With the latest known Coronavirus, we are all still learning. It may be difficult to know which cleaning methods to use and which products and solutions are the most effective when it comes to cleaning communal areas, homes, offices, and more. Try to not worry, we’re here to help you. We’ve written a simple guide on the best cleaning products and methods for tackling coronaviruses including COVID-19.

cleaning services during Coronavirus

Prepare and plan

The key to most things in life is having a plan. Everything has changed since the world became aware of COVID-19. The workplace and home are not the same, the systems and methods we use and carry out have to change, too. This is why having a plan in place will help you when cleaning to combat coronaviruses. Think about your office, commute, home (who is coming and going, and so on) and how this will impact the health and cleanliness of the area.

Think about frequently touched surfaces

It is all very well knowing which products and solutions to use to tackle coronaviruses. However, knowing where to clean will greatly reduce the risk of any kind of virus living on different surfaces and being spread elsewhere. There are multiple points that many of us are guilty of not thinking to wipe down; getting into the habit of frequent disinfection methods will help put your mind at ease in times of COVID-19. These surfaces and points include:

  • Computer switches
  • Door handles
  • Mobile phone
  • House phone and office phones
  • Cupboard doors
  • Lift buttons
  • Toilet flushes
  • Toilet doors

This list is not comprehensive; it is worth thinking about the area you wish to keep at its cleanest and consider frequently touched and/or used items and areas.

Reach for the bleach!

Information that was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – (the CDC) and published on their website has stated that bleach is effective when it comes to cleaning to prevent COVID-19 living on surfaces. Be aware that the bleach must be in date and contain a minimum of 5.25% to 8.25% of sodium hypochlorite. Since many household bleaches contain between 5%-6% sodium hypochlorite, we recommend checking upon purchasing and using.

As with all strong household cleaning products, please be sure to dilute the bleach accordingly. The CDC has urged people to follow the manufacturers’ instructions when cleaning and to ensure that the rooms the bleach products are used in are properly ventilated and that the surfaces cleaned are done so for at least one minute.

Browse the government website

Since COVID-19 is so widespread (not to mention various other coronaviruses and bacteria), it’s hard to write out each and every product that will combat COVID-19. Moreover, viruses are universal, but unfortunately, not all cleaning brands are available depending on which country you live in. However, if you are living in Australia, the Australian government has published a list of cleaning solutions that can be bought in Australia that can tackle COVID-19.

Know about two-step cleaning

Two-step cleaning is the best way to combat COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. Unfortunately, there are many who forget about the first step and go straight for the disinfectant.

What is two-step cleaning when it comes to tackling coronaviruses?

The two steps necessary are:

  1. Soap cleaning –  it is recommended that you scrub the areas you want to give a good cleaning with soap before using a disinfectant. This is an important step in cleaning areas when wanting to destroy coronaviruses, including COVID-19.
  2. Disinfecting – in the second step, you must use a disinfectant to kill off the remaining viruses, germs, and so on.

For thorough cleaning, disinfecting, and abolishing coronaviruses from your home and/or office, make sure you carry out both of the above steps.

Cleaning a surface with soap first is a crucial part in cleaning to ensure that the area is as free from coronaviruses as can be. This is crucial because the biofilm covering the surfaces needs to be destroyed during the first step as biofilm is known for being resistant to hundreds of disinfectants. Simply grabbing a spray bottle of a disinfectant isn’t enough. Get scrubbing with soap first!

washing clothes cleaning

How about washing my clothes?

With all this talk of using bleaches, stronger solutions than ordinary cleaning, scrubbing with soap, and using disinfectants, you may be wondering: how should I wash my clothes? Of course, we can’t all be chucking a load of bleach into our daily wash cycles, so then, how are we to ensure our clothes are germ and virus free after wearing them in the outside world?

It’s complicated to say how long coronaviruses can thrive on different clothes, due to the fabrics they are made of. There have been various news reports and articles on the issue. However, it is recommended that clothes be washed at the warmest temperature with a sufficient amount of detergent as normal. There is no need to add any additional steps when washing clothes daily. Drying clothes thoroughly has also been shown to disrupt the structure of COVID-19, so ensure clothes are washed and dried completely before wearing. However, if you think that your clothes may have been in contact with COVID-19, take extra precautions, such as:

  • Remove clothes without touching your face
  • Wash your hands and body after touching contaminated clothes
  • Clean and disinfect any area that the clothes may have had contact with

How about face masks?

It is widely suggested to wash your hands with good old-fashioned soap and water for AT LEAST 20 seconds, preferably for longer. However, with modern-day lifestyles and being on-the-go, it’s not always an option to find a sink. In these cases, some hand sanitisers are acceptable. However, not all hand sanitisers work when it comes to tackling COVID-19 and other viruses and germs In fact, some may actually encourage germ growth. The CDC recommends that hand sanitisers must contain at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective.

At ServTown, we know that these times are troubling, but we are all here to support each other. We wish you the healthiest and cleanest of homes and workplaces. Try to not overexert yourself and do clean with a level-head. All the best!