Household chores like cleaning and disinfecting are more important than ever. The coronavirus pandemic has caused a number of lifestyle changes, including wearing masks and social distancing. Many people are spending more time at home than ever before. Maintaining a germ-free and orderly environment during this period is crucial to staying healthy. You'll also add peace of mind and enjoy your space more when you keep up with regular household maintenance. However, you may still wonder how to get started. Take a look at these four tips for keeping your home clean during a pandemic.
While it's true that COVID-19 spreads primarily through the air from person to person, it is possible that surface contamination could play a role as well. It's a smart move to regularly clean the surfaces in your home. This is especially true of the high-touch areas such as light switches, doorknobs, countertops, tables, shared electronics, toilets, and faucets. You can improve your chances ofkeeping COVID out of your home by using disinfectant to kill germs on these surfaces. Check labels to be sure the cleaner you choose is appropriate for the surface you're cleaning and that it is capable of destroying the coronavirus. Follow instructions on the bottle and use it in a well-ventilated area if advised.
Soft surfaces are also important when it comes to keeping your home clean. This is especially true if anyone in your house is sick. Doing regular loads of laundry will help to prevent piles from accumulating, making your job easier. You can wash the ill person's clothes with everyone else's. It's safe. You'll just feel better knowing everyone's clothes and linens are fresh. Wash sheets, pillowcases, and towels regularly, even more so when members of your household are under the weather. Don't forget items like plush toys and accessories like scarves and mittens. With people in the house more frequently these days, you may find that your carpets are a bit messier. It's a good idea to invest in a good vacuum-like Miele vacuum that has powerful suction and effective filters. Run your vacuum a few times each week for maximum results.
Good handwashing habits are crucial during a pandemic. Germs can be transferred when you touch surfaces and then touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth. You also want to be diligent about washing your hands before food preparation and after using the restroom. Use a good quality soap. Most will do just fine. Don't forget to wash for at least 20 seconds if you want to do the most thorough job. You can also grab a hand sanitizer for use in-between washings. This is a convenient way to kill germs throughout a busy day of touching surfaces. You don't necessarily have to wipe down the surfaces of your groceries, but it's wise to wash up after shopping and putting your items away. The same can be said for touching takeout containers. Try to avoid human contact with people outside your home or bubble. You should definitely skip hugs and shaking hands with such folks when possible. If you do shake hands out of habit, apply hand sanitizer afterward.
Keeping your home clean during a pandemic involves more than trying to cut down on the spread of the virus. You're going to fewer events lately and ordering takeout. Maybe you even have your groceries delivered, so you're not shopping as much. Many schools and workplaces have switched to remote and work-from-home options. So, chances are, you're spending a great deal of your time inside as a family. You're probably finding that things can get messy pretty quickly. One of the best ways to keep the clutter down and stay on top of chores is to tackle them on a regular basis, doing a little at a time. Find a routine that works for you and stick with it. Many like to do a once-over of the house before bed. Get the whole gang involved so that it's even easier. This will keep your home environment to be neat and tidy during this stressful time.
Give these tips a try to keep your home clean during this pandemic. You'll feel better and decrease everyone's chances of getting sick.
Amy Sloane is an alum of Oregon State University where she studied marketing and business. She spends her free time writing and is a knitting enthusiast. Amy loves reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Molly. Follow her on Twitter to read her latest blogs! @AmySloane2