Skip to main content

How To Clean Your Home and Keep it Virus-Free

Along with social distancing and frequent hand washing, keeping your home clean is another important step in protecting your family and reducing the spread of COVID-19. Since the virus can be found on surfaces and objects, it’s important to clean and disinfect your home thoroughly to reduce your chances of getting sick. Pandemic or not, this is good habit to start practicing. Here’s where to start.

 

USE EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS

It’s important to note the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes dirt and impurities on surfaces, but it does not kill germs. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces through the use of chemicals, but it does not necessarily remove dirt and impurities. If you have a dirty surface, clean it first with soap and water, then apply a commercial disinfectant that contains bleach or alcohol. Check Health Canada’s website for the list of approved disinfectants. If you want to make your own, Health Canada recommends using diluted bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water). Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaners.

 

FOCUS ON THESE PARTICULAR AREAS

Some surfaces attract more germs than others. You probably know what they are: doorknobs, light switches, faucets, drawer pulls, keys, phones, countertops, tables, keyboards, remote controls, toilet, fridge handles, toys, and fitness equipment. Put on disposable gloves and wipe these surfaces regularly.

 

TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF SOMEONE IS SICK

If someone in your home is sick, you’ll need to take extra steps. If you’re sharing a bathroom, the person who is sick should clean and disinfect after each use. Wash dishes and utensils with soap and hot water. Line trach cans with plastic bags. Launder clothes on the warmest water setting, avoid shaking dirty laundry, and clean and disinfect hampers often. 

WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER YOU'RE FINISHED

Once you’re done cleaning, throw out your gloves and wash your hands right away with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Holiday Travel Tips for Your Home

The festive holidays are approaching, and calendars are already filling up. Whether you’re staying with family around the country or taking an extended leave to escape the winter, you may be planning to leave your home vacant for more than a day or two. To ward against coming home to the wrong kind of holiday surprise, here’s what to do before you depart. Cheap Wi-Fi cameras Security equipment might sound high-tech and expensive, but securing your home against potential intrusion doesn’t cost much. For around $30, you should be able to outfit your home with WIFI cameras which are home assistant compatible. Shut the main water off Remember to shut off the main water supply if you plan to be away from your home for more than a day. In the event of a plumbing failure, your home could fall prey to serious water damage. Install smart water sensors in your basement Installing a smart water sensor in your basement can easily save a lot of money and worry. Some models will alert you to leaks a...

GTA REALTORS Release March 2025 Stats

Homeownership in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) became more affordable in March 2025 compared to the previous year. On average, both borrowing costs and home prices have declined over the past year, making monthly payments more manageable for households looking to buy a home. “Homeownership has become more affordable over the past 12 months, and we expect further rate cuts this spring. Buyers will also benefit from increased choice, giving them greater negotiating power. Once consumers feel confident in the economy and their job security, home buying activity should improve,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Elechia Barry-Sproule. “Given the current trade uncertainty and the upcoming federal election, many households are likely taking a wait-and-see approach to home buying. If trade issues are solved or public policy choices help mitigate the impact of tariffs, home sales will likely increase. Home buyers need to feel their employment situation is solid before ...

TRREB MLS® SALES MARCH 2025