Social distancing, as we all know, is one of the key points to follow during these trying times. And the only way to follow it, is to stay indoors. So, while all of us stay home, there are chances of touching more surfaces than we normally would. You are going to be spending more time in every space at home and thus, cleaning and disinfection become an essential part of your daily life. While you figure out how to keep yourself occupied, we have figured out how to help you clean high-touch surfaces during coronavirus, at home.
But first, what is a high-touch surface?
In the simplest terms, a high-touch surface is something that is touched by numerous people, frequently throughout the day. With this detail in mind, you should be able to identify the high-touch surfaces at home easily. Or maybe not? Often we tend to believe that we do not touch something as often as we actually do. Did you know that your kitchen cleaning sponge can be as dirty as your bowl? Yes, as gross as it may sound, it is true. There are some surfaces and things that we touch or use very often while at home. During these times, it is important to keep them clean, disinfected and as sanitized as possible.
Good practices to follow before you start cleaning anything:
- Wear gloves
- Rotate the wipe or cloth
- Try to use disposable wipes
- Use only lined trash cans for disposal
- Wash hands after every cleaning exercise
What are the most commonly touched surfaces at home?
#1: Door
Let’s admit it, many times we end up pushing the door with our bare hands. When things are fine, it is okay to let it go. But while we are in the middle of a pandemic, we cannot afford to take any chances. The doors at home are definitely one of the most frequently touched surfaces.
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: Make sure you make a cleaning solution by mixing soap and water and use a wipe to clean your doors everyday. This will ensure that the virus dies and does not survive on the door for a long period of time.
#2: Door knobs
Door knobs around the house are one of the most highly contacted surfaces and we often overlook the need to clean them. The oils on our skin accumulate over time on these surfaces and act as a magnet for germs and grime.
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: Make sure you stock up on some good disinfectant wipes and wipe down the door knobs around your home. Once you are done wiping them, allow them some time to dry. You should make it a habit to do this everyday, especially during times like this. Focus on the main door, bathrooms doors, refrigerator door, microwave door and even your kitchen cabinet knobs.
#3: Table surfaces
We keep most of our things on tables and we do not realise how many times we end up touching the surface of the table in a day. With most of us working from home, we all have a dedicated desk where we have created our very own workstation.
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: Make sure you spray a disinfectant on the tabletops and other items everyday before you start your day. A distilled bleach solution or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol work great as disinfectants at home.
#4: Switchboards
Another high-touch surface at home – switchboards are one of the most dangerous spots during such times. Every time you enter or exit a room you invariably touch the switchboard. So, when you get to your daily cleaning routine, do not forget switchboards.
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: Use a washcloth and spray a disinfectant solution on the cloth. Then wipe the switches one by one. Alternatively, you could spray on the switches directly and then wipe them down. But please be careful while doing this. Do not spray excess solution and make sure it does not go inside the sockets.
#5: Cabinet handles
We are talking about all kinds of wardrobes, cabinets, storage units and so on. You are the best judge at home and you will know which are the cabinets and wardrobes that are used almost daily. You will identify that some of them are definitely high-touch surfaces during coronavirus.
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: Use a mix of soap and water to clean these handles. Allow the liquid to sit on the surface for at least one minute. This will ensure that all the germs are killed.
#6: Mobile phones
When it comes to electronic items you have to follow a slightly different cleaning routine. Let’s admit it, we are spending most of our time with our mobile phone and laptops during quarantine. So effectively, you have your phone in your hand for 18-20 hours in a day. Imagine the number of times you touch other surfaces and then touch your mobile phone and that in turn comes so close to your face.
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: Consider putting a washable/wipeable cover on your mobile phones and keep washing it regularly. Use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Let the surface dry completely before you touch it.
#7: Laptops
If you are one of the majority of people who are working from home during COVID-19, then you know that your laptop is your closest friend. You touch your keyboard and touchpad more than anything else on a regular weekday.
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: So, make sure you use wipes dipped in disinfectants or disinfectant wipes to clean your laptop thoroughly, before you start working.
#8: Remote controls
Be it your television remote or your air conditioner, we know that you cannot keep your hands off it. One of the most high-touch surfaces during coronavirus, the remote control needs proper cleaning everyday. You have no idea how risky it is to keep using remotes without disinfecting them regularly.
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: Use your homemade disinfectant to clean remote controls. And every time you touch it, make sure you do not touch your face till you have washed your hands.
#9: Sink faucet
Yes, you are being advised to wash your hands as many times as you can, but did you know that your sink faucet might be the surface that’s contaminated?
How often to clean: Daily
How to clean: Before you wash your hands, make sure you use warm water and soap to clean the faucet first. Once this is done, you can go ahead and wash your hands thoroughly. If you are cleaning your faucet with other high-touch surfaces during coronavirus, then make sure your gloves are on.
#10: Laundry basket
Your laundry basket might be holding your dirty clothes, but do you ever think of how much cleaning these baskets require, themselves? While you might think it is similar to a trash can, it is not. It is closer to you and you put your clothes in them.
How often to clean: Twice a week
How to clean: Since these laundry baskets are going to be storing your soiled clothes, make sure that you give them a wash or a clean twice a week. And while you pick up laundry from your basket, please do not swing it around. This will ensure that the virus does not scatter into the air.
We urge you to follow this list and make sure that you at least clean and disinfect these things everyday. This will make sure that you do not fall sick at home. If you would like to see more cleaning recommendations, please look at this: WHO & Other Experts Recommend These Steps to Clean Your Home.
Do you want to add to this list? Please write to us at editor@livspace.com.
