Clean And Disinfect Your Home

How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home Easily

Keeping your house clean and sanitized is crucial for your health and safety, not only for aesthetic reasons. Long after a surface has been touched, sneezed on, or used, germs, bacteria, and viruses can still be there. Thankfully, cleaning and disinfecting your home doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. You can guarantee that your house is a hygienic sanctuary with the correct supplies and a methodical approach.

Everything you need to know to thoroughly and efficiently clean and disinfect your house will be covered in this guide. Additionally, you will discover the most effective natural substitutes, the best commercial disinfectants, and a tried-and-true seven-step process for thoroughly cleaning your entire space.

Knowing the Distinction Between Sanitizing, Cleaning, and Disinfecting

Prior to getting into the how-to, it’s critical to differentiate between three terms that are sometimes used interchangeably:

Cleaning is the process of using soap or detergent and water to remove pollutants, dust, and dirt from surfaces. It reduces the amount of germs but does not necessarily eradicate them.
Disinfecting uses chemical substances to kill microorganisms. Surfaces that have previously been cleansed yield the best results.
According to public health guidelines, sanitizing lowers the germ count to an acceptable level. It incorporates elements of disinfection and cleansing.

Knowing these words will enable you to select the appropriate strategy based on the surface and task.

Which Disinfectant Is Best for House Cleaning?

Effectiveness, usability, and safety should all be considered when selecting a disinfectant for your house. A list of disinfectants that have been approved for use against infections, including viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), is routinely released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some of the best commercial options are:

1. Spray Lysol Disinfectant

Eliminates 99.9% of germs and viruses.
Operates on non-porous, hard surfaces.
After application, there is no need to wipe it off.

2. Disinfecting Clorox Wipes

Ideal for high-touch surfaces such as remote controls, light switches, and doorknobs
Gets rid of germs in less than four minutes.
Ready to use and already wet

3. Microban Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 24 Hour

Offers up to 24 hours of antibacterial protection.
Disinfects and cleans in a single step.
Perfect for baths and kitchens

4. Three Percent Hydrogen Peroxide

An economical and efficient disinfectant
Leaves no trace after dissolving into water and oxygen.
Suitable for use in a spray bottle for cleaning surfaces

5. Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach Solution

Powerful disinfectant, especially for toilet and bathroom areas
Efficient against viruses, fungus, and bacteria
Must be appropriately diluted, usually using one-third cup bleach for every gallon of water.

Advice: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations and give yourself enough dwell time—the duration of time a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface in order to work.

What Are the Seven Cleaning and Sanitization Steps?

Cross-contamination is avoided and comprehensive coverage is guaranteed with an organized approach. For both home and professional sanitation processes, the following seven stages are advised:

Step 1: Clear the Clutter and Debris

Clear the space first. Clear the countertops, floors, and furniture of objects like dishes, clothing, books, or devices. This gives you access to any surface that requires cleaning.

Step 2: Sweep and Dust

All surfaces get dust, but corners and baseboards are particularly susceptible. To collect dust, use a duster or microfiber cloth. Before using any wet cleaning agents, sweep or vacuum the flooring.

Step 3: Use Soap or Detergent to Wash

To get rid of apparent dirt and grime from surfaces, use warm, soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner. Since disinfectants are ineffective on unclean surfaces, cleaning is a necessary first step.

Step 4: Rinse, if Required

Remainders from certain cleaning products may cause problems for disinfectants. Wipe surfaces with clean water if you’re using a cleaner that has to be rinsed.

Step 5: Clean

Use your preferred disinfectant on high-touch surfaces, such as remote controls, light switches, faucet handles, toilet flushers, door knobs, and counters. Observe the label’s stated dwell duration, which is typically one to ten minutes.

Step 6: Wipe Dry or Let It Air Dry

Use a fresh paper towel or let disinfected surfaces air dry. Reusable cloths should not be used unless they are cleaned in between uses.

Step 7: Clean Fabrics and Soft Surfaces

Use fabric sanitizer sprays on carpets, couches, mattresses, and drapes. Use hot water and detergent to wash goods in the laundry for a more thorough disinfection.

Which Natural Disinfectant Is the Most Effective?

You’ll be happy to hear that a number of natural items offer strong disinfection qualities if you prefer non-toxic substitutes. Many of them have been demonstrated to efficiently eradicate germs and lower surface contamination, even when they might not be EPA-registered.

1. Vinegar White

Composed of acetic acid, which has antimicrobial qualities.
Excellent for counters, tile, and glass
Perfect for getting rid of soap scum and mineral deposits

Note: Not all viruses, such as the coronavirus and the flu, can be eradicated by vinegar.

2. Three Percent Hydrogen Peroxide

Eliminates fungus, viruses, and bacteria
When used correctly, safe for the majority of surfaces
Decomposes into innocuous oxygen and water

3. Oil of Tea Trees

Includes terpinen-4-ol, a substance with antibacterial properties.
Can be combined in a spray bottle with water and white vinegar.
Effective against certain bacteria, mold, and mildew

4. Alcohol for Rubbing (70 Percent Isopropyl Alcohol)

Rapid evaporation makes it beneficial for glass and electronics.
Eliminates a variety of germs and viruses upon contact.
Suitable for cleaning remote controls, keyboards, and phones

5. Lemon Juice

Has minor antimicrobial qualities and contains citric acid.
It works best for cleansing and deodorizing rather than completely disinfecting.
For cleaning power, it’s frequently used with baking soda.

Hydrogen Peroxide is the Best Natural Disinfectant Overall

Hydrogen peroxide is the most potent natural disinfectant. When used properly, it is affordable, easily accessible, and efficient at eliminating a variety of pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Various Home Areas

The necessity for cleaning varies per room. Here’s how to properly tackle each area:

The Kitchen

Use warm, soapy water to clean cutting boards, appliances, and worktops.
Clean cabinet knobs, refrigerator doors, and faucet handles.
Regularly sanitize sponges and dishcloths by running them through a hot dishwasher cycle or in the microwave for one to two minutes.

The Restroom

Toilets, sinks, tubs, and tile walls should all be cleaned with bleach-based cleaners or disinfectant sprays.
Pay close attention to toilet flushers, shower knobs, and faucet handles.
Every week, wash the bathroom rugs and shower curtains with hot water.

The Living Room

Regularly dust and vacuum to get rid of allergies.
Disinfect high-touch objects such as tabletops, light switches, and remote controls.
When cleaning couches and upholstered chairs, use fabric-safe disinfection sprays.

The Bedroom

Every week, wash blankets, pillowcases, and sheets.
Clean drawer knobs, alarm clocks, and nightstands.
Clean switch plates and closet doors.

Hallways and Entryways

If at all feasible, clean the handrails and door knobs every day.
Regularly mop floors, particularly after visitors or during flu season.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Safety Advice

The Key Is Ventilation: To avoid breathing in strong disinfectant smells, open windows and doors or use fans.
Avoid Mixing Chemicals at All Costs: Bleach can emit harmful fumes when combined with vinegar or ammonia.
Put on Gloves to protect your hands when working with harsh chemicals or cleaning places that are extremely dirty.
Keep Items Out of Reach: Keep all cleaning supplies, including natural ones, out of the reach of kids and dogs.
Examine the Label: For safe usage, dwell duration, and dilution, always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Establish a Basic Cleaning Schedule

The secret to keeping your house sanitized and clean is consistency. Try this simple weekly plan:

Every day: Sweep, wash dishes, and wipe high-touch surfaces.
Every week: Mop, vacuum, wash linens, disinfect kitchen counters, and clean bathrooms.
Every month: Wash windows, sanitize beds, and thoroughly clean appliances.
Seasonally: Steam clean floors, organize closets, and switch out food supplies.

Maintaining a clean and hygienic house doesn’t have to seem insurmountable. You can have a better living environment and safeguard your space from dangerous diseases with a dependable approach, practical equipment, and a little perseverance.

The important thing is to concentrate on both cleanliness and safety, regardless of whether you use commercial disinfectants or strong natural alternatives like hydrogen peroxide. Maintaining cleanliness will become a habit rather than a job if you follow the seven steps to cleaning and sanitizing, which guarantees that no detail is overlooked.

Now that you have all the information you require, it’s time to get started immediately. Both your house and your health will appreciate it.

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