| Cleaning vs. Disinfecting There is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting, and it can be a big one when it comes to safeguarding against the Covid-19 virus. According to the US Centers for Disease Control you want to do both, even if you're in a currently healthy household. Cleaning is the process that removes dirt and contaminants from surfaces while disinfecting is the act of killing pathogens that can make you sick. As the CDC recommends, you need to do both. In general, if you are at home and no one has left the house, proper handwashing and regular house cleaning, along with once-a-day disinfection of high touch areas, will be enough, Once anyone leaves the house and returns, you need to clean as well as disinfect to kill any viruses that may have come in. While the risk of transmission is greatest from person to person, scientists have shown that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can live on surfaces for varying amounts of time. According to Harvard Medical School, "a recent study found that the COVID-19 coronavirus can survive up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel." Experts say that you want to simply clean the area first with soap and water or a cleaning spray (for non-electronics) and then use a disinfectant, whether that is a spray, bleach solution or disinfecting wipe. Whenever cleaning, wear disposable gloves or rubber gloves. If you use reusable rubber gloves, when you're finished cleaning wash your gloved hands first, remove them, and wash your bare hands. Get more cleaning tips and check out these titles |
