The following blog article was written for Maid to Order; a cleaning service provider in Reno, NV. It has been edited for length and content for this blog. The original article can be found on their website.

What a crazy time to be alive! In less than a month’s time, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and function. Workplaces and schools have closed. Therefore, more time is being spent at home. This can be a good thing.

However, we all still need to run and grab essentials now and then. And even if we’re being cautious and self-isolating as frequently as possible, we all want to make sure to avoid bringing COVID-19 into our homes.

Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the nation and growing by the day. The United States is now the worldwide leader in Coronavirus cases. Naturally, people are concerned about the safety of themselves and their families. And this can be tough for anyone who’s in a “going green” mindset. After all, trying to reuse and repurpose certain plastic containers is a pretty common practice for anyone trying to live a “green” lifestyle. But there are ways you can still reduce your plastic waste while keeping your family safe from this virus. So, what can you do to protect your loved ones from contracting or spreading COVID-19? You’ll see below.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are a number of steps you can take to keep your home safe. The first step is to clean surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and light switches with a light soap and water solution. Soap is your friend! After taking care of those and other high-contact areas, remember to clean phones and computer keyboards as well.

Sanitizing & Disinfecting – There’s a Difference

Yup. You read that correctly. There’s a big difference between sanitizing and disinfecting the surfaces in your home. While sanitizing refers to a general lowering in the number of germs, disinfecting’s goal is to wipe them out with nearly 100% accuracy. To clarify, the CDC had this to say:

“Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs. However, by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.”

“Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. However, by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.”

Protecting Your Home and Family During the COVID-19 Pandemic

With COVID-19 circulating in all areas of society, simple cleaning and sanitizing just doesn’t cut it right now. And while using gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing practices are wise in public, the home should be disinfected as well. Safety is the goal here and you can never be too careful in times like these. It’s important to find a professional house cleaner who has your best interests in mind. Especially if you’re in a hotbed state like California or New York.

During the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC recommends certain precautions be taken in the home to keep things as sterile as possible. They also recommend a specific list of approved cleaners to get the job done right. For CDC best practices, refer to the guidelines below:

Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces
  • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Discard gloves after each cleaning. If you’re trying to go green and reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated to cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. Do not use them for other purposes.
  • Prior to disinfection, dirty surfaces should be cleaned using a detergent or soap.
  • For disinfection, common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
    • Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface.
    • Ensure a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application.
    • Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against COVID-19 when properly diluted.
  • Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Soft (Porous) Surfaces
  • For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
    • Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items. Additionally, make sure to dry items completely.
Electronics
  • For electronics such as phones, tablets, remote controls, and keyboards, remove visible contamination if present.
    • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
    • Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.
    • If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol
    • Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
Linens, Clothing, and Laundry
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person. Then, discard after each use. As always, make sure to clean your hands immediately after gloves are removed.
    • Wash hands when handling dirty laundry.
    • If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air.
    • If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.
    • Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to the guidance above for surfaces.
    • If possible, use disposable liners or ones that can be laundered.

Contact Maid to Order to Schedule Your Cleaning Service

Maid to Order is your number one choice for residential house cleaning! We pride ourselves on attention to detail and a friendly staff that always goes above and beyond to make sure you are 100% satisfied!

We offer a tailored set of one-time and regularly scheduled cleaning services of all sorts. Maid to Order services clients in Reno, Sparks, Stead, Lemon Valley, Cold Springs, Red Rock, Sun Valley, Spanish Springs, and Wingfield Springs, NV.

At Maid to Order, we offer Weekly/Bi-Weekly, Monthly, Move Out-Ins, and One-Time cleanings. We pride ourselves on attention to detail…quality over quantity. Put a stop to grit, grime, and household clutter! Free up your time with top-notch maid services from Maid to Order. After all, you have better things to do!

Contact Maid to Order now for more information on our variety of cleaning services and a free estimate. Reach out to us by email or directly by phone at 775-813-0388.

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