Coronavirus Cleaning-Part 1

Coronavirus Cleaning is the purpose of this article is to issue advice on the purifying and sanitization of homes where persons under investigation (PUI) or those with confirmed COVID-19 live or may be in self-imposed isolation. The goal is to restrict the survival of the virus in these surroundings. These guidelines will be updated should further information become available.

These directions are centered upon household settings and are intended to inform the general public. In this instance, cleaning pertains to the elimination of germs, dirt, and other pollutants from surfaces. In and of itself cleaning will not kill germs, but by cleansing the area it decreases their numbers and the likelihood of circulating infection.

Disinfecting involves the use of chemicals to kill germs left behind on surfaces. This does not clean dirty surfaces or eliminate germs, but by killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning is completed, it can help to lower the chance of spreading infection.

Community members should enforce regular cleaning of surfaces that are repeatedly touched. (For example light switches, doorknobs, handles, tables, desks, sinks, faucets, and toilets). With regular home purifiers and  EPA-registered sanitize rs that are okay ed for the particular surface.

Following the instructions written on the label.

Coronavirus Cleaning-Part 2

It is important to read labels because they carry directions for proper and safe use of the sanitizing product. These comprise precautions you need to take when using the product, like donning gloves and ensuring you have enough ventilation. It is important that household members are taught about COVID-19 symptoms and stopping COVID-19 from spreading throughout their home. Frequently touched surfaces should be clean and disinfected every day in commonly used areas (e.g. switches, doorknobs, remote controls, tables, hard-backed chairs, desks, sinks, faucets, and toilets).

Concerning the bedroom/bathroom reserved for a sick person: the caregiver should cut back on how often
they clean, only doing so when necessary in order to keep contact with the sick person at a minimum. For as much as is practical, a sick person should remain in one room and avoid others living in the home. To make things easier, the caregiver should supply the sick person with their own cleaning items for their room and bathroom.

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The supplies referred to include such items as paper towels, tissues, and disinfectants. (Examples of these items can be found at this linkpdf iconexternal.icon). In a case where an individual bathroom is not an option, it is essential that the bathroom be purified and sanitized whenever the sick person has used it. If time restrictions or other reasons make doing this not practical, then cleanup should wait as long as possible. After the sick person has used the facilities. Fellow members of the household would be wise to follow home care instructions when interacting with an individual either diagnosed or suspected COVID-19.

With isolation rooms/bathrooms.

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Surfaces

Wash hands immediately after removing the gloves.

In case the surfaces are dirty, cleaning should be done with either plain soap and water or detergent before disinfection is performed. Products that can be used for the purpose of disinfection are alcohol and bleach mixtures containing no less 70% alcohol and most EPA-registered sanitizers.

Bleaches

It’s permitted to use bleach mixtures that are slightly weakened if they won’t harm the surface area you’re treating. Simply read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Check carefully to be certain the product has not passed its expiration date.

A word of warning here, absolutely do not combine household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner. Using this will be effective at eliminating the coronavirus when correctly diluted.

Preparing a Bleach Solution

A bleach solution can be made by doing the following:
Stir in 5 tbs (1/3 cup) bleach for each gallon of water or  4 tsps. bleach for each quart of water. When dealing with soft (porous) surfaces like rugs, drapes, carpeted floors, remove any contamination that you can see if it exists.

And clean using the correct cleaners for these types of surfaces. Once cleaning is  complete launder items. Items should be washed by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the hottest water and dry them entirely.

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Or use products which carry the correct EPA-approved claims: (linkpdf iconexternal icon) that are acceptable for use on porous surfaces. Regarding things such as clothing, linens, towels, etc. that require laundering.

Always don gloves that are disposable touching a sick person’s laundry and then promptly throw away when finished. If you opt to wear reusable gloves, these should be reserved strictly for laundry and cleaning.

And disinfecting of surfaces for COVID-19 and should never be used for any other reason in the household. Wash hands thoroughly immediately after taking gloves off. If you do not use gloves when touching dirty laundry, be certain that you thoroughly wash your hands immediately after. Before washing, do not shake out the laundry.

This will lessen the chances of the virus being airborne. Wash items by following the manufacturer’s directions. Use the warmest water setting and dry them thoroughly. It is possible to wash a sick person’s laundry with that of other people.

Hand Care and Other Measures

Coronavirus Cleaning-Part 6

Persons in the household should remember to thoroughly wash their hands frequently, especially after taking off gloves or having any type of contact with a sick person. In a case where soap and water are not readily accessible and hands remain fairly clean, not visibly dirty, using a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol or more will substitute.

But if hands are visibly dirty, don’t wait before washing with soap and water. Members of the household should strictly adhere to normal preventative actions both when at work and at home, including proper hand hygiene and keeping from touching the eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands.

When to Wash Hands
1. After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
2. After using the restroom.
3. After contact with pets or other animals.
4. Before preparing or eating food.
5. Before and after routinely caring for another person (e.g. a child).

Other Considerations

Feed the sick person in their room. If using non-disposable food service items, touch them only while wearing gloves and wash them in hot water or a dishwasher. Don’t fail to wash hands thoroughly after touching used food service items.

Provide a lined trash can for the exclusive use of the sick individual. Wear gloves when taking out trash bags, handling, and disposing of trash. Wash hands thoroughly after disposing of or handling trash You may want to discuss trash disposal instructions with your local health department.