What can you do to prevent COVID-19 from entering your home? Aside from washing your hands, there are many things that you can do to minimize your contact with pathogens. This article outlines some precautionary measures, as well as a guide for creating your own disinfectant at home.

Did you know that the average person gets about three colds each year? And the statistics are higher for people who live and work around young children. But the good news is that you can protect yourself by employing some precautionary measures around your home.

Prevention is Key

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

We’ve all heard it before: wash your hands. But the truth is that this is one of the simplest and most effective ways of controlling bacteria and viruses. If you don’t do it already, get into the habit of washing your hands before you eat and every time you go to the restroom. And if you can teach your kids to do the same, then half the battle against stubborn, recurring colds is won. Also, position a bottle of hand sanitizer by each sink to encourage quick cleaning.

Disinfecting

Having clean air and a clean home is very important when it comes to avoiding sickness. Bathrooms and kitchens especially harbor all kinds of pathogens. Here are a few tips for keeping germs at bay:

• Clean bathrooms and kitchen countertops with a weak bleach solution to kill bacteria and viruses.
• Use the same solution when you mop if you have flooring that will not be harmed by bleach.
• Disinfect dishes by always using your dishwasher on the “hot wash” setting. And don’t forget to include sponges and scrubbing utensils in each load.
• Spray doorknobs at least once a week as part of your cleaning routine. Think of how many people touch those surfaces.
• It’s a good idea to disinfect your family’s toothbrushes once a week, as well. Simply soak toothbrushes for a few minutes in a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Wash thoroughly before resuming use.
• Wash linens and towels in hot water weekly.

[gvblog_contentupgrade cta=”Read Article” heading=”3 Ways to Conserve Household Supplies During a Pandemic” link=”https://www.gvhomes.com/blog/3-ways-to-conserve-household-supplies-during-a-pandemic/” img=”https://www.gvhomes.com/wordpress/../wp-content/uploads/2020/03/paper-towels-cta.png”]Due to COVID-19, many stores are currently low on stock for many essentials. To keep your household running even when you cannot properly shop, follow these simple tips.[/gvblog_contentupgrade]

Create a Homemade Sanitizer The Right Way

Despite what you may hear, a homemade disinfectant made with vodka and essential oils is not strong enough to be effective against the coronavirus. According to the CDC, a sanitizer must be at least 60% alcohol to be effective against Covid-19. Fortunately, the World Health Organization has put together a guide on how to make your own disinfectants at home which will be strong enough to protect your home at your family. The best homemade solutions are composed of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, Distilled Water, and Hydrogen Peroxide.

WHO-recommended Hand Sanitizer Formulations

 

With COVID-19 officially declared a pandemic you can’t be too careful when helping to prevent its spread. Taking certain precautions can cut down on the number of pathogens you come into contact with, thus decreasing your chances of not only getting the disease, but passing it on to others.