When times are uncertain, people inevitably have questions. So we thought we would answer some of the common cleaning questions on everyone’s lips to provide a little bit of clarity in these somewhat dark and uncertain times.
Can You Get Sick From Contaminated Clothes?
Yes, you can. Clothes worn by someone who is ill can transmit germs. While different viruses and bacteria are transmitted in different ways, it’s a wise precaution to wash everyday items. Separate the high-risk items to be washed, separately.
High-risk items of laundry include medical uniforms and non-disposable face masks, bed sheets, towels, sportswear and any clothing that has come into contact with a person who is ill. These should be washed at high temperatures to ensure a deep clean that will kill most germs – a minimum of 60°C with added bleach can help to disinfect your washing. Don’t forget to check the washing instructions before adding bleach to garments.
For general laundry, a standard wash using regular detergent is effective at killing bacteria on everyday items. Most harmful microbes can be killed by hanging clothes in direct sunlight to dry or by using the high temperatures of a tumble dryer cycle.
What Cleaning Tips Should I Be Following to Disinfect My Home Safely?
House cleaning tips include relying on regular household cleaners or soap and water to remove dirt and debris on appliances, floors counters and other surfaces. Finally, use a disinfectant such as diluted bleach to help kill any remaining germs.
Bathroom cleaning tips suggest the use of a more concentrated bleach and water solution to sanitise surfaces and keep them germ-free.
When washing chopping boards, thoroughly dry them with a cloth because moisture can promote the growth of germs. Wear disposable gloves whenever you wash the dishes or clean around the house, ensure there is proper ventilation by opening windows, and try to use a different cloth or sponge for every surface you clean. Place cloths and sponges in the microwave for about 45 seconds to a minute to kill bacteria before you use them.
Regular, consistent cleaning and sanitising at home is vital to slowing the spread of potentially deadly infections. Ensure there is plenty of Lifebuoy antibacterial soap available and that everyone in your home practices good hygiene.
Do I need to disinfect my phone?
Viruses can live on surfaces for days which means it’s essential that you frequently clean and disinfects items that you use often. Regularly clean your phone to help prevent the spread of potentially life-threatening illnesses. This can be done with disinfecting wipes or wipes containing 70 percent Isopropyl alcohol. If you do not have disinfectant wipes handy, using household soap and water does the trick just as well. Simply moisten a microfibre cloth in a solution of soap and water and wring out the wiping cloth to remove the excess moisture. Next, lightly rub any hard, nonporous surfaces on your phone, paying close attention not to get any moisture into the ports or openings. Finally, dry off your phone with a clean and dry microfibre cloth.
Armed with accurate information, good hygiene and cleaning tips and the right attitude, you can tackle this health crisis and hopefully stay healthy!
Source: Parenting - yourfamily.co.za
