How To Clean Surfaces and Objects to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

How To Clean Surfaces and Objects to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19? Covid-19 has impacted the lives of people all over the world. Singapore is not an exception. We all are focusing on the required preventive measures to protect ourselves from this deadly virus.

The first and foremost step is to disinfect all the possible areas. We need to disinfect and clean surfaces and objects to minimize any exposure. The virus can survive on surfaces for two to three days.

Therefore, you will have to clean the surfaces and disinfect them to reduce the risk. Here the question comes how to disinfect surfaces.

Currently, many disinfectants and cleaning agents are available. Most of them claim to be effective against the coronavirus. Should you trust them? No, you do not need to go by their claims.

Instead, you will have to know which ingredients and chemicals are effective against the virus. As stated by NEA, you will have to clean surfaces and objects with active ingredients.

What Are the Active Ingredients?

National Environment Agency has offered a list of active ingredients. You can use those ingredients to clean your surfaces and objects.

The active ingredients include benzalkonium chloride, chloroxylenol, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, isopropanol, ethanol, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, povidone-iodine, sodium chlorite, and a few others.

These ingredients can kill the virus. However, you will have to focus on the right concentration. Apart from that, you will follow the contact time to ensure complete disinfection against the virus.

What about Other Cleaning Products

There are countless cleaning products. They might help to clean your surfaces. Also, some of them might be effective against Covid-19. However, the efficiency will be questionable based on environmental conditions, application methods, and shelf life.

We can take the example of hydrogen peroxide. You will find this ingredient in many cleaning products. It is effective against this virus as well. But, the humidity level might impact the overall result. The same is about the active chlorine.

It can offer protection, but its source, sodium chloride, will limit its effectiveness.

We can say that all the disinfectant and cleaning products cannot ensure complete disinfection. Some of them can clean and disinfect surfaces. However, humidity levels might influence the performance.

Also, the active chlorine comes from many precursors. Even if the ingredient itself is helpful, its origin will decide the efficiency of the end product.

Before using any cleaning product, you will have to be aware of its effectiveness. Otherwise, you cannot get the desired benefits. You might think that you have cleaned all the objects and surfaces thoroughly.

However, the virus will still be there and can cause infection. Check the ingredients of the product to avoid confusion. In addition to product ingredients, you will have to check the concentration.

How to Clean Surfaces and Objects

First, you will have to choose the right product. Next, you can wipe down the objects and surfaces with that product. You will have to wipe down twice to disinfect and remove the virus. By wiping twice, you can remove the organic matter and ensure complete disinfection.

Every cleaning product comes with some specific instructions. Read the instructions to know how to use the product.

There might be some safety requirements. Therefore, you will have to go through them to avoid any health hazards. Also, keep your young kids and pets away from disinfectants. You might need to wear goggles, gloves, or any other protective tools while using the product.

You can start your cleaning with visibly dirty objects and surfaces. Also, you will have to ensure proper ventilation during cleaning. You can open windows and doors to get fresh air. If you cannot open doors, you can switch on the fan. It will improve airflow and prevent suffocation.

Follow the instructions carefully while disinfecting. After cleaning, you can remove all the protective gear and then wash your hands with water. If water is not available, you can use a proper sanitizer (alcohol-based) to disinfect your hands.

Remember that cleaning and disinfecting products contain different types of chemicals. If you cannot handle them properly, you might experience some health issues such as skin irritation and even breathing problems.

Do You Need Regular Cleaning?

Regular cleaning can help with proper disinfection. You cannot avoid regular cleaning when any of your family members step out every day. While cleaning, you will have to focus on the high-touch surfaces. You need to clean high-touch surfaces daily. Here are a few things you will have to clean and disinfect every day.

• Drawer and cupboard knobs
• Faucet, bathroom, and kitchen counters
• Game controllers and remote controls
• Dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave handles
• Cellphones and tablets
• Computer mice and keyboards
• Light switches and table surfaces
• Doorknobs and handles

All these things need daily disinfection and cleaning. The most important things are your door handles and smartphones. You can clean them every day to prevent the spreading of the virus. Also, you will have to wear disposable gloves while cleaning these items. You can wear and discard gloves after using them.

However, when disposable gloves are not available, you can wear whatever you have. But make sure that you have disinfected the gloves after using them. You should avoid reusing gloves without washing.

Apart from high-touch areas, you will have to clean other surfaces. However, you can clean them whenever needed. You will have to focus more on the cleaning if any of your family members has some chronic condition.

Can You Hire Professionals?

Yes, you can hire professionals if you are relocating. Professionals can disinfect the entire home. However, you cannot hire professionals for regular cleaning. You will have to understand the cleaning requirements.

Most importantly, you will have to choose a proven cleaning and disinfecting solution to clean your Singapore home or office.

How Can I Clean Surfaces and Objects to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 – Conclusion

Covid-19 might stay for a few years or even more. We will have to protect ourselves from this virus. Here our weapon is proper hygiene and cleanliness. Make sure that you are using the correct cleaning product to clean surfaces and objects.

Also, follow other preventive measures to avoid an infection. With adequate measures, we can protect ourselves and the people around us.