Experts from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States say that any flu virus can live and later on infect a person for up to 48 hours once it is deposited on a surface. That is why the most common reminder to everyone is to wash the hands frequently.
Aside from these, other things and areas in the house need immediate and consistent disinfection.
Here are some of those:
Electronic gadgets like Cellphones and Tablets
WHY: In a study conducted in 2019 by a global tech company in the United States, on average, Americans check their phones 96 times a day. With that amount of contact with cellphones, it has a very high potential of being exposed to bacteria that causes disease.
HOW TO CLEAN: Phones may be sterilized using a microfiber cloth that is sprayed with a disinfectant solution. The solution may be alcohol-based, like 70 percent isopropyl alcohol with water. Although it should be cleaned carefully, making sure that there is no liquid entering the phone.
Keyboards
WHY: Since almost everyone is hooked to their computers, whether it is because of work or distance learning, being away from them is difficult. That also means that the keyboard had a hotspot for germs and bacteria.
HOW TO CLEAN: Keyboards may be cleaned by simply shaking off the loose debris while holding it upside down. A microfiber cloth with a cleaning solution may also be used to wipe the keys and other spots of the keyboard.
High-Touch Objects like doorknobs and remote controls
WHY: Considering that the coronavirus stays on a surface for a long time, these areas are the ones that could highly be contaminated. Aside from doorknobs and remote controls, light switches and toilet handles should also be sanitized thoroughly.
HOW TO CLEAN: These areas should be cleaned with the correct disinfectants. These disinfectants, most of the time, need to stay on the surface for several minutes before being cleaned. That way, it is ensured that the virus or bacteria is also removed.
Blankets and Toys
WHY: Kids can be asymptomatic. That means they could be infected with coronavirus but do not show any symptoms. So toys and blankets which could be carrying plenty of germs could cause the disease to children.
HOW TO CLEAN: Frequently changing the blankets could be a big help. Also, the stuffed animals should be washed when necessary. Other toys should be wiped with disinfectants. Toys must be entirely dried before letting children play with them again.
Kitchen Tables
WHY: This area is one of the most common places where purses, cellphones, and keys are put. Hence, it is prone to contamination and could be the cause of the spread of the virus in the house. They must be clean because it is where food is prepared.
HOW TO CLEAN: Several types of disinfectants are suitable for cleaning countertops. However, what is important when cleaning the kitchen tables is that you do this before and after preparing the food.
