COVID-19: Coronavirus Cleaning and Disinfecting
Picture this. The year is 2019, you’re sitting outside on a warm summer day with your laptop and a tall, cold glass of an adult beverage. While surfing the web, you come across a Total Restore blog that says the years 2020-2030 will include a presidential impeachment, the continent of Australia catching on fire, a threat of a U.S./Iran war, a global pandemic, and a possible recession. Would you believe us? Probably.
What if we told you this would ALL happen in the first 3 months of the 2020? You’d call us delusional.
Time
It’s important to know there is still much to learn about the novel coronavirus; researchers and scientists are working tirelessly to obtain more knowledge about the virus, hopefully developing a vaccine.
Since we cannot fast forward time, we must do the best with the information we have. This means following the guidelines set forth by reputable agencies, organizations, or centers and staying up to date with breaking developments.
Today, our blog will cover the proper recommendations for routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.
Why?
You’ve probably heard that COVID-19 is transmitted via respiratory droplets. While there have been no documented instances of transmission through a contaminated surface, current evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.
The CDC goes on to state “cleaning of surfaces followed by disinfection is the best measure of prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings”
What products kill the virus?
The EPA has compiled an extensive list of all products that effectively kill the virus. You can find the list here.
If you do not have access to any of the approved disinfectants, be sure you know that any wipe or spray containing at least 70% alcohol will prove effective in killing the virus.
What should I clean?
The CDC recommends routine cleaning/disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as:
- Electronics (Especially phones, keyboards, and remote controllers)
- Desks and tables
- Door knobs and handles
- Light switches and chairs
- Toilets, faucets and sinks
Be sure to always read and follow labels for safe and effective use of cleaning products.
How to clean:
Always be sure to check the expiration date of all cleaning/disinfecting products. If surfaces are dirty, the CDC recommends cleaning them with a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Regarding clothing, towels, linens and other items, the CDC recommends using the warmest appropriate water setting. Never shake dirty laundry; contaminants could find their way into the air you breathe.
For electronics, consider using wipes instead of sprays so you do not cause damage to the electronic or yourself. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning and disinfecting the electronic.
Gloves should always be worn and properly disposed, followed by washing your hands thoroughly. Additional PPE might be required based on the cleaning/disinfecting product.
Recap
The CDC’s and EPA’s websites are constantly updated. This information is correct as of April 28th, 2020, but any new findings in the future might contradict the information on this blog. Always refer to reputable websites for info and news regarding COVID-19.
Even though there have been no documented instances of COVID-19 transmission through surfaces, the virus does live on surfaces for hours to days. Only time will reveal the true nature and character of the virus.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Taking a few minutes out of your day to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces will help put your mind at ease regarding the safety of yourself, loved ones, and other people.
Thank you for reading our weekly blogs. Please reach out with topics you would like us to tackle in our future blogs!