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The coronavirus known as COVID-19, along with germs that cause colds and flu, is becoming more and more of a concern. Experts advise taking extra steps to keep your home free of germs, not only to prevent illness but also to keep it from spreading if someone is already sick.

Research shows that coronavirus is generally transmitted when an infected person produces respiratory droplets that can affect someone nearby, usually within six feet. For more information about how to protect yourself in public places and at home, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations have published guidelines for preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

According to Aubree Gordon, an epidemiologist and associate professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health, the coronavirus can also spread in other ways. “It is also possibly transmitted through indirect transmission, where the virus is deposited on a surface, people touch the surface and then their mouth, nose or eyes.”

COVID-19 is Not Your Every Day Virus

Dr. Laura Greci Cooke, a board-certified internist, uses disinfecting wipes to clean kitchen countertops, drawer pulls, appliance handles, phones and TV remotes. She also disinfects her steering wheel, pens and computer keyboard. Throughout the day, she frequently washes her hands with soap and water and uses plenty of hand sanitizer. She is also careful to cough into her elbow.

Dr. Cooke doesn’t do all this to help prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. She follows this routine to stop a range of viruses, as well as pathogens that transmit disease. “I describe my routine as 80 percent on the extremely clean spectrum. There are probably people who do more than I do. But I hope it’s effective.”

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The routine described by Dr. Cooke echoes the preventive measures recommended by the CDC and the World Health Organization. The CDC recommends mixing ¼ cup of household chlorine bleach with one gallon of cool water. They also advise using products that say “disinfectant” on the label and include an EPA registration number.

Some products, such as bleach and bleach-based cleaners, typically not recommended by Amna cleaning services, have shown effectiveness against viruses similar to the coronavirus. White vinegar is an alternative that has also shown effectiveness against viruses similar to COVID-19. The key words here are similar viruses.

Here’s How to Protect Your Home and Family Against Coronavirus

Washing your hands and disinfecting household items, surfaces and electronics are the best ways to kill viruses like COVID-19 and germs that cause illness.

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Wash your hands

The CDC recommends washing your hands vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. As an extra precaution, use hand sanitizers that are at least 60 percent alcohol.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Your hands touch many surfaces throughout the day, so picking up germs and viruses is unavoidable. When contaminated, they can transfer viruses through your eyes, nose or mouth.

Clean and disinfect surfaces often

For surface cleaning, you can use bleach as recommended by the CDC, vinegar, commercial disinfectants or a cleaner-disinfectant like Mr. Clean.

Disinfect the right way

Before disinfecting, clean up any dirt or grime on the surface. Follow the guidelines for your disinfectant for best results.

Disinfecting surfaces

Home Appliances Can Help Fight COVID-19

Some washing machines and dishwashers have sanitize or steam settings that meet standards to kill germs. Air purifiers and steam cleaners can also help.

Use a Disinfecting Routine to Combat the Coronavirus

Daily Disinfecting to Prevent Coronavirus

In the kitchen:

  • Clean and disinfect countertops, sink hardware, cabinet pulls, appliance handles and cutting boards.
  • Use dishcloths you can wash on the hot cycle. Replace towels and dishcloths each day.
  • Clean spills so they don’t attract more dirt and bacteria.
  • Empty wastebaskets and spray trash cans with disinfectant daily.

In the bathroom:

  • Clean and disinfect the bathroom faucet and handles.
  • Empty and disinfect wastebaskets daily.
  • Spray the toilet and flush handle with disinfectant or sanitizing wipes.
  • Don’t reuse bath towels or washcloths more than once.

Weekly Disinfecting to Kill Coronavirus Germs

In the kitchen:

  • Wash kitchen sink strainers in the dishwasher.
  • Remove and hand wash oven and range knobs.
  • Clean and disinfect the kitchen sinks.

In the bathroom:

  • Wash and disinfect your toothbrush holder and toothbrushes.
  • Clean and disinfect your bathtub and shower, including shower doors and handles.

Other rooms:

  • Wash bedding in hot water and vacuum carpets.
  • Disinfect keyboards, mice, light switches, phones and remote controls.

If you need help or don’t have time for a disinfecting routine, try one of our affordable cleaning options. Amna Cleaning Services specializes in cleaning for health with commercial-grade vacuums with HEPA filtration that capture up to 99% of dust, allergens and contaminants.