Five tips to keep your home clean and germ-free during the Covid-19 pandemic

Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, keeping our homes clean and germ-free is at the forefront of our minds. We’re all taking every precaution to reduce the spread of the virus. Beyond washing our hands as often as possible, we must get into the habit of regularly cleaning all surfaces we touch.

It’s important, however, to realise that cleaning and disinfecting isn’t the same thing. While cleaning surfaces with a general household cleaner such as soap and water remove germs, you need to use a disinfectant to kill them. This is according to RE/MAX, that have outlined the following essential tips to protect your home and family from germs during this time.

1. Wear disposable gloves
While doing your daily cleaning and disinfecting in and around the house, ensure that you’re making use of disposable gloves, as this will greatly reduce the risk of germs spreading any further. Once you’re done cleaning, dispose of the gloves and immediately wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.

2. Clean before you disinfect
Although you’re most likely reaching for the disinfectant first, you should thoroughly clean the surface with a soapy sponge or cloth and then apply disinfectant after.

Once you’ve disinfecting the surface, don’t touch or wipe the surface for at least 30 seconds to allow the disinfectant to dry. Ideally, you should use diluted household bleach solutions, simply mix four teaspoons of bleach to one and a half litres of water, 70 per cent alcohol solutions or household cleaners and disinfectants.

Making your own disinfectant:
Add a tablespoon of bleach to one quart (four cups) of water.
For a larger supply of disinfectant, add ¼ cup of bleach to one gallon (16 cups) of water.
Apply the solution to the surface with a cloth and let it stand for three to five minutes.
When the time has passed, rinse the surface with clean water.

3. Pay attention to germ hotspots
Your focus should be on high traffic areas such as door handles, the kitchen sink, countertops, phones, remote controls, the fridge door, toilet handles, children’s toys and light switches. Keeping antibacterial wipes near germ hotspots will act as a reminder to wipe them down before using them.

Although wiping an item down is an effective way of cleaning it, placing smaller loose items in the dishwasher is far more effective for killing germs. To ensure your dishwasher is germ- and fungus-free, do a monthly rinse with a cup of white vinegar. This not only washes away fungus and mold spores, but also helps reduce build-up caused by hard water and mineral deposits.

If you don’t have a dishwasher, you can soak them in hot water and disinfectant.

4. Replace or wash cleaning tools regularly
Regular cleaning will be counterproductive if the tools you’re using are infected with bacteria. Sponges and cloths hold onto a host of germs. These need to be washed with disinfectant soap and hot water or replaced regularly.

If you’re not already, you should sanitise your mop between uses, otherwise, you’re simply spreading the germs every time you mop.

Pro tip: Placing your sponges in soapy water and then into the microwave for two minutes or put it in the dishwasher will help kill any festering colonies of germs between uses.

5. Wash your clothes and bedding often
Ideally, bedding should be washed once a week to get rid of any lingering germs in the bedroom. Germs can build up on blankets and sheets, affecting your family while they sleep. Don’t forget to wash your throw pillows, towels and curtains.

As an extra precaution, do your laundry at a temperature of 40°C or 60°C to reduce bacteria.

Pro tip: Rinse your washing machine with bleach to discourage germs from growing inside.

“While these tips won’t eliminate the risk of you or your family being exposed, they will significantly reduce your chances. Being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions will help keep everyone safe and healthy. For now, it’s best to stay home and to remember to keep your distance from others and use good coughing and sneezing etiquette should you need to leave the house for essentials,” says regional director and CEO of RE/MAX, Adrian Goslett.