How To Keep Your Home Clean During Quarantine
Many Americans are at home across the country due to stay-at-home orders in effect. Governor Doug Ducey issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” executive order weeks ago, and it is set to expire on April 30th. However, Governor Ducey has yet to decide on whether to extend or amend the executive order, though it seems that many Arizonans will be directed to continue to shelter in place, especially those with underlying medical conditions or at high risk for complications from COVID-19. With so many Arizonans at home, it’s essential to keep up with CDC-recommended guidelines on how to keep your home clean. We’ve also included a couple of tips on how to keep your carpet cleaned during this time.
CDC-Recommended House Cleaning Guidelines
To keep your home safe for your family and pets, ensure that you follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC for both regular cleaning and disinfection and its recommendations for when someone in the home is sick.
Clean Surfaces With Soap and Water
Wear disposable gloves while cleaning your home. Use soap and water to clean surfaces. Make sure to clean all high-touch surfaces often, including doorknobs, counters, tables, and light switches.
Disinfect Surfaces
After cleaning the surface with soap and water, if it’s visibly dirty, make sure to use a household disinfectant on the surface. The EPA has a list of disinfectants that have all met the EPA’s criteria for fighting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Make sure that you follow all of the manufacturer guidelines, including:
- Keeping the surface wet for a while.
- Wearing protective gloves.
- Ensuring a well-ventilated space.
In addition to the EPA’s list of registered disinfectants, the CDC states that “diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface.” To make a bleach solution, take the following steps:
- Check the bleach’s label. Ensure that the bleach isn’t expired and that it is intended for disinfection.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that you follow the instructions for both application and proper ventilation.
- Prepare the solution. To prepare a household bleach solution, mix five tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach per gallon of water.
- Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
- Leave the solution on the surface for at least one minute.
Clean Carpet and Other Soft Surfaces
Make sure to keep your home clean during the current COVID-19 pandemic, including high-touch surfaces and soft surfaces such as carpet.
Soft surfaces present a challenge for many homeowners, especially since many household disinfectants are for use on hard surfaces. However, there are ways to help keep your carpet and other soft surfaces as clean as possible.
- Clean the surface using soap and water.
- Launder what you can. If you’re able to take covers off of your couch cushions or if your drapes are machine-washable, wash them on the highest temperature setting possible for the material type. Dry each item thoroughly.
- Use a disinfectant. Refer to the EPA’s list of registered disinfectants for use against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Clean Electronics
Electronics, such as remotes, phones, tablets, and video game systems, are some of the most often-touched items in the home. Take care to clean the electronics according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Consider purchasing wipeable covers for hard-to-clean devices.
Laundry
The CDC recommends washing clothing and other laundered items at the highest temperature setting recommended for the fabric.
Wash Hands Often
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones against illness is to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. Make sure to wash your hands:
- Before cooking and eating.
- After using the restroom.
- After coming into contact with pets.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Before and after providing routine care for a child or loved one.
How To Keep Your Home Clean If Someone is Sick
In addition to the above guidelines recommended for daily cleaning in the household, the CDC recommends the following for cleaning the home while someone is sick.
Separate Bedroom and Bathroom
If possible, keep the person who is sick separated from the rest of the family. Make sure they have their own bedroom and bathroom. The CDC recommends that you “only clean the area around the person who is sick when needed, such as when the area is soiled. This [process] will help limit your contact with the person who is sick.”
The CDC also recommends providing personal cleaning supplies to the person who is sick, if it’s appropriate. Make sure the person who is sick has plenty of paper towels, toilet paper, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectants.
If it’s impossible to give the person who is sick their own bathroom to use during their illness, make sure that they clean and disinfect the area after each use. If the person who is ill is not capable of cleaning their own space, caregivers should wait as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting the area. This process will help limit caregivers’ exposure to the virus.
Eat Separately
If possible, the person who is sick should eat in their room. Ensure that all dishes and utensils used by the person who is sick are washed using gloves and hot water. Do not touch any plates, cups, or silverware with bare hands. Wash them with soap and water or in the dishwasher. Make sure to wash your hands after taking off your gloves and before touching anything else in your home.
Separate Trash Cans
If it’s possible, the CDC recommends having a different, lined trash can for the person who is sick. Ensure that you use gloves when removing the garbage bags and while disposing of the trash. Make sure to wash your hands after taking off your gloves and before touching anything else, especially your face.
About Magic Touch Carpet Repair
Since 2006, Magic Touch Carpet Repair has served Scottsdale and its surrounding areas. With decades of carpet care experience and as a family-owned, local business, we take customer care seriously. Living and working in the same communities, we see our customers as neighbors. We guarantee our work so you can feel confident you are getting carpet repair and services that you will be happy with. Call today and tell us about your need for carpet repair in Scottsdale.