The Covid-19 pandemic has driven home the message that bacteria and disease are easily spread. With this at the forefront of most people’s minds these days, it’s only natural to take cleaning much more seriously. By disinfecting the following 10 household items regularly, you’ll be able to keep your home that much safer.
Smartphones
Phones should be disinfected daily, for the simple fact that they are something you take everywhere with you. The easiest way to do so is by giving it a disinfectant wipe, and smartphone manufacturers recommend Clorox Wipes for the job, as they don’t contain bleach and won’t damage the touchscreen. Make sure to disinfect the back of the phone as well, and if your phone has a case, take it off and give it a separate wipe.
Doorknobs and Handles
The first item you touch when you get home is the doorknob, and you’re going to touch handles and doorknobs going in and out of the room throughout the day. Therefore, these high-touch areas need a daily wipe with either a disinfectant wipe, or a cloth with a bleach solution.
Light Switches
They are another high-touch surface that needs a good clean, so don’t skip them when cleaning your household items. A simple disinfectant wipe is all they need. Make sure that no liquid gets inside them, and if needed, use a cotton swab to get into the gaps between switches.
Remote Controls
You probably already know that remote controls are the dirtiest item in a hotel room, but they’re also one of the dirtiest, high-touch items in your home. The easiest way to clean a remote control is by taking out the batteries and giving it a gentle rub with a disinfecting wipe or a isopropyl alcohol wipe. Make sure to go in between the buttons as well, preferably with a cotton swab, and use a cloth to dry it after a few minutes.
Bags
Purses, backpacks, shopping bags — as long as it’s a bag that you regularly take out of the house, you will need to disinfect it when you get home. The easiest way to do this is by giving it a wipe with a disinfectant wipe, and while you’re at it, make sure to also wipe your wallet and keys. Backpacks and fabric bags can’t be disinfected the same way, so the best option is to either soak them in a soapy solution, or run them through the washing machine — check fabric specifications first.
Toys
Children’s toys are another item that should be disinfected regularly because they often reside on the floor and because children touch them a lot and also tend to put them in their mouth. Therefore, special care should be used when disinfecting them, and a simple wipe won’t cut it. With plastic toys, the easiest way to do this is to soak them for 10 minutes in a bleach solution, before giving them a thorough rinse and letting them air dry. Stuffed animals are best washed by hand, or on a delicate cycle in the washing machine.
Handrails and Banisters
Handrails and banisters will see a lot of hand traffic, and need to be disinfected regularly. You can either do that with a disinfectant wipe, or with a cloth damped in a bleach solution. Most manufacturers will say that their bleach-based products are safe to use on wood, but it’s best to test them on a small surface first.
Countertops and Tables
The kitchen is a hub of activity at the best of times, but especially now, when the entire family is at home more often. Therefore, making sure that these high-touch surfaces are properly disinfected is a must. Give these surfaces a proper clean with a bleach solution, and then make sure to rinse it off with water.
Faucets
If you’re following official health recommendations, then you know that washing your hands is a must in order to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. But this also means that one of the high-touch surfaces in your home are the faucets. So next time you’re washing your hands, take a moment to also disinfect your sink taps and faucets.
Towels
Hand and dish towels are another high-touch item that is so common, it might skip your mind. Yet they go hand in hand with the water taps mentioned above, and are probably seeing just as much traffic. If left for too long, the dampness in the towels can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The easiest way to disinfect them is washing them at a higher temperature, and also making sure that you change them at least once a week.
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