We’re living in uncertain times.
In the times of COVID-19, we’re washing our hands more than ever. We’re social distancing, self-isolating, safely caring for our neighbours and those in need (from a distance), and protecting our communities, countries, and frontline workers in health care and other essential services.
We can take further steps in preventing COVID-19 by also keeping everything our hands touch frequently clean and disinfected.
As an extra reminder (we know you’re already wiping a lot of these things down), we’ve made a list of 12 things to clean and disinfect all the time to help you stay safe and healthy in the time of the coronavirus.
Stay safe and healthy (practice social distancing, stay home, and wash your hands).
Now grab those wipes and get cleanin’!
YOUR HANDS
Let’s just start here (the #1 things to keep clean). Wash your hands with soap and water, stay safe and healthy. Be sure you’re washing your hands the right way, for the right amount of time (20-30 seconds). Check out CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta as he demonstrates the correct way to wash our hands.
Extra dry hands from all that washing? Check out our post on the seven best tips for moisturizing relief.
CELL PHONE
A no brainer. We handle our phones constantly (and hold them up to our face), bringing them with us everywhere we go. Make it a priority to clean and disinfect your phone every day.
KEYS & WALLET
We don’t leave home without them. We bring them in stores and elsewhere, they are constantly touched, exposed . . . and then often left lying around. Give them a good wipe (both house and car keys). If possible, also consider wiping down the outer surfaces of purses, handbags, etc. (depending on the material).
HANDLES & SWITCHES
Household fixtures are touched constantly, sometimes automatically without even thinking (e.g., when we walk in the door before washing our hands). Door handles and knobs, and light switches all need regular disinfecting. Don’t forget your fridge and freezer door handles, and any knobs/handles on cupboard doors and drawers (kitchen, bathroom, and everywhere else).
FAUCETS
Gotta turn on the faucet to wash your hands (before your hands are clean), so be sure to frequently disinfect faucets/taps in both your kitchen and bathroom. Another good idea? Regular disinfecting of flush handles on the toilet.
COUNTERTOPS & SURFACES
Household surfaces are the most used areas of our home, touched more than anything else (and we’re learning that the coronavirus can survive on a variety of surfaces/materials for hours up to days). Kitchen and bathroom counters, tabletops, and other furniture surfaces (think computer desks, etc.) should, to be extra cautious, wiped down and disinfected several times a day.
ELECTRONICS
Computers, laptops, tablets (especially ones you take with you out of the house) all need to be cleaned, including any regularly handled accessories like the mouse and keyboard. Don’t forget household remote controls (for your TV and other devices), video game controllers/consoles, and other electronics.
YOUR CAR
Regularly disinfect the steering wheel, shift stick, buttons/controls (including for turn signals, wipers, windows, locks, seat adjusters, stereo, climate control, etc.), dash and any other surfaces that are frequently touched. As with everything else, be sure the wipes/cleaners you choose are safe for the surfaces you are using them on. And don’t forget the inside/outside door handles.
CLOTHING
When you arrive back home after going out (for groceries, essential work or other necessary trip out of your home), immediately change your clothes and put them in the wash – just to be extra safe. This is especially important for essential and frontline workers.
MASKS
It has been strongly debated (at the time of this post) whether the general public should wear masks. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has recently made a new recommendation for people to wear “non-medical, cloth face masks” when out in public (leaving the limited supply of surgical and other medical/respirator masks for healthcare workers).
Should you choose to wear a cloth/fabric mask when leaving the house, it should be washed (in the washing machine) after each use.
Want to make a sewing-free face mask? Colin Hanks provides a tutorial in a recent Instagram post.
DELIVERIES & TAKE OUT
We’ve been ordering from Amazon, ‘click and collect’ groceries, curb side pick-up, and local restaurants for take out more than ever before (supporting small businesses in their time of need). Take extra measures with these deliveries, take out containers/packaging and bags, just to be safe. Give them a wipe to disinfect where possible, and wash your hands after handling.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Some recommendations (and also debate) have been made on whether it’s necessary to disinfect your groceries and other household items when you bring them home from the store. We prefer to err on the side of caution. Check out CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta as he demonstrates the proper way to wipe down our groceries.
FOLLOW ON PINTEREST
Follow Love Beauty Thrive on Pinterest here. Save this post for later using this pin.
MORE FROM LOVE BEAUTY THRIVE
Dry Hands From All That Washing? 7 Best Tips For Moisturizing Relief
Quick 7-Day ‘Tidy & Clean’ Schedule To Never Have A Messy Home Again
