During these trying times, we must do what we can to help our community fight the new SaRS-CoV2 virus. We will not repeat what you’ve been hearing everywhere. Of course, you have to wash your hands; this is the main way in which the virus can be spread from one person to another. However, we’d like to provide you with some simple guidelines to help you clean your spaces more thoroughly.
According to the CDC, even though there has been little proof of contagion of COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface, it’s been proven that the virus could survive for a few hours after contact, so here’s what you can do to keep your surfaces free from contamination:
Focus on high-touch objects and surfaces. Remote controls, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, sinks, etc. There’s a higher chance of contagion in these objects because several people come in contact with them, so they should be cleaned more frequently.
Clean first, disinfect later. Cleaning and disinfecting are separate things; just getting rid of dirt won’t kill the virus. If surfaces are dirty, however, it’s important to clean them with soap before using a disinfectant on them.
Most store-bought disinfectants will work to fight the virus. We know that shortages have made it more difficult to find specific products. However, if you’re not sure if it’s safe to use a certain disinfectant, you should always check the safety instructions. If the product doesn’t come with a safety leaflet, you will probably find the information by googling the product. This isn’t a minor step as many disinfectants and cleaning products —especially if mixed— could be dangerous for human beings or pets.
If you don’t have access to disinfectant, bleach works just fine. Bleach is a good stand-in for any other disinfectant. The CDC suggests a solution of 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. Bleach is a good option since it isn’t expensive and it’s readily available, especially since lately there have been shortages of many products.
Always wear disposable gloves when cleaning surfaces. Disposable, one-use gloves can help stop the spread of the virus. By throwing them out you are ensuring that they won’t touch any clean surfaces. However, it’s also possible to use regular rubber gloves, as long as you only use them for the purpose of cleaning possibly contaminated surfaces.
If possible, avoid shaking dirty laundry. This can contaminate spaces that would otherwise be free of the virus. Also, make sure to clean any surface that has been in contact with dirty laundry, especially if there’s a sick person in the household.
We want to help you take the necessary precautions to keep your spaces clean and disinfected, just like we do for our Stretch Ceilings and Wall Coverings. Keep your hands clean and your contaminated items of clothing (coats, backpacks, shoes) away from your main living areas. Stay safe!
