Did you know the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours? Disinfecting and sterilising your home can reduce your risk of getting sick. Here are some tips on how to sterilise your home that our telehealth doctors from 13 DOCTOR have put together.
What should I disinfect?
Think about the household items and surfaces you and your family touch. These can include:
- Your phone and computer
- TV remote control
- Bathroom
- Table surfaces
- Toys
- Sheets, blankets and towels
- Pet dishes
How to disinfect surface?
To disinfect surfaces, you can use an antibacterial cleaner. Wipe the surface so it remains visibly wet for four minutes and then let it dry. For hard surfaces you can also use a solution of half bleach to three to four litres of water, allowing the solution to be inContact with the surface for at least five minutes then let it air-dry.
Be mindful not to spread germs unintentionally, so clean your mop or cloth before re-using on another surface.
Don’t want to use nasty chemicals? Here are some safe disinfecting methods
Vinegar: An all-natural disinfectant containing acetic acid which is great for killing mould. It can clean glass and stainless steel without leaving streaks and will clean mould out of sinks and toilets.
Hydrogen Peroxide: This product is natural and can be used with vinegar to remove stains on carpets and clothes.
Tea Tree Oil: An essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca tree. It is a natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic. When mixed with water it can be used to clean countertops and tiles.
Baking Soda: This is not a disinfectant but can be an effective cleanser when combines with other natural disinfectants like vinegar. Combines with water, baking soda can make a paste that will clean microwaves and other appliances.
How to reduce spreading germs around the house?
If someone in your household is sick, take extra care by cleaning towels, clothes, bed sheets and surfaces regularly. Don’t use sponges for cleaning. Instead, use disposable paper towels or microfibre cloths. Also, clean mops before using them on different surfaces.
We hope this article has answered your question of wow to sterilise your home.