Cleaners That ACTUALLY Kill Covid-19 (And How to Use Them)
Some will argue that the Coronavirus is overhyped by the media, others will argue that we are in a genuine state of emergency. No matter your stance on the current situation, one thing we can all agree on is that maintaining cleanliness is important right now. We want to let you know exactly which chemicals/cleaners are most effective at killing Covid-19, and how best to use those in your home.
First and foremost, be sure to use proper safety gear such as disposable gloves, eye protection, and either a ventilation mask or use in a properly ventilated area when dealing with chemicals. Gloves should be disposed of after each use.
Here is a list of chemicals proven effective against Covid-19. (Please follow manufacturer's instructions for all.)
Bleach
Bleach is effective at killing just about anything, but be careful that you are using it properly diluted and on surfaces it is safe to use it on. Hopefully it is obvious that you don't want to use it on any type of fabric or carpet, but you also want to avoid using it on your stainless steel.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (or 1/3 of a cup) of bleach per gallon of water, OR 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Then spray appropriate surfaces and let sit for approximately 3 minutes before wiping away.
Expired bleach will NOT be effective against the virus.
Alcohol
Alcohol solutions need to have at least 70% alcohol to be effective against Covid-19. If you are using hand sanitizer as protection, be sure it contains the correct percentage. Alcohol is safe on sinks, chrome, electronics (just don't get too wet), jewelry, mirrors, tile, and stainless steel. You can even use straight isopropyl alcohol to disinfect all of these surfaces relatively safely. However, it is NOT recommended to use directly on your hands.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to defend your home, as well. It can be used in concentration of 3% (how it's typically sold) or diluted down to as low as .5%. It should be left on surfaces for a full minute to allow the solution to work. Hydrogen peroxide is safe on most surfaces (but always consult the manufacturer's instructions) such as toilets, tubs, countertops (exercise caution with continual use as it can potentially bleach color), doorknobs, etc. Allow the solution to sit for about 5 minutes before wiping off.
Lysol Brand Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner
This cleaner is said to be safe for all hard, non-porous surfaces. Allow the cleaner to sit for up to 10 minutes to be effective.
Soap and Water
Of course, the best way to fight coronavirus on your own skin is with soap and water. You've probably heard the CDC's recommendation to wash your hands for the duration of a full song to ensure you're being thorough. Be sure to shower daily and practice excellent hygiene.
Those are items you likely have sitting around your home already and now you know how to put them to good use to help protect your family. Before we go, we want to warn you about the ways NOT to try to fight Coronavirus.
Vinegar
Vinegar is awesome at a lot of things, but there is currently no evidence that it does any good against Covid-19. (Use it instead to give a good cleaning to your dishwasher, windows, or hard water-stained showers/tubs.)
Homemade Hand Sanitizers
While it can currently be difficult to get your hands on sanitizer in the stores, it's not a good idea to make your own or purchase homemade and rely on it for protection. Stick with what we know works.
Essential Oils
This one kills me, because I'm a big advocate for oils. I love them and use them in my daily life, but there is currently no proof they are effective against covid-19. By all means, use them for an extra boost, but don't rely on them solely to do the job.
As previously stated, maintain good hygiene, wash your hands frequently, and maintain a clean home environment. If you do contract the virus, do your best to stay home and away from others to help prevent its spread. Work to properly disinfect surfaces as you're able. If you currently use a cleaning company, be sure to let them know you have been infected so they can handle the situation appropriately according to their capabilities. Stay safe, everyone!
Koality Home Kleaning is a professional cleaning service based out of Layton, Utah and servicing a 40 mile radius of Salt Lake City, Utah. We offer residential and commercial cleaning services, including: basic and deep cleans, move in/out cleans, Airbnb/vrbo rental turnovers, basic janitorial services, and construction cleanup. We can be reached by calling or texting 385-243-8708. You can find a complete list of our services here.