Cleaning & disinfecting do’s & don’ts

Tonya Harris, an award-winning environmental toxin expert, stopped by Indy Style to discuss some cleaning and disinfecting do’s and don’ts.

Here are some of the things Tonya recommended:

• DO clean before disinfecting. Cleaning means using a soap or detergent to physically remove dirt and grime from surfaces. Dirt and grime on surfaces can lessen the effectiveness of disinfectants, so it’s important to clean the area with either a multi-purpose cleaner or soap and water first. Disinfectants are regulated by the EPA, and must kill 99.999% of germs.
• DON’T wipe or spray disinfectants and wipe them up right away. Look at the label for instructions for how long to leave it on a surface before wiping away.
• DO spray or wipe the area thoroughly, leaving it slightly damp.
• DON’T use vinegar as a disinfect, or anything else that isn’t listed by the EPA as a disinfectant. To find out what disinfectants are approved specifically for use against COVID-19, go to the EPA’s List N.
• DO use heat when cleaning. Heat is thought to kill the coronavirus at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash your clothes in the warmest/hottest setting recommended for your clothing, and dry completely. Wash dishes in the hottest water possible, but optimally, use a dishwasher if possible because it can wash dishes and steam them. Handwashing in hot water may not be hot enough to actually kill the virus.
• DON’T wear shoes in the house. This brings in more dirt and germs. Remove them before coming in from outside.
• DO have a dedicated area to enter into when coming home, where you can leave your jacket, mail, packages, food takeout, etc. This will also cut down on the amount of germs that enter your home.

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