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3 Tips for Sanitizing Homes in the Age of COVID-19

Along with wearing face masks and practicing social distancing, sanitizing homes after the announcement of COVID-19 precautionary measures is a major concern in order to keep everyone healthy. It's always good to have several ways to protect each other against the potentially dangerous pathogens. Here are three tips for sanitizing homes during this global pandemic. 

1. Start Clean

Wearing a face mask and gloves isn't just for going out; it’s also necessary to wear them for protection before you begin sanitizing. Before you begin, you'll want to wash your hands for 15-20 seconds with warm water and soap. While the soap doesn't have to be antibacterial or antiseptic -- remember, COVID-19 is a virus -- you should not use hand dryers but disposable paper towels. 

2. Disinfect Surfaces

It's important to sanitize all the surfaces that household members often come into contact with. Some high-touch surfaces at home you should clean at least once a day include:

• Handheld electronic devices

• Bathroom and kitchen sinks, faucets, countertops, drawers, and cabinets

• Tables, desks, and doors

• Staircases, doorknobs, and handles

• Light switches and switch plates

Properly sanitizing surfaces also requires knowing the right types of chemicals to use because not all chemicals will work against COVID-19. The first step is to pre-clean hard household surfaces with soap and water. According to the CDC, household bleach solutions are effective, as are EPA-registered cleaning products that include isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, disinfecting wipes, and disinfecting sprays.

3. Get a HEPA Air Purifier

Air treatment devices used to be confined only to air filtration. These days, there are air purifiers that not only filter out small particles from the air but that also break up harmful pathogens that make us sick. These devices use ultraviolet light or other technologies to render them harmless.

Nonetheless, a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is a must for any air purifier that you buy. HEPA-filter air purifiers are most effective inside small, enclosed spaces. That means that it's difficult to install this type of air purifier for a multi-room or whole-home project such as in your HVAC system. At the same time, it is in the small and enclosed spaces that you need to take the most precautions, and HEPA-filter air purifiers help keep the air clean.

Even as you’re cleaning your home, there is one caveat regarding these tips: Sanitizing does not prevent the transmission of COVID-19 through large gatherings of people whether they’re inside or outside your home. 

You must use all of these tips to achieve maximum effectiveness. When all three are done together, they create a thorough process of sanitizing your home during COVID-19. You'll ultimately be practicing hygienic and precautionary measures similar to those you would use outdoors with the addition of an air purifier. For anyone who needs greater peace of mind, employing these tips will give you the best protection inside your home.