Household Disinfection 101: How to Have a Germ-free Home

More than seven months after it first appeared in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic is still causing problems throughout our country. To make matters worse, we probably won’t be getting a vaccine or be able to safely leave our houses anytime soon.

Just about the only positive thing about this situation is that we’re not helpless. By practicing social distancing, taking care of our personal hygiene, and frequently disinfecting and cleaning our homes, we can greatly reduce the risk of coronavirus infection for ourselves and our loved ones.

Read on to learn how to properly sanitize household surfaces and make the air in your home germ-free. The following advice is universal, so it can be applied regardless of whether you’re cleaning yourself or using a professional cleaning service in Hammond. Read on.

What are the steps of successful surface disinfection?

Merely cleaning a surface using water and soap (or a universal cleaner) isn’t going to kill all or even most of the germs on it. At the same time, household disinfectants aren’t designed to clean dust and grime. In order to fully sanitize a surface, you’ll need to both clean and disinfect it (in that order).

Here’s how to clean and disinfect your home in 4 easy steps:

Step #1: Stay safe

Put on a face mask and disposable gloves, and don’t remove them until you’re done sanitizing your home. Refrain from touching your face while cleaning and disinfecting to avoid potentially spreading the germs near your eyes, nose, and mouth. Finally, give your hands a good wash with soap and water after you’re done.

Step #2: Clean

Do everything you would do during a standard cleaning, such as throwing out the garbage and giving the floor a good vacuuming and mopping. Wipe down surfaces using a cloth that has been dampened with soap and water, or a general-purpose cleaning product.

Step #3: Disinfect

Grab your household disinfectant of choice, and apply it to the surfaces you’ve just cleaned. If you don’t have a specialized disinfectant on hand, you can also use disinfectant wipes or a mixture of water and bleach (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water).

Step #4: Do the laundry

Wash all clothes, sheets, tablecloths, pillowcases, and other fabric items on the warmest washer setting that won’t damage the material. Let the items dry out completely before storing them with other fabrics or using them again.

How do you clean food contact surfaces?

The best way to clean and disinfect eating utensils such as dishes, cutlery, drinking glasses, and similar items is by running them through the dishwasher. Hot-temperature dishwashing machines should be set to at least 180 degrees fahrenheit to ensure proper disinfection, while chemical sanitizing machines can generally do that at much lower water temperatures.

Larger surfaces such as kitchen countertops, refrigerator interiors, and dinner tables should be cleaned and disinfected just like any other high-touch surface in your home. Just make sure to let them air dry completely before using them again.

Where can I schedule a reliable cleaning service in Hammond?

It’s no secret that in-depth cleaning and disinfection can take a lot of time and energy. If your other obligations prevent you from giving cleaning the attention it needs, or if you’d rather use your valuable free time to enjoy a relaxing stroll by the Ponchatoula Creek, your best option is to hire a reputable maid service.

At Geaux Maids of Hammond, we can proudly call ourselves the leading provider of residential and commercial cleaning services in Louisiana. Reach out to us today and take full advantage of our 200% satisfaction guarantee!