks every week, the daily cleaning will be a breeze.
Kitchen
Clean counters, stove top (remove the knobs) and disinfect sinks, handles, and trash cans. Remove sink strainers, and any helpful accessories and place them in the dishwasher for disinfecting. Place small items in the silverware basket or on the top rack.
Bathroom
Clean bathroom counters, sinks, bathtub, shower doors and all handles. For shower curtains, toss them in the washer and run it on the “hot water” cycle. Toothbrushes and toothbrush holders can go in the dishwasher basket.
Bedroom
Wash bedding and clothing in hot water to disinfect. Vacuum carpets and throw rugs, and mop hardwood floors.Clean side tables, telephone handles and cradles, waste baskets, and wipe down mirrors, and bedframes. Wipe down computer keyboards, mouse, and light switches with sanitizing wipes.
Cleaning Solutions
When cleaning surfaces, use a cleaning solution of 1/3 cup bleach diluted in a gallon of water, white vinegar, or commercial disinfectants like Mr. Clean, Windex Multi-Surface, and any Clorox cleaning products with bleach.
If you use a spray disinfectant or sanitizing wipes, these substances require a certain amount of time on surfaces to be the most effective. It can take up to ten minutes to kill germs and viruses. Spray the disinfectant, enough to coat the surface, and allow it to sit until dry.
It pays to Have a Professional Cleaning Service
Besides the normal daily cleaning, a deep cleaning once a week or once a month by professionals is recommended if you can’t get to this yourself. We don’t all have as much time at home as we would like, and even if you do, who wants to spend all their free time cleaning house? We do it everyday, and we love it. We’ll take care of all the supplies like brooms and mops and cleaning solutions, so you don’t have to. It’s nice to treat yourself to house cleaning services to get your home really clean and enjoy some time off for yourself.