The Germ-Busting Guide: Keeping Your Home Clean and Safe from COVID-19 and Other Viruses

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness and disinfecting to minimize the spread of the virus. According to the EPA, "Disinfecting is an important part of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19." (Source: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/disinfectant-use-and-coronavirus-covid-19)

To reduce the spread of viruses, it is important to disinfect high-touch surfaces that are frequently used by multiple people, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, phones, and keyboards. Bathrooms and kitchens are high-risk areas for germs due to moisture and the potential for contact with bodily fluids or raw meat, and should be disinfected regularly.

When disinfecting, it is important to use products that are safe for children and pets. Products that contain bleach or ammonia should be avoided as they can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Instead, look for disinfectants that are labeled as safe for use around children and pets. Some examples include hydrogen peroxide, alcohol-based disinfectants, and vinegar-based cleaners.

Some disinfectants may require you to leave the house when using, especially if they contain strong chemicals. These products include aerosol sprays, bleach-based cleaners, and some commercial disinfectants. If you are using these products, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and leave the house if necessary.

In conclusion, disinfecting high-touch surfaces and high-risk areas in our homes and workplaces is essential to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. By following simple hygiene practices and using safe and effective disinfectants, we can help keep ourselves and others safe.

If you're short on time or simply want to ensure that your home is thoroughly disinfected, consider contacting a professional cleaning service like SusyQ's Cleaning, LLC. With our expertise and use of safe and effective disinfectants, we can help keep your home clean and safe from COVID-19 and other viruses, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are protected.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

• Effectiveness: High

  • Safe around Children and Pets: Yes

  • Cost Effectiveness: Low

• Isopropyl Alcohol:

  • Effectiveness: High

  • Safe around Children and Pets: Yes

  • Cost Effectiveness: Low

• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds:

  • Effectiveness: High

  • Safe around Children and Pets: No

  • Cost Effectiveness: Moderate

• Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach):

  • Effectiveness: High

  • Safe around Children and Pets: No

  • Cost Effectiveness: Low

• Citric Acid:

  • Effectiveness: Moderate

  • Safe around Children and Pets: Yes

  • Cost Effectiveness: Moderate

Warning: It is important to keep all chemicals, including disinfectants, away from children and pets where they might consume them, as they can be harmful or even fatal if ingested.

Note: Effectiveness is ranked high for disinfectants that are able to kill a wide range of viruses and bacteria, and moderate for those that are effective against most but not all viruses and bacteria.

Hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol are highly effective disinfectants that are safe for use around children and pets and are also cost-effective. Quaternary ammonium compounds are highly effective but are not safe for use around children and pets, and can be moderately expensive. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is highly effective but can be harsh and not safe for use around children and pets, and is cost-effective. Citric acid is moderately effective but safe for use around children and pets and can be moderately expensive.