Corona Virus Outbreak: Tips to Keep Your Furniture and Surfaces Clean and Disinfected
The world is in the throes of an unprecedented pandemic. The COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus has put the world’s spotlight on personal hygiene. Moreover, the maintenance of a clean environment, both outside and within our homes, has also become crucial.
Although the coronavirus is known to be transmitted between persons through respiratory droplets, such as mucus or saliva, there is ample evidence to suggest that it can also spread by touching infected surfaces. Such surfaces include the following common household furniture and accessories:
- Doorknobs
- Table surfaces
- Hard dining chairs (seat, back, and arms)
- Kitchen counters
- Bathroom counters
- Faucets and faucet knobs
- Toilets (seat and handle)
- Light switches
- TV remote controls
- Game controllers
Cleaning and Disinfecting Furniture Decor
Regular furniture cleaning has become doubly important, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, followed by disinfecting these surfaces. Your first step towards a healthy, clean, and hygienic home should always involve a cleaning round with detergent or soap and hot water.
There is are fundamental differences between the two processes of cleaning and disinfecting, although on the surface (pun intended), they may come across as one and the same. However, the need of the hour is to carry out both for the safety of your home!
- Cleaning refers to the process of washing or wiping off germs from the surfaces of furniture. In the process, dirt and other impurities are also removed. However, it does not help to actually kill the germs, although it may bring down their presence on these surfaces, thereby mitigating the risk of exposure and infection.
- Disinfecting, on the other hand, refers to the actual killing of germs through the use of chemicals. This process may not necessarily lead to the cleaning of surfaces. However, by killing off the germs, it acts as a deterrent to the spread of infections.
Use Disinfectants
Furniture can be cleaned and disinfected with different types of disinfectants, both available for purchase (disinfecting wipes, disinfectant spray) as well as DIY. For example, white vinegar or a 3% hydrogen peroxide has been proven to be effective against the coronavirus. This solution can be directly applied to furniture surfaces, such as tabletops. Make sure you leave it on the surface for 10-15 minutes and wash it off after that duration.
While using store-bought disinfectants may prove to be more convenient, necessary precautions should be taken before using them. For example, cover your mouth and nose with a mask to avoid breathing in the toxic chemicals. Once finished with the disinfection, wipe down the surfaces with water and let the surfaces dry out completely before you use them again.
You can also use an alcohol-based (70% alcohol content, at least) disinfectant wipe on chairs and tables before you use them. For more challenging surfaces, such as sofas, that cannot be wiped down, opt for a disinfectant spray. Simply spray it over the entire sofa and let it dry completely before you settle down on it for a nice and cosy evening with the family!
Not every home is the same and you might be wondering where to start your cleaning drive! Start by thinking about those surfaces you come in contact with the most, on a daily basis. Add this activity to your daily routine to give yourself and your family a better chance at keeping the corona virus at bay.
