Is there a point late in your day when you look around your home “office” for the smiling face of a caretaker? Been there, done that. While much has been written about our gratitude to Caretaking Services, we also got thinking about the advice they’d have for us to keep our own homes disinfected.
Sherryl Hernan, manager of caretaking services, says even if you can’t find handy Lysol wipes in stores, you can easily make your own disinfectant for hard surfaces by diluting household bleach with water.
For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70 per cent alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. If using a commercial produce, follow the instructions and ensure proper ventilation.
Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted and can be used if appropriate for the surface, such as cement, tiles, linoleum and counter tops. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Think about disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as tables, door handles, light switches and remotes. For more tips, Sherryl’s pro tip is to refer to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for household cleaning and disinfection during the pandemic.