With the coronavirus trapping many of us in our own homes, more workers than ever before are discovering the merits of working from home. But, just like your regular office, our homes can harbor germs just as easily. And if you’re not regularly cleaning high-touch areas or if you’re not using disinfectants the right way, you may not only be spreading germs but you might not actually be killing them the way you intended.

Here’s a quick guide on how to keep up with high-touch areas around the home and on the proper use of disinfectants to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Identify High-Touch Areas

Your first priority when trying to keep germs from spreading in the home should be the high-touch areas. These are the areas that people are likely to touch frequently throughout the day and as such, they are also the areas most likely to harbor and spread germs. High-touch areas include things like: doorknobs, tables, countertops, light switches, handles, office equipment, keyboards, keypads, phones, tablets, touchscreens, and sink faucets.

Germs on any of these surfaces are most likely to spread rapidly because of the high touch frequency, which is why these surfaces should be your first priority.

Basic Cleaning

• Hard, non-porous surfaces should be cleaned using soap and water, then disinfected using an EPA-approved disinfectant.
• For soft surfaces such as carpets, drapes, and rugs, clean using an appropriate cleaner and launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• For electronics, check the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and disinfection. If no guidance is available, consider using an EPA-approved disinfectant or a disinfectant with at least 70% alcohol. When you’re finished, dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling liquids.

Disinfecting and Cleaning

There are a plethora of options to choose from when deciding on a disinfectant or cleaner to use in your home. Certain products are designed to be sprayed and allowed to air dry while others require spraying and then wiping. When using a disinfectant or cleaner, it’s absolutely critical to read the product label. The label will provide information on what germs can be killed using it but also on how to properly use the contents to get the intended results. 

Download the full eGuide to learn more!