What should you know about home disinfection?
The recent epidemiological situation related to COVID-19 made us realize how important the topic of disinfection is. After repeatedly heard recommendations from the radio, television or the immediate surroundings, we pay even more attention to cleanliness and hygiene. However, do we know how to properly disinfect objects and surfaces?
Below we suggest what and how to disinfect - especially when we want to properly ensure the safety of our children.
Why is disinfection important?
We all remember the first moments after the COVID-19 epidemic was announced. The general social anxiety opened our eyes to many important issues. One topic that was widely discussed was how the coronavirus can be caught. Scientists do not agree 100% on how long the COVID-19 coronavirus is able to function outside of the infected organism. It is known, however, that in our environment - on various objects and surfaces, including clothes, it can survive from several hours to several days (depending on the type of surface, temperature and humidity).
Disinfecting objects and surfaces is not important only because of the risk of contracting COVID-19. In our environment there are many other viruses and bacteria that can pose a threat to health and even life - ours and our children.
A question therefore arises - how to disinfect what is around us and our children?
How to disinfect surfaces and items?
Most of us, at some point, ask ourselves: how to disinfect objects and surfaces in our environment. In line with WHO recommendations detergents are suitable for disinfecting flat surfaces and everyday objectsthat get rid of most microbes. However, when there are small children at home, you should also pay attention to which products can be used in their environment. So that the disinfection of objects and surfaces brings the desired results, and at the same time does not generate a threat to children.
Expert advises
Disinfection preparations, which have a positive opinion of the Institute of Mother and Child, have been additionally tested for safe use in the environment of infants and young children.
Jak often disinfect items?
There are many items in our homes that cannot be disinfected with the same frequency. Thinking about how often to disinfect individual items, we will try to suggest which ones should be especially paid attention to. Among everyday items that need to be disinfected most often, in particular:
- mobile phones;
- watches and jewelery;
- keys;
- glasses;
- TV remote control.
It is worth remembering that the little ones like to play with these items, which should encourage us to frequent disinfection.
Let us not forget, of course, Fr. disinfecting our kids' toys. Wash textile cuddly toys regularly - they can also be refreshed with hot steam, and other toys should be washed in hot water with a little detergent that is safe for the youngest - remembering to rinse them thoroughly.
Jak often disinfect surfaces?
We already know which items should be disinfected more often than others. So let's move on to the equally important topic of surface. At home, we should regularly disinfect the following surfaces:
- in the children's room - all frequently touched elements, e.g. bed rungs, chair backs, light switches, contacts, shelves, table tops and cabinets, door handles, and in the case of toddlers, also the floor;
- in the bathroom / toilet - all fittings (shower cubicle, bathtub, washbasin, taps, toilet bowl and seat, tiles on the wall and floor, door handles);
- in the kitchen - kitchen worktop, sink, fridge and cabinets, door handles;
- in the bedroom - bed, door handles.
How to disinfect clothes?
As for adult clothes, washing with standard detergents is sufficient, if possible at high temperature.
Expert advises
In the case of infants and young children, remember to use detergents that are safe for them, to rinse multiple times and to give up rinsing liquids. Ironing is also very important - both for clothes and other textiles with which they have direct contact (e.g. bedding, blankets). You can use steam generators for this purpose, which facilitate the smoothing of fabrics, also in a vertical position.
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