In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, we’ve all been asked to stay at home and social distance ourselves from one another. Since you’ll be spending more time at home, keeping your house clean and disinfected is very important when it comes to staying healthy. You may not be going to work each day, but bringing groceries and packages into the home can pose a potential risk. By cleaning your home thoroughly, you can increase your chances of staying healthy.

Wipe Down Surfaces

Anytime that you leave the home or bring in packages from the outside, you should disinfect a number of surfaces in your home. First things first, wash your hands. After your hands are clean, you can begin disinfecting. Be sure to wipe down your countertops, refrigerator and cupboard handles as well as any doors or light switches you may have touched when you first walked in. Make sure you’re using products that are designed to kill viruses. While you're at it, it’s not a bad idea to clean your floors and carpet. While vacuuming can get rid of dust particles, be aware that it won’t destroy bacteria and viruses.

Don’t Bring the Virus Home

During this abnormal time, you want your home to be as safe as possible. Try to bring as few items as possible home with you. Groceries are imperative to survival, but you don’t need to worry about clothes shopping or buying toys right now. Only the essentials should be brought home. You should also minimize your contact with others. Be sure to stay six feet apart from each other when out in public and social distance yourself as much as possible.

As You Enter the Home

You should do all you can to stay home and avoid going out. However, if you do need to leave the house, it’s important that you use a couple of techniques before entering the home. The best way to stay healthy and keep your family healthy is to remove your clothing before entering the house. Put your items right into the washing machine. Use hot water and an all natural laundry detergent soap to get everything clean. You should also wipe down your purse or bag. Using hand sanitizer can also help prevent the passing of germs onto another surface. Hand soap is always recommended above sanitizer but it works if it's all you have.

Although this is a scary time of uncertainty, keeping your home clean and safe is one of the most beneficial things that you can do to stay healthy. Wearing a mask and socially distancing yourself from others when you do have to go out, can also help keep you and your family well.