The outbreaks of coronavirus do not stop and the autumn does not look more hopeful. So it is not advisable to forget about the most effective measures to prevent the entry of viruses into our homes , if at some point we had relaxed about it. For this reason, we have prepared a guide with a series of rules to take into account and that are very easy to put into practice and that will make your home a safer place for you and yours. Take note.
Basic cleaning rules to prevent contagion
According to the Ministry of Health, these are the protocols to follow when cleaning.
- Ventilation . It is essential that the rooms of the house are well ventilated (5 minutes a day minimum).
- First, clean. Do a daily cleaning, using soap and water for frequent contact surfaces.
- Then disinfect. After cleaning, use disinfectant products or bleach diluted in water on the surfaces. But never mix products because it can be very dangerous.
- Follow an order. It cleans from the least dirty areas to the dirtiest, and from the highest areas of the rooms to the lowest.
- Critical points. The areas where you need to pay more attention are the bathroom, the kitchen and surfaces that are touched: knobs, switches …
- Cleaning kit . Put on gloves and specific clothing to clean. Use a different cloth to disinfect. When finished, wash and let the used materials dry. Wash your hands well and change your clothes.
How to ventilate and purify the air
Apart from preventing infections, experts say that ventilating the home (5-10 minutes and more than once a day) improves air quality and prevents the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose from drying out.
- How to do it. They advise cross ventilation: opening windows that are in opposite places of the house to produce a current that facilitates the circulation and renewal of air.
- Bet on plants . Some remove up to 87% of the toxic air in homes. It is estimated that with at least one plant for every 10 m2 the air can be cleaned efficiently. Asparagus, wax flower ivy, espatifilo, hall palm, sansevieria and dracena are some of the most purifying.
The hall, the key area
It has gone from being the great forgotten to having an essential role in preventing the entry of viruses and germs.
- Clear ground . Do not put doormats in the hall or carpet in the hall. They can trap the virus and are more difficult to clean and disinfect than a clear floor.
- Shoemaker . Place it near the door. Health authorities advise taking off your shoes as soon as you enter the house and put them away.
- Boxes and trays. Put boxes or containers next to the door to leave the objects you bring from the street there: purse, keys, sunglasses, sanitizing gel …
- Hangers You can arrange several hooks and hangers at different heights to hold jackets, bags and masks.
- Be careful what you touch. When cleaning, apart from the floor, do not forget the doorknob, the lock and the surfaces you touch when entering and leaving.
What do we do with the purchase of the supermarket?
- Out of containers. Remove all unnecessary wrappers and throw them in a garbage can with a lid.
- The preserves . Before opening or storing, clean and sanitize canned or packaged products.
- Save well. Arrange perishable foods, such as meat and fish, in clean tins or containers.
- Wash with water. Thoroughly clean and dry fresh, unwrapped produce, such as fruits and vegetables.
How to clean the kitchen
Along with the hall and the bathroom, it is one of the rooms that requires more attention. Apart from the floor, the surfaces that you touch with your hands and those that you use to leave the groceries have to be disinfected: countertop, taps, cabinet handles … If you have a dishwasher, it is better to use it instead of washing hand, and with a high temperature program. Wash rags and cloths at a high temperature, and let them dry well. Another option is to use kitchen paper.
Disinfect the STROPS by putting them in bleach water for 10 minutes.
How to clean the bathroom
It is also advisable to clean or give a daily check to the bathroom. Pay particular attention to sinks and taps (which are frequently contacted surfaces). Cleans and disinfects from least dirty to dirtiest, so the toilet is left for last. It is also recommended to opt for towels that are disposable or, in order not to harm the environment, that each member of the family has their own.
Street clothes
Like the objects that enter and leave the house, we must be careful with the clothes we use to go out.
- Change of clothes . In addition to taking off their shoes, they recommend taking off your clothes just when you get home and put them to wash or "quarantine" them for a few days.
- Do not shake. To avoid spreading possible viruses, clothes should not be shaken when entering the house and should be put in the washing machine or, if not, in an airtight bag until it is time to wash them.
- Hot water . If the garment allows it, it is better to wash it with hot water programs (at least 60º) and let it dry completely to finish eliminating possible viruses and germs.
To disinfect clothing, it must be WASHED AT 60º at least and allowed to dry very well.
Tricks for a house without viruses
- LESS IS MORE. The clearer the house is, the easier and faster it will be to clean and disinfect.
- PLACE ORDER. Keep everything in its place and, if possible, make it a closed space. This way they are not exposed to viruses or dust.
- VACCUM CLEANER. To avoid raising germs when sweeping, experts advise using the vacuum cleaner and scrubbing afterward.
- APPARATUS. Clean mobile phones, computers, controls … with a cloth dampened in soap and water, but not alcohol as it damages the screens.
