Our home is where we relax and enjoy life with our family. Home is where we feel safe … but how safe are we? This article explores what we touch in our homes to identify what we need to clean more often. Why? The Coronavirus is highly contagious. To minimize how one person can pass the virus to another, we need to learn what to clean and what to avoid touching in our homes.
Just as important is learning not to touch your face because it can contribute to the spread of the virus according to this article, Why is it so hard to stop touching your face?
What We Touch in Our Homes: Doors
How many doors do you have in your house? Which ones get used by everyone and every day? Some doors, like the bathroom, get used many times each day, by multiple people. How long would it take you to wipe off the handles (both sides) of the doors in your house?
What We Touch in Our Homes: Faucets
When you're thirsty, where do you get a glass of water. Maybe it's the kitchen sink faucet or the refrigerator that you still have to touch to dispense ice and water. Then you've got your bathroom faucets – sinks, shower/bathtub fixtures and don't forget the toilet lever you push to flush.
By now it's obvious we can't cover everything as our homes are different. We just want to sensitize you to the many, many items you touch in your home every day.
What We Touch in Our Homes: Lots of Flat Surfaces
We use our kitchen and bathrooms a lot, so we won't forget the countertops. You also want to consider other flat surfaces in your home, maybe not all of them but those that get touched every day:
- Desks used in a home office or for homework.
- Dining room or coffee tables used for crafts, games and other family activities.
- Bedrooms also have flat surfaces from the side table where you put your glasses at night, to the shelves where you keep books, the television and …
Electronics We Touch in Our Homes
Most people can't remember when phones were attached to the wall. Now we've got so many remote controllers and smart phones, tablets and more to contend with. Here's a list of the most common things worth cleaning:
- Smart phones are a must! It's listed first in 7 of the filthiest things you touch all the time.
- Television and electronic games touched by multiple people.
- Computers, tablets, printers and other devices shared by family members.
- Refrigerator handles and controls to switch between water and ice.
- Microwave handle and controls you use all the time.
- Stove and dishwasher handles and controls used to turn them on, set a timer, etc.
- Washing machine and dryer doors and control panels you touch with every use.
- Light switches (oops, they're old fashion) and other things you touch frequently!
Stop Making Excuses: You Have the Time!
Yes we're busy but right now it's critical that you keep your home clean to protect your family. It really doesn't take much time (see below) and these are habits worth learning now and continuing into the future. You should also consider more frequent washing of sponges (in the dishwasher), dish towels and bed sheets.
Wishing you and your loved ones patience and luck dealing with the Coronavirus.
PS Here are some of the best cleaning resources found when writing this article:
- CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting, especially if someone at home has the Coronavirus.
- Easier to read, CDC guidelines for disinfecting your home if someone is sick.
- American Chemistry Council's list of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Products. Visit your local stores when the doors open and find what you need right away as 30 minutes later everything is gone.
- More tips on keeping your home and family healthy … at HomeTipsforWomen.com.
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