In times of coronavirus, colds and flu, it is necessary to maintain good hygiene to reduce the chances of developing pathologies. This not only involves following basic recommendations such as hand washing, but you should also disinfect the house daily and remove all possible dirt.
It is vitally important that you have adequate hygiene at home whether or not you are sick. First, to reduce the chances of becoming infected. And finally, if you already have symptoms , so as not to pass it on to those who live with you.
In addition to washing your hands very often and staying home if you feel unwell , there are other recommendations you should follow to avoid getting sick or infecting others.
Put these 7 tips to use to disinfect your home and keep it clean to reduce the risk of disease.
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Clean your computer, mobile phone and electronic devices
Germs, bacteria, and viruses can survive on the surface of these objects , sometimes for several hours and in some cases for up to a full day.
Computer keyboards fill up with bacteria if you don’t clean them frequently. In fact, microbiologists recommend cleaning it at least once a week . The same thing happens with the screen of mobile phones and other devices such as tablets or electronic readers.
Another tip to keep in mind is to wash your hands before and after using a computer, especially if you are in flu season or other illnesses. Although if you are the only person who uses this device you will only be in contact with your own bacteria, so there is no great danger.
To clean these devices the first thing you should do is turn them off and have them disconnected from the power. Then you can apply a solution that contains water and alcohol and rub with a cloth.
You have to keep in mind that you take your mobile phone everywhere, so it can be a focus of germs.
Also Read: Tips to boost immunity and protect yourself against coronavirus
Disinfects clothing and any fabric products
For a simple matter of hygiene, you should wash clothes with the appropriate frequency. It really depends on the garment in question: underwear should be given a single use before cleaning, pajamas can last 3 uses and pants 5 or 6 at most , according to the Ideal newspaper .
But you don’t just have to look at the clothing. Bedding can be a focus of bacteria that ends up causing or worsening certain diseases . The most hygienic thing is to clean the sheets once a week , at least.
If you do not maintain this hygiene in bedding you can have allergy-like symptoms: sneezing, itching, and mucus buildup . And in the case of allergies you will end up making it worse.
Don’t neglect cleaning the bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most sensitive places in a house in terms of hygiene, since it is an important focus of bacteria and disease transmission.
Each area of the bathroom must be cleaned at a certain frequency , the toilet is not the same as the shower, for example. The division can be established as follows:
- Toilet and sink: at least once a week.
- Shower: at least once every two weeks, although the curtains must be cleaned weekly.
- Sponges: daily, placing them in boiling water for 2 minutes.
If you live with family or roommates this frequency should be increased as needed. And in the event that there is a sick person or a possible spread of the flu , daily cleaning should not be ruled out.
There are other issues to consider. Rubbing your skin too much when you shower , spending too much time sitting on the toilet, or not lowering the lid to flush the toilet are a few mistakes you make every day in the bathroom .
Pay special attention to the kitchen
Along with the bathroom it is the most dangerous area of a home in terms of bacteria and germs. The kitchen should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. This includes all the appliances you use when treating food.
The microwave should be cleaned once a week, preferably using water and vinegar using a sprayer. The refrigerator, however, only needs a monthly cleaning as long as it is done thoroughly and with a disinfectant . Although the drawer in which the vegetables are kept has to be cleaned every 2 weeks.
Many bacteria and viruses can enter your body through food , so it is necessary to maintain a very careful cleaning in the kitchen. Not only in case of illness or flu, but throughout the year.
Try not to accumulate unwashed dishes in the sink. And if you have a coffee maker, use vinegar to clean it , as long as you rinse it with plenty of water afterwards so that the flavor disappears.
There are surfaces that are not cleaned frequently because they go unnoticed
This is the case of the door handles and knobs. If you are a carrier of a virus you can leave the trail anywhere , especially on these small surfaces that you use very regularly, almost without realizing it.
A door with germs can spread diseases very easily, both at home and in the workplace. You have to clean the knobs on a regular basis , add it to your daily cleaning routine.
If someone at home is sick you have to clean it much more frequently.
Floor and rugs: minimum once a week
Carpets and rugs are the birthplace of germs , and you should pay special attention to this aspect if you live with a pet .
Carpets must be vacuumed at least once a week. The kitchen and bathroom floors should be swept and mopped at least 2 times every week . In the case of the kitchen whenever it is necessary, for the pieces of food that can be scattered.
Don’t skimp on cleaning towels
The ones you use after showering, the ones you have to dry your hands or even the kitchen rags. All of these objects are susceptible to harboring bacteria.
If the shower towel starts to smell bad, it’s a sign that you should clean it, as germs are growing on it . A towel has to be washed every 3 uses , and a kitchen towel every 2 days.
Of course nothing to share towels with a sick person. Each one must have their own and take care of their hygiene.
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