Studies show that viruses can survive on surfaces. However, factors such as temperature and humidity can affect the viruses’ lifespan. For those who will be spending most time indoors due to the current pandemic – either working from home or practicing social distancing, keeping your homes tidy and virus-free should be at the top of your list.

From sanitizing to knowing which disinfectant solutions to buy, there are several measures you can take to make sure your house is clean. Here’s a round-up of our top cleaning tips along with practical tips to get rid of these pathogens inside your home.

#1 – Cleaning comes before disinfecting

Most people go directly to disinfecting surfaces without cleaning it. This practice is a big NO. You need to clean the area or surface first with soap and water. You can use a sponge with soap, or a cloth to wipe it. Then, apply the disinfectant. After application, leave the surface untouched with the disinfectant and wipe it after 30 seconds to a minute. Remember, no product can adequately sanitize or disinfect a dirty surface, so make sure you clean — even with plain soap and water — before you disinfect. This lets the disinfectant sit on the surface and do its job.

#2 – Don’t forget your washing machine

The soap residue, minerals, and chemicals from your detergent can get locked inside your washing machine and create a thin film that traps bacteria. To remove this bacteria, you need to run your washing machine empty at least once a week.

Try putting a chemical disinfectant and set the machine at a high temperature to remove the bacteria and prevent them from growing. After draining it, wipe the drum with a cloth to keep it dry. Never leave your washing machine wet after washing your clothes.

#3 – Disinfect sponges too

The sponges you use to clean things is a major source of bacteria. While loading the dishwasher, don’t forget to wash and disinfect your sponge as well. You can toss it in the dishwasher along with the dishes. Otherwise, you can scrub it with hot water mixed with soap.

Another hack is to soak it in hot water with soap and put it in a microwave oven for a good 30 seconds. You can also do the same for other cleaning cloths and sponges you use to clean your kitchen sink or your bathroom. A great alternative to sponges for cleaning surfaces is a microfiber cloth that can be easily washed and dried up.

#4 – High-touch areas are more susceptible to viruses

It’s a common mistake for most to just disinfect dirty spots. Always disinfect surfaces you often touch and use. These are more susceptible to viruses. For instance, your AC system, your mattress, the kettle, coffee machine, door and handles, remote controls, cupboard and chopping boards – these are all essential things you use and come in contact with every day.

#5 – Sanitizing works best with Disinfecting

Sanitization and disinfection are two different things that go well when done together. Sanitizing simply reduces the number of germs and usually takes less time. Meanwhile, disinfecting kills germs. Disinfection process can take anywhere up to 10 minutes, depending on the disinfectant. Isopropyl alcohol with at least 70% concentration is an effective disinfectant against many pathogens, including coronavirus. Simply wipe or spray it on surfaces and make sure it remains wet for 30 seconds.

#6 – Don’t combine disinfecting or any cleaning products

Disinfectant solutions are powerful and effective on their own. Never combine two disinfecting products at once. Follow Tip #1 – Clean first with soap and water to remove germs and reduce the chance of infection. After, you can sanitize and disinfect surfaces.

#7 – Soft surfaces are porous

Your pillows, mattresses, sofa, and your kid’s stuffed toys are porous. This means you can never fully reach the level of germ kill required to be fully disinfected. In this case, high-pressure steam works best to penetrate deeper surfaces. For this, you can ask for professional help from disinfection experts who know which method to apply for optimum results.

#8 – Make sure your AC duct & filter are regularly cleaned & sanitized

Most people forget that the quality of indoor air plays a crucial role in your health. It can harbor bacteria and viruses which are harmful when you inhale them. It needs to be regularly cleaned and disinfected to maintain quality air indoors. For this, you would need to seek the help of AC disinfection experts who don’t just clean, but also disinfect air ducts and filters.

About Saniservice

Saniservice has been providing residential and commercial clients with the gold standard of disinfection. Throughout the years, we’ve tested, honed, refined, and revised continuously to guarantee a level of professionalism unmatched in the market. We are the leader in providing avant-garde, total home and office disinfection solutions in the UAE and the region. We only use Swiss-patented disinfectant that’s 100% chemical-free, eco-friendly, kills 99.9999% bacteria and viruses, and certified Human-Grade -guaranteed safe for humans and pets.

Our teams have helped hundreds of families and businesses improve the quality of their indoor environment by eliminating bacteria and allergens, and safeguard their loved ones’ and employees’ health.

Avail our Total Home Disinfection Solutions and enjoy a virus-free home. Our basic disinfection package includes: Premium Air Fogging Technology, Deep Surface Disinfection using High-Pressure Steam, and Advanced Electrostatic Spray Technology for 360° Coverage.