What’s the best way to clean your home after COVID? It’s time to roll up these sleeves.
Germs: they’re everywhere, COVID-19 no exception. This will be especially true after your household experiences a COVID-19 infection. What’s the best way to banish the coronavirus from your sanctuary?
Here are a few of the best cleaning tips for COVID after recovering beyond your usual routine. These reminders can help you prevent a new household infection and even the reinfection of the original victim.
1. Start With High-Traffic Areas
Places like the bathroom and the individual’s room are two obvious places to start. Whether it was you or somebody else in your household that got sick, following the trail of frequent activity will ensure that any remaining baddies are effectively wiped out.
Cleaning should happen within the first 24 hours of recovery, according to the CDC. You should wear a mask and gloves while cleaning if you weren’t infected, if possible.
2. Ventilate Every Room
Proper indoor ventilation in your home can help you minimize concentrations of pollutants in the air you breathe, including SARS-CoV-2. It can also help you manage any possible surface contamination, as well.
To do this, you can use fans, circulators, air purifiers, central air units, or even just open windows if the air quality in your neighborhood is good.
3. Use COVID-Compliant Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning agents are born equal—for high-touch surfaces especially, you’re advised to use EPA-registered disinfectants and all the information included to use them properly.
One great resource in this regard: List N. On this list, you’ll find the best cleaning products for COVID-19.
4. The Little Things Matter
So, your entire home is spotless. What now?
Once the big stuff is out of the way, you can hone in on smaller, more personal areas of contention—TV remotes, smartphones, and even the utensils in your kitchen should all be dealt with purposefully.
For waterproof objects, you may consider boiling water, just like one decontaminating glass jars for jam. High-heat settings on your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer should also be utilized. Better safe than sorry.
When Is Your Household Officially COVID-Free?
Many experts cite the three-day mark after a negative test as being the finish line. After this point, no new COVID particles should be entering the air. If you have a big cleaning day slated, we recommend saving it for this time.
Once COVID-19 is behind you, cleansing your home of the virus is the big hump to overcome. Now, your ordinary cleaning schedule can be considered safe again, no special treatment required.
