Hand sanitizer and hand soap has been in short supply in stores across the world due to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. Soap has been low due to people washing their hands more often, but has it really been enough?
While proper hand washing techniques videos and infographics went viral, the coronavirus continued to soar. Some of this can be contributed to all of the touch points that people come into contact with every day. While people are quick to wash their hands after they go to the bathroom or after visiting a crowded grocery store, there are many touch points that people do not think about as being “dirty” or contaminated.
It is thought that the virus can live on surfaces for up to 72 hours, so it's important to disinfect as many common touch points as possible, as often as possible, to help prevent the spread of disease.
Common Touch Points
One of the best ways to guard yourself against the coronavirus is through preventive action. In this case, preventive action means educating yourself as much as possible about where common touch points are and to be vigilant in your disinfecting actions. Some of the most common and in turn germy touch points are:
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Purses and wallets
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Remote controls
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Laundry machines
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Cutting boards
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Your phone
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Any pushable button
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Shopping carts
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Toilet roll dispenser
There are very few surfaces that are truly clean, most surfaces have germs. People just need to practice good hygiene and be wary of when they are going to be touching their face or eating and drinking anything. People should always wash their hands before a meal, and limit touching their face as much as possible.
If you are having a hard time finding any disinfectant sprays for disinfecting these common touch points, there are ways that you can make your own antibacterial spray.
Tips for Cleaning
Another way to take charge and take preventive action against the coronavirus is to make sure you are cleaning in the most efficient way possible. This includes tips like cleaning from top to bottom to avoid dragging up dirt and saving the dirtiest objects for last.
When cleaning sinks, it is advised to clean the tap section first, and then with a separate cloth clean the sink portion. It is also best to work with a systematic approach in mind, cleaning one space then another. Cleaning by spaces as opposed to tasks, like cleaning the dining room then the living room as opposed to vacuuming both first, can help stop the spread of mico-organisms from room to room.
Always change out dirty rags and mops before using them again, and always try to clean as if it is for a family member or friend. We tend to care more about cleaning when other people are involved and it can make us do a more thorough job.