Spring is in the air. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and lawn mowers are being tuned up for another busy season. You may also be working on your spring-cleaning list, as many Americans are spending time at home social distancing, home-schooling, or remote working during this unprecedented pandemic. This year you may be approaching these tasks with a different attitude for a thorough deep clean – targeting germs that live on surfaces in your home. Follow our four suggestions for the most effective and efficient spring cleaning.
1. Pay attention to commonly touched surfaces
Whether cooped up at home with your family or by yourself, it’s important to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily to kill germs that may cause illness. The CDC recommends incorporating these shared surfaces into your home cleaning regimen:
- Tables
- Countertops
- Desks
- Phones
- Keyboards
- Toilets
- Faucets
- Sinks
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Handles
- Soft surfaces1
2. Don’t forget electronic devices
Millions of Americans are now working from home and have set up impromptu office space, whether that’s in the spare bedroom, on the dining room table, in the corner of your playroom, etc. While the home office has all the electronic devices necessary to complete your work, remember that using electronic devices – like your cell phone or laptop – then touching other household items, is an easy way for germs to spread between people sharing the same space. It’s important to clean and disinfect these devices to prevent bacterial growth.
3. Use TLC during kitchen time
According to the National Sanitation Foundation, surfaces where food is prepared contain a higher number of germs than any other place in the home.2 Adopt habits to disinfect your kitchen, before and after cooking.
Wipe down countertops where food will be prepared and kitchen sinks. Treated surfaces must remain wet for the contact time listed on the disinfectant’s label. When preparing food, always start by properly cleaning your hands with soap and water to wash away dirt and germs. Properly handle raw meats, fruits, and vegetables, taking care to thoroughly wash produce before cooking. Use separate cutting boards for each food group when preparing meals.
4. Ditch the sponge
A study published in Scientific Reports explains the role of sponges as germ hot spots with the capability to collect and spread bacteria. The study found 362 different species of bacteria, that reached up to 45 billion per square centimeter in a sponge.3 When using a disinfectant, using paper towels or disposable wipe type products eliminates the spread of germs harboring in your sponge. As always, treated surfaces must remain wet for the contact time listed on the disinfectant’s label for proper germ kill.
For more tips on cleaning and disinfecting your home, visit the CDC’s website.
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