With the coronavirus now widespread around the world, it’s a timely reminder to make sure you’re not just cleaning your home, but disinfecting things, so germs don’t spread. According to the US Center for Disease Control, the flu virus can live for up to 48 hours on hard surfaces — gross! To make sure your home not only looks spick and span but also germ-free, try our tips below to keep germs away.
Use products that kill germs
Cleaning products that kill germs are typically intense, chemically-based liquids and gels. If you’re not a fan of strong, chemical-laden cleaning products, have a look around to find a product that works for you. Some ranges in supermarkets will kill germs without chemicals such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide, so read all the labels to see what’s out there.
Read the instructions on cleaning products
Some disinfectants provide directions for how much to use and how long to leave the solution on a surface. To disinfect a surface, you generally need to apply enough of the product that it takes a bit of time to dry the surface.
Try disposable products
If you’re concerned about germs spreading from the products you use every day, try using disposable products such as cleaning wipes and paper towels.
Make a few changes to your home
There are a few small changes you can make throughout your day to make sure your home stays clean and germ-free. Here’s what to do throughout the day:
- Every morning: swap kitchen sponges and tea towel and change hand towels in the bathroom.
- Cleaning the kitchen: disinfect door handles, wipe down the fridge door and microwave door and disinfect taps.
- When you’re in the living room: wipe down tv remotes, your phone and other small electronics.
- When you clean the floors: wipe down light switches and your desk or office accessories.
- When you clean your bathroom: disinfect the toilet handles and tap handles.
To make sure your home is germ-free, you don’t need to completely overhaul your cleaning routines and what you use at home. Paying a little extra attention to handles and regularly swapping out towels and sponges will help to keep your home germ-free and the flu at bay.