Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces to Protect Against Covid-19
Mundane household tasks have turned into a source of fear and anxiety, as families across the world are battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The need to keep our families and loved ones safe, while getting the basic chores done are of utmost importance. However, there is widespread misinformation about contracting COVID-19 that has left many people exposed and vulnerable to virus, while adding the stress of separating the lies from the truth.
Ofcourse, COVID-19 research is always evolving. Currently, we know that the virus spreads when respiratory droplets of someone who has COVID-19 , get into the mouth, nose or eyes of people in close proximity. These droplets are often spread through the infected person coughing, sneezing, talking or singing. Research has also established that infection can occur in people without them knowing and the virus spreads this way too. Another means for infection is through touching the mouth, nose and eyes after touching contaminated surfaces.
It is true that the virus can remain active on surfaces for several hours. The good news is that COVID-19 can be eradicated on your household surfaces by using a disinfectant, but what does this mean for your home cleaning regime?
Cleaning Around the Home
It is important that you clean and disinfectant high-touch surfaces in and around your home on a regular basis. Especially, when you have had visitors in your home or when you have been out and returned. Following this practice can dramatically reduce the risk of infection. When applying strong cleaning products on surfaces in your home, the recommended practice is to wear gloves, or a mask. However, when using an environmentally safe product that protects you and the environment, you don’t have to wear a mask or gloves.
Hygiene Labs has developed a perfectly safe surface disinfectant spray. It safely kills 99.99% of germs and inhibits mould and mildew growth. This long-acting formula uses self-assembling polymers to form a residual, active coating that is proven to be effective against a broad range of germs for extended periods of time – even following standard cleaning practices. Another great product from the Hygiene Labs range is the skin and surface wipes. This is especially convenient when going to the mall or wiping of high-touch surfaces in and around you. The skin and surface wipes are developed with our unique alcohol-free formula that is gentle on skin, but hard on germs. It kills 99.99% of germs instantly, with a lasting effect up to 24 hours on skin and 7 days on hard surfaces.
Common High-touch Surfaces
Every home is different, but there are a list of common high-touch surface areas. This includes, the door handles, tables, chairs, handrails, kitchen and bathroom counters, taps, toilets, light switches, mobile phones, keyboards and remotes, to mention a few. If a high-touch surface is dirty, take your detergent and wipe thoroughly. We recommend that you find a product with over 90% germ protection, such as the Hygiene Labs Products.
How to Disinfect
Refrain from wiping off cleaning solutions as soon as you’ve applied to a surface. To be safe, leave the disinfectant on the surface for a few minutes before removing the solutions. We would recommend using wipeable covers for your electronics, so you don’t damage your devices while disinfecting them.
Handling & Preparing Food
Currently, there is no research that suggests that one could contract COVID-19 from food or food packaging, however, it is still possible to get the virus when touching a surface or object which is contaminated. Being in close proximity with people while receiving a food delivery or getting takeout poses a greater risk. This is why social distancing is very important(at least 1 meter from others). When handling food, a good practice is to wash off your fruit and vegetables thoroughly, removing packaging and sanitising your hands after and disinfecting the surface you will be working on before food prep begins.
Food Handling & Packaging Precautions
- Remove packaging and dispose into a waste bin with a lid.
- Remove takeout from containers and transfer on to a clean plate
- When using cans, wipe them with a disinfectant cloth or wipe before using or storing.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coming into contact with any packaging.