Disinfecting Homes for COVID-19

If you recently bought a home, sold your home or just want to sanitize thoroughly because you want to stop the spread of COVID-19, here are some things to consider to get the best clean and prevent germs that cause coronavirus from living on surfaces in your home. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may remain for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is the best practice for prevention of COVID-19.

Start with High-Touch Surfaces

A high-touch surface are places that multiple people touch, many times a day. This can include tables, doorknobs, light switches, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, keyboards, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks. These surfaces are ones that should be focused on right away. If you just bought or sold your home, you will want to rid your home of the germs that belonged to those showing or viewing the home while you weren’t around.

Use a Solution to Kill Coronavirus Germs

When choosing a cleaner to disinfect, you’ll want to make sure it will kill coronavirus. You can dilute bleach with water or choose a product like Lysol or Clorox. Isopropyl alcohol and Hydrogen peroxide work as well. Either way, you’ll want to be sure the solution you’re using is meant to kill the virus.

For soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, or drapes, you need to launder items as the manufacturer states. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Otherwise, use products that are EPA-approved for use against the coronavirus and are suitable for soft surfaces. Follow the same instruction for linens and clothing.

Consider Other Surfaces

Since this virus, among others, is spread through respiratory droplets, remember that there may be germs residing places that aren’t on the high-touch list. Consider wiping down entire doors in rooms like the restroom, kitchen, or living rooms.

Bottom Line

Disinfecting is easy in an empty house, so it can be done quickly. But luckily, the germs that cause COVID-19 have been proven to only live three to four days so if you don’t have time to deep clean your home before finishing a move, you can rest easier if it’s been vacant for a few days.

Stopping the spread of this virus can be done, it’s just a matter of being vigilant with disinfection and prevention.