The best way to avoid COVID-19 is to stay at home and practice social distancing tactics whenever possible, Unfortunately, most people are forced to leave home for essential needs like food and medicine. Additionally, many people are still working during the pandemic to continue to provide essential services. While most people are aware of the dangers of contracting COVID-19 from direct human contact, far fewer understand the dangers of germy surfaces. When you have to go out in public during the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitizing surfaces are important techniques before, during, and after your outing.
Approved Cleaning Products that Kill Coronavirus/COVID-19 Germs
Many home cleaners are effective against killing the germs that cause COVID-19. The EPA has released a list of chemicals that are effective to use against COVID-19. These are a few common disinfectants you may already have in your home that are included on the list.
- Soap and water- Simple but effective when you use it properly
- Clorox multi-surface cleaner, bleach, disinfecting wipes, Commercial Solutions Disinfecting Spray
- Lysol brand Max Cover Mist, Heavy-Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate, Clean & Fresh Multi-surface Cleaner
- Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes
- Sani-prime Germicidal Spray
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Rubbing Alcohol (at least 70% alcohol)
- Elbow Grease: Don’t just swipe surfaces, scrubbing surfaces completely destroys the germs that cause COVID-19
Properly Sanitizing Surfaces in Your Car
During the last few months, you’ve likely been acutely aware of the dangers of picking up germs from public surfaces. However, you may not have considered the dangers of germs lurking on the surfaces of your own possessions. If you take moderately good care of your vehicle, it probably looks fairly clean. Unfortunately, looks can be deceiving. In fact, your steering wheel is likely dirtier than a public toilet seat.
Germ Hotspots in Your Car
You probably don’t think about how many surfaces you touch inside your car. (Although, you might suddenly be thinking a lot more about how much you touch the steering wheel!) Practically every surface in your vehicle is designed to be at the reach of your fingertips. It ‘s great for convenience, but not so great for the spread of germs. Pay special attention to these surfaces when sanitizing your car.
Instant. Simple. Smart We Make Insurance Easy
Instant. Simple. Smart
We Make Insurance Easy
Find Out How Much You Can Save Today
Take the first step towards peace of mind with LoPriore’s team. Experience tailored insurance solutions that fit your lifestyle and budget. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and see the difference expertise makes!
- Car keys and fobs
- Interior and exterior door handles
- Steering wheel
- Power ignition button, window switches, radio, GPS, other buttons and dials
- Cup holders
- Headrests
- Seat belts and buckles
- Gear shift
- Air vents
- Grab handles
- Seat pockets
- Car seats and booster seats
Tips to Sanitize Your Vehicle
Every surface you touch inside your car has germs on it right now. If you didn’t clean and sanitize your car after the last time you drove it, now is the time to get started. Use these tips to properly sanitize your car.
- Wearing disposable gloves, begin by cleaning the surfaces of your car with soapy water to remove grime so disinfectants will work properly.
- Sanitize your car completely with a disinfectant product effective against coronavirus.
- Keep cleaner or sanitizing wipes in your car to effectively remove germs from surfaces like seat belts and door handles.
- Alcohol-based products (must be at least 70% alcohol to kill coronavirus) are typically safe to use on all surfaces in your car. Avoid bleach, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia because they can damage your car’s interior.
- If possible, do not ride in a vehicle with someone who suspects they may have COVID-19.
- Use sanitizing wipes when touching hotspots like gas pumps, keypads, fuel door and cap, parking meters, toll booths, ATMs, and other public spaces used by customers.
- If possible, avoid bringing the kids when you run necessary errands. However, remember that leaving children in the car is NEVER a safe option. Prepare children to go in public spaces with a warning to keep hands in pockets. Provide them with a face mask if available, and help your kids properly apply hand sanitizer before they get back in the car.
- Sanitize your car after every trip to ensure you’ll be ready for an emergency or unexpected outing.
Properly Sanitizing Surfaces in Your Home
Cleaning your home is a routine you’re likely comfortable with. Still, it’s essential to take special care to use regular sanitization techniques frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the most common surfaces most people remember to take care of include counters, tables, and large kitchen surfaces. This leaves some of the most high-traffic areas loaded with germs that everyone in your family is exposed to.
Germ Hotspots in Your Home
While you may be taking special care to keep dishes, utensils, and the kitchen table sparkly clean, there are several surfaces that your family touches far more frequently. Pay special attention to these hotspots when sanitizing your home.
- Doorknobs and handles
- Light switches
- Faucets
- TV and game remotes
- Phones and tablets
- Cabinets and drawers
- Handles (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, etc.)
- Computer keyboard and mouse
- Knobs and buttons on appliances
- Wallets and purses
Tips for Sanitizing Your Home and Office
By now, your home might have reached a sort of controlled chaos that many people are calling “a new normal.” You’re working, the kids are studying–and germy fingers are touching everything. Before you resolve to set off a fire alarm every half hour for emergency hand scrubbing breaks, take a deep breath and use these tips to routinely sanitize your home’s surfaces.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean before disinfecting.
- Use disinfectant wipes to quickly wipe down high-traffic surfaces once or twice daily.
- Sanitize soft surfaces with a disinfectant spray.
- Combine one cup of bleach with 5 gallons of water to clean and sanitize non-porous floors.
- Ensure everyone washes their hands properly immediately after returning from an outing.
- Many employees must visit the office from time to time for supplies. Post a list of disinfecting techniques and supply of disinfectant wipes in every room.
- Sanitize your wallet and the items inside (including money) daily.
- Always wash your hands after cleaning and sanitizing.
Find More Tips for Sanitizing Surfaces in Your Home and Car
Prevention and attention to detail are your best defenses against the germs that cause COVID-19 and other dangerous illnesses. As every country across the world works to fight the pandemic, do your part to keep your family safe and stop the spread of COVID-19 in your community. By working together, we will emerge from this crisis stronger and closer than ever before. Contact us to learn more.
