Even as the COVID-19 pandemic shows no sign of disappearing, now more than ever is the time to be extremely cautious. While we abide by the new government restrictions, we should also make sure that our homes are a safe zone. A big question that’s still on all our minds is probably ‘how to kill coronavirus germs?’.

Since we’re spending all our time at home, our cleaning routine has to be on point. Especially since experts say the virus stays on certain surfaces for a longer period of time if not cleaned properly. Here’s where choosing the right spirit for cleaning becomes imperative. 

While you must have heard that sanitizers can eradicate the germs from your hands, what about other surfaces at home? And how should you go about the spirit vs sanitizer debate? If you’re wondering how to kill coronavirus germs from surfaces at home with homemade cleaning solutions, then you’re at the right place!

#1: Hydrogen Peroxide as a Spirit Disinfectant

how to kill coronavirus germs-hydrogen peroxide-cotton balls-homekeeping
Can spirit be used as sanitizer at home? Hydrogen peroxide most certainly can

For a long time, hydrogen peroxide has been used as a household spirit for cleaning tough stains. This could also be one of your best bets for how to kill coronavirus germs at home. According to experts, hydrogen peroxide is a stable and effective spirit for disinfection against a wide variety of bacteria and viruses. 

Therefore, it is completely safe to use it more often. Buy a bottle and use it directly from the bottle. But make sure you keep it away from fabric and wear gloves while you clean your home surfaces using this agent.

#2: Alcohol/Surgical Spirit for Cleaning

how to kill coronavirus germs-alcohol disinfectant-surgical spirit-cotton-homekeeping
Isopropyl alcohol can kill microorganisms and bacteria

How to use surgical spirit as disinfectant, you might ask? Well, bear in mind, we’re talking about isopropyl alcohol and not your regular alcohol. Contrary to popular misconception, not all alcohol can kill coronavirus germs. To use surgical spirit as disinfectant, you will need isopropyl alcohol with a concentration of at least 70%. 

Most rubbing alcohols are isopropyl alcohols and their concentration ranges from 60% to 99%. A bottle of pure (100%) isopropyl alcohol will not be as effective as you might think. It will evaporate too soon to even act on the germs. Therefore, your best bet is a 70% mix. 

So, to answer your question, ‘does surgical spirit kill bacteria’, the answer is yes!

#3: Bleach as the Best Floor Cleaner for Coronavirus

how to kill coronavirus germs-bleach cleaning-disinfectant-cleaning solution
Always remove dirt from surfaces before using a bleach solution

Wondering how to kill coronavirus germs with products you already have? You can dilute bleach with cold water to make a strong disinfectant at home. It works against bacteria, fungi and a lot of other viruses, including coronavirus. You can combine 1/3 cup of bleach with 3 litres of cold water. 

Also, make sure to use this solution within 24 hours as its disinfecting abilities fade with time. You can also immerse toys and other non-porous items in this mixture to disinfect them.

#4: How to Kill Coronavirus Germs with Vinegar

how to kill coronavirus germs-cleaning-vinegar-homekeeping
Combine vinegar and water in equal parts for a homemade disinfectant

Unfortunately, vinegar is not a recommended cleaning agent against coronavirus. But if you do not have anything else at hand, you can mix water and vinegar in equal proportions to make a disinfectant. But make sure you use it less than the other solutions we’ve suggested as it is not as effective. 

Also read: How to Protect Your Home & Yourself from the Coronavirus

Things about how to kill coronavirus germs that you should keep in mind:

  • Regularly clean your hands and surfaces with soap and water and follow it up with sanitizing and disinfecting.
  • Use these cleaning solutions one at a time. Never combine any two solutions together. If you smell something pungent at home, please ventilate immediately to let the fumes out.
  • Soft surfaces cannot be sanitized or disinfected completely so be more cautious with these products.
  • Do not use cleaning solutions blindly. There are some surfaces that cannot take harsh cleaners. Please do a test before you clean anything.

Please use only these solutions while cleaning your home during the coronavirus pandemic. Also, check this out for more details: WHO & Other Experts Recommend These Steps to Clean Your Home.

Have some more suggestions? Write to us at editor@livspace.com.

How Can Livspace Help You?

We hope you found our ideas useful! If you want beautiful interiors for your home, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today. Delivering safe home interiors has been our No. 1 priority. Click here to find out how interiors are being delivered following all safety protocols.