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Posted on: August 4, 2020 | by: admin
The world is in the throes of a health crisis, and Florida is one of its epicenters. As of this writing, the state has recorded over 400,000 cases and is the second highest state in numbers after California. Unfortunately, cases are still rising exponentially, with Florida recording over 9,000 cases in a single day 23 times in 27 days (from July 1 to July 27). This has led to a drastic increase in hospitalizations across the Sunshine State, whose ICU capacity is now just 17%.
Such developments underscore the need for both prudence and vigilance in how we go about our daily lives. Aside from wearing a mask in public and staying home as much as possible, it’s also important to keep your home clean and free of any viruses or germs.
Deep clean your house regularly
Sanitizing and disinfecting have become buzzwords, and you’ll need to do both to keep your home clean and safe. But before doing anything else to protect your home, experts told ABC7NY that cleaning should come first. “Sanitizing and disinfecting won’t be effective if the surface is dirty,” explains Good Housekeeping’s Caroline Forte, “so you really do need to clean first before you disinfect or sanitize.” This warrants a thorough cleaning every now and then throughout your home — including light switches, walls, closets, mattresses, and appliances.
Identify germ hotspots
Harmful bacteria like, staphylococcus aureus and salmonella, as well as viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, can live on surfaces for 4–72 hours, and are more common in certain parts of your home. Healthline’s list of the dirtiest spots in your home lists the kitchen as number 1, with dish sponges and rags the worst for harboring salmonella and E.coli. Commonly touched surfaces such as knobs, handles, and switches are germ hotspots too, as are the bathroom, laundry area, and your personal items (e.g., keys, smartphone, wallet). These hotspots necessitate more of your attention, and will need to be cleaned and sanitized as often as possible — preferably using the right cleaning products.
Equip yourself with the right cleaning products
With the right cleaning products, the same bacteria and viruses that can thrive in your home can also be eliminated. An article on killing germs and viruses by HomeServe recommends soap and water as one of the most effective options. This combination, in fact, works best against viruses, as it inactivates the virus by dissolving its fats (which act as binders). Other excellent options are diluted household bleach solutions (hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite), 70% alcohol solutions, and anti-viral household disinfectants (e.g. Airysol, Spraypak, etc.). Alternatively, you can try this homemade cleaning solution by Wired: 4 teaspoons household bleach on 1 quart water.
De-clutter
Chances are, your home has some clutter, like those old sneakers gathering dust in the closet, those outdated and unused smartphones, and that laptop you’re no longer using. It would be best to dispose of them, so there’ll be fewer objects where dirt and germs can accumulate. Not to mention, having less clutter makes home cleaning easier and faster. Having said that, we understand that there is stuff you just can’t part with. In that case, you can look into Personal Storage Solutions, so you’ll have a safe and secure place to keep some of your other things.
We’re no doubt in some scary and trying times. But if you take the necessary precautions and keep your home always clean and sanitized, we believe you’ll be safe and healthy.
Piece written by Candace Lane for lighthousestorage.com
Find a storage unit near you today & start de-cluttering your home to maintain a healthy environment. For more tips and inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest at @LighthouseUnits.
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