CDC Cleaning and Safety Tips

July 22, 2020

It is safe to say that the news is overwhelming. Now that we are knee deep in this pandemic there are a few things that have become drilled into our heads: listen to top official doctors, practice physical distancing, wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your home clean.

When it comes to knowing what to do during COVID-19 to stay safe, we’re all a little lost and unsure of what best practices are. This is where we come in to break down the cleaning and safety tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for fighting infections like COVID-19 or H1N1.

Preventing yourself from contracting COVID-19 is the first place to start to keep you and your loved ones safe.

The CDC advocates for practicing handwashing multiples times a day.

It is important to wash your hands to prevent the spread of disease and germs. It is recommended to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (about the length of “Happy Birthday”) with soap and warm water, or alcohol based hand sanitizer if you are in a pinch. Here are some times where hand washing is not only recommended, but vital to your health:

  • Before, during, and after preparing food (and before consuming any food).

  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick and after treating a cut or wound.

  • After using the washroom, blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or changing diapers on a child.

  • After handing animals, animal food, and garbage.

There are many more opportunities throughout the days where handwashing is necessary, so do not limit yourself to the above list

Disinfect common areas at least twice a day.

During these times a deep clean once a week does not cut it. There are many high touch surfaces in your home that you may be forgetting to clean, or are not cleaning often enough. There are some areas that are strongly recommended to be cleaned daily, if not twice a day to prevent the spread of germs and COVID-19.

Make sure you are using the correct cleaning products

Taking a trip to the supermarket or local grocery store to shop for cleaning supplies can go from a quick trip to minutes spent lost in the cleaning aisle. Should I use the spray with harsh chemicals, should I go the green clean route, does the statement “kills 99.9% of germs” really ring true? When it comes to cleaning supplies that kill COVID-19 we have you covered.

In the United States, The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided a list of cleaners and disinfectants for use against COVID-19. Canada has provided the same information on how to know if your cleaning products kill COVID-19

While these resources are helpful, there is a lot of jargon that can be confusing. We have broken it down for you so you know you are using the right cleaning products.

While this pandemic is far from over, knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones during these times can provide some comfort.