Tips for Disinfecting Your Home or Business

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

In these times of uncertainty, preparation is the best defense against COVID-19. SERVPRO professionals are trained and certified in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. And we’re here to help – 24/7. 

That being said, we can ALL do our part to combat the spread of this virus and develop some good hygiene habits along the way! Below is a checklist from the CDC of tips to keep your home and business clean.

Clean

• Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. High touch surfaces include: Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

Disinfect

• Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
• Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant.
  Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
  Many products recommend:
  • Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label)
  • Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

• Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
  Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
  Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute
  To make a bleach solution, mix:
  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
    OR
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
• Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

Soft surfaces

For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes

• Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.

• Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

  OR

• Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These disinfectants meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.

Electronics

For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls.

• Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics
• Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting
  • If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.

Laundry

For clothing, towels, linens and other items

• Wear disposable gloves.
• Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.
• Do not shake dirty laundry.
• Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
• Dirty laundry from a sick person can be washed with other people’s items.
• Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.

Bedroom and Bathroom

Keep separate bedroom and bathroom for sick person (if possible)

• The sick person should stay separated from other people in the home (as much as possible).
• If you have a separate bedroom and bathroom: Reduce cleaning to as-needed (e.g. soiled items and surfaces) to minimize the amount of contact with the sick person.
  • Caregivers can provide personal cleaning supplies to the sick person (if appropriate). Supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectants.
• If shared bathroom: Clean and disinfect after each use by the sick person. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting.
• See precautions for household members and caregivers for more information.

Food

• Stay separated: The sick person should eat (or be fed) in their room if possible.

• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any non-disposable used food service items with gloves and wash with hot water or in a dishwasher. 
  
  Clean hands after handling used food service items.

Trash

• Dedicated, lined trash can: If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the sick person. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands afterwards.