By Carolyn Spence Cagle PhD, RNC-E
With multiple viruses (flu, COVID-19, RSV, etc.) circulating around us this winter, it seems relevant to talk about ways to clean” our living environments “smarter to protect ourselves from illness. Recently I was intrigued by several articles in my Washington Post inbox that identified that issue and thought them worthwhile to share with you. I learned some new things and hope you will too!
Great Ideas to Foster Your Health in 2023 (and Increase Your Exercise Opportunities!):
- Clean with a stated purpose – The CDC recommends regular cleaning of high-touch areas (door knobs, light switches, countertops, etc.) during viral season. I normally clean these areas at least once a week if not more often.
- Clean before you disinfect – You need to really clean twice. Remove dirt/debris first and then use a disinfectant second (to remove germs) following product label directions.
- Recall disinfecting and sanitizing are different – Sanitizers kill bacteria but not all viruses. A disinfectant product label lists the viruses destroyed or made inactive to prevent harm.
- Leave cleaners on longer than you think needed – Read product labels and follow the time needed for the product to work by staying wet to disinfect or sanitize.
- Reflect on safe laundry practices – If someone in your house is ill, wear a mask, gloves, and preferably an apron with bed linen bed changes. Avoid shaking the bed linens before you launder them. You can wash those in the same load as other clothes of non-ill persons. Some people leave sheets on the bed for 3 days after COVID and then wash them according to CDC recommendations.
- Clean bathrooms at the end of your cleaning – Make sure ill family members use separate bathrooms from other household members. Wear a mask, gloves and use disposable paper towels to clean up an ill person’s bathroom. Use a bleach based cleaner, leave on for 5 minutes or as recommended on high-touch areas such as toilet flusher, doorknobs, faucet handles, etc., in all bathrooms. Take trash out and wash hands for at least 30 seconds after cleaning.
- Hit other bathroom areas that may harbor germs – Clean the toothbrush holder that is often close to the toilet. Close the toilet lid to minimize waste spray and keep the bowl clean. Keep toothbrush in drawer or medicine cabinet to dry it out and decrease exposure to toilet spray materials.
- Include the kitchen area with cleaning – Wash the underside of the garbage disposal black rubber drain flange by wearing gloves and scrubbing with soap and sponge. Throw the sponge away afterward. Clean the Keurig according to instructions. Prevent contact with mold or yeast by “zapping” used sponges in the microwave for a few minutes or running them through the dishwasher to disinfect. Throw any sponge out that has been used for a week! AND, get in the routine of using a fresh kitchen towel each day (something my husband I seek to do better in 2023!).
References Cited
Herrada, S. (2022, October 18). You’re probably not cleaning these 11 very germy spots. Retrieved from: https://washingtonpost.com/home&garden/2022/10/18/ cleaning-germs-home-surfaces.
Parker-Pope, T. (2022, November 10). How to clean smarter during virus season. Retrieved from: https:// www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/11/10/cleaning[1]germs-viruses-bacteria.