Cleaning and hygiene tips to help keep the COVID-19 virus out of your home

Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean in the Time of COVID-19

The COVID-19 spread from person-to-person of this virus happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, transmission of novel corona-virus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented.

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, keyboards, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)

Cleaning around the home

Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home regularly is an important precaution to lower the risk of infection.

Target Places You Touch Often

• ·       Doorknobs
• ·       Kitchen Counters
• ·       Hard Dining Chairs
• ·       Light Switches
• ·       Tabe Surfaces
• ·       Gas Stoves
• ·       Faucets

Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces

• ·  Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• ·   If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection

Soft (Porous) Surfaces

• ·       For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
• ·       Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.

Linens, clothing, and other items that go in the laundry

• ·       Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard after each use. If using reusable gloves, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other household purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• ·       If no gloves are used when handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash hands afterwards.
• ·       If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.
• ·       Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
• ·       Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. If possible, consider placing a bag liner that is either disposable (can be thrown away) or can be laundered.

Electronics Devices

• ·       For electronics such as cell phones, tablets touch screens, remote controls, and keyboards, remove visible contamination if present.
• ·       Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
• ·       Consider use of wipe-able covers for electronics.
• ·       If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.

Hand hygiene and other preventive measures

• ·     Household members should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
• ·     Household members should follow normal preventive actions while at work and home including recommended hand hygiene and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• ·       After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
• ·       After using the restroom
• ·       Before eating or preparing food
• ·       After contact with animals or pets

Use the right cleaners

• ·       Disinfecting wipes (Clorox, Lysol)
• ·       Disinfectant spray (Purell, Clorox, Lysol)
• ·       Isopropyl alcohol
• ·       Hydrogen peroxide

When you come home from your grocery shopping, hang your coat and leave your shoes outside. Immediately wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soap and water. If there isn’t water, use a hand sanitiser and rub it vigorously.

We know we are going through a difficult time right now. It is stressful and scary, but we will defeat this pandemic and come out victorious.

Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Safe!