There is a lot of information out there about COVID-19 and while we are not experts about it, and probably at this point no one is, we are experts cleaners so we have compiled some cleaning tips.  

We have done lots of research in order to give you the right information and have found information and we are following the advice from well respected resources such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others.

1. Cleaning is not the same as disinfecting

Oftentimes we misunderstand the terms clean and disinfect and it’s very important that we know the difference between them, especially during these uncertain days.

Here’s a description of each according the CDC.

• Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

• Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

2. Clean first and Disinfect after

Now that we’ve learned the difference between cleaning and disinfecting it is important to do it the right way and time. Sometimes people tend to use a disinfectant to remove dirt thinking it’s just one-step process. However, it is very important that you clean and remove dirt and debris from surfaces first because germs and bacteria might hide under the dirt. Once the surface is clean with the least amount of bacteria the disinfectant will do it’s purpose by killing them.

Another thing to consider is it to let the disinfectant do its work. It is very important to wait and let the disinfect sit for a few minutes (ideally 3 to 5 minutes) in order to actually kill the germs. If you spray and wipe right away you are taking the disinfectant away before it can do its job.

3. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces

We want to make sure we clean our home in a proper way. We all know we have to disinfect areas like the bathrooms, light switches and doorknobs, but we should also focus and not-so-obvious areas such as:

·       Tables

·       Phones

·       Computers

·       Kitchen cabinet handles

·       Desks

·       Toilet handles

·       Faucets

·       Sinks

·       Hard-back chairs

·       Remote controls

4. Wear gloves

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting and discard them immediately after. If you wear reusable gloves make sure they are only for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. I personally wash mine when I still have them on, as if I were washing my hands and air dry them.

5. Laundry

• If someone is sick, wear gloves when doing your laundry.

• If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the garment and avoid shaking dirty clothes.  

• Disinfect hamper and also wash the fabric liner that is in the hamper. If it doesn’t have a bag consider putting a plastic bag as a liner.

• Consider washing your sheets and towels more often than you normally do. If you regularly wash them once a week, try doing it two or three time a week. And change hand towels daily if possible (or every other day).

• If your washer machine has a sanitize setting, use it whenever possible. The sanitize cycle is designed to reduce the amount of microorganisms on clothing, like germs and bacteria. Be mindful of what items you will sanitize. The sanitizing setting is VERY hot and it might shrink some garments. 

•Add one cup of white destile vinegar to each load. I started doing this on sheets and towels, but after a while I started doing it on ALL our clothes and it works like magic! White destile vinegar works as softener and eliminate odors. A total win-win!