How to Keep Your Home Clean During a Pandemic

With the number of COVID-19 cases in Canada now in the hundreds, health organizations are imploring Canadians to self-isolate in order to flatten the curve. Studies are showing that the virus can survive on hard surfaces for up to three days, so if you’re bringing anything inside your home, like groceries, it’s essential to make sure to keep them clean. 

We’d also like to reinforce, that while these tips are a solid foundation for cleaning your home, people should refer to information from the Public Health Agency of Canada for specific official COVID-19 preparedness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning a surface (reducing the number of germs) and then disinfecting it (killing the remaining germs). The CDC also advises people to use disposable gloves during the process. To kill viruses, it’s best to use products specifically endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

There’s a fair chance you already have these in your cupboard, as familiar brands like Lysol and Clorox are on the list. You can also dilute bleach or use alcohol solutions (with 70% alcohol or more). For soft surfaces like carpets or rugs, follow typical instructions for cleaning and wash what you can in warm water.

The 10 most important things to disinfect regularly

• Countertops, desks, tables

• Doorknobs

• Light switches

• Handles — cupboards, drawers, appliances

• Toilets

• Sinks

• Bathtub, shower

• Remote controls

• Towels, sheets, clothing

• Phones, tablets, keyboards, etc. 

Deep clean to pass the time

While the nation is encouraging social distancing,it’s easy to go stir crazy. A great way to feel productive and pass the time is by deep cleaning your home. If you spend part of your day on a bigger cleaning project, you’ll also feel better about the evening hours you spend binge-watching a TV show. Now’s the time to do the tasks you normally wouldn’t bother with, or perhaps only do once a year. 

In the kitchen, you can pull everything out of your fridge or freezer and clean the appliance. This is also a great time to do some inventory, check expiration dates, and maybe stock up on things like frozen produce and protein. 

You can also do all those little tasks you’ve been putting off. Like hanging a piece of art, changing the light bulbs, finishing painting a room or completing that Pinterest craft you bought all the supplies for.

Spring is the perfect time to get started on yard work in preparation for summer. This is also a great way to get some fresh air and mild exercise. Plant your seedlings, spray down and clean lawn furniture, prune the shrubs, aerate your lawn, etc. 

We’d also recommend doing a deep clean of your bathtub, for some much-needed self-care soaks. And vacuuming under furniture, like your bed and couches, can help with dust or allergies, and be a good chance to rearrange your space for more room while you’re quarantined. 

A self-quarantine cleaning checklist

• Dust, pretty much everywhere

• Deep clean the oven, microwave and sink

• Organize your junk drawers

• Clean or replace the shower curtain

• Polish stainless steel surfaces and wood furniture

• Clean air vents

• Wash pillows

• Clean reusable grocery bags

• Clean the windows and mirrors

• Clean your makeup and brushes

• Clean blinds and window hangings

• Get at that grout in the bathrooms and kitchen

• Turn and vacuum your mattresses

• Clean out trash cans

• Deep clean the drains in the kitchen and bathrooms

• Clean rugs, mats and carpets

• Wash and detail cars

• Clean the vacuum cleaner and other cleaning tools

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