Disinfecting your home has become increasingly important to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and germs associated with seasonal cold and flu. For people spending more and more time at home, mitigating the spread of germs can save lives. Today’s blog from Phoenix Home Care explains how to disinfect your home to reduce the spread of germs.
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Cleaning Versus Disinfecting
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says that cleaning removes germs but does not necessarily kill them. Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting doesn’t necessarily remove germs, but killing germs after cleaning a surface can reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Clean First, Then Disinfect
The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces with soap and water before using a disinfectant. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using a disinfectant. Often, you must leave a disinfectant on a surface for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes for it to effectively kill germs. Common disinfectants come in disposable wipes, but you can also purchase spray bottles of disinfectant. Always use an EPA-registered disinfectant, commonly found in many brands of disinfecting wipes.
Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces Daily
You should disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily for best results.
High-touch surfaces include:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Faucets
- Toilet handles
- Cabinets
- Microwave controls
- Tables
- Chairs
- Remote controls
- Mobile devices
- Sinks
- Touch screens
- Phones
In-home care services from Phoenix can help you with light chores around the house, such as disinfecting and cleaning high-touch surfaces on a daily basis.
Wash Your Hands Often
Wash your hands often. Use warm, soapy water. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them.
Wash your hands:
- Before and after touching food
- After touching an animal, like a pet
- After using the restroom
- Before and after eating
- Before and after treating an open wound
- Before and after caring for a sick person
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching garbage
- After handling pet food and pet products
Home health aides can help you or your loved ones with cleaning and hygiene when we provide in-home care services.
Launder Clothes and Bedding
Clothes and bedding can harbor germs. Launder your clothes and bedding regularly during winter months, at least once per week. Use the warmest water setting you can per the manufacturer’s instructions on your linens and clothes. Some manufacturers have laundry disinfectant that kills up to 99.9% of germs in your laundry. In-home care services from Phoenix can help you or your loved one with the laundry.
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In-Home Care by Phoenix Home Care
Phoenix Home Care & Hospice specializes in caring for clients at home, where we believe the best healing takes place. Our caring and compassionate staff can help you or your loved one disinfect your home to help reduce the spread of germs. Contact Phoenix Home Care or call toll-free 1-888-830-2388 for more information.
