Disinfect The House In Case Of Flu And Coronavirus

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

Nationally, the flu season appears to be very severe. There is no shortage of preventive measures: fairly frequent and strict hand washing, wearing a mask and gloves, confinement. But can we really isolate ourselves from the world to protect ourselves from the viruses that attack us from all sides? The coronavirus among others, fatal for some patients, has already put everyone in a panic. Covid-19 is transmitted by droplets caused by coughing or sneezing, by saliva, by close contact with patients and by contaminated surfaces. Even if we reduce our social contacts, there remains the fear that the objects and surfaces that we touch outside, could be infected. But how do you free yourself from fear when you come home? The answer lies in disinfection and hygiene maintenance. Find out how to disinfect the house for flu and coronavirus.

The coronavirus can infect the home

A study on the survival of the Covid-19 virus in the environment has shown that it can survive on certain surfaces. The rooms of affected patients remain contaminated when not cleaned. This study was based on observation of Chinese hospitals, where the virus has spread. By observing the rooms of a few patients placed in confinement, we found that of the 15 surfaces analyzed in one of the rooms, 13 were contaminated, including the bed, the floor, the window, a chair, the sink, the toilet bowl, etc.. What is interesting is that in the other two rooms where patients with more severe symptoms resided, no trace of the Covid-19 virus was found. The rooms were cleaned twice with disinfectants,which proves that the right disinfection is effective in removing the virus.

Covid-19 - how long in the open air?

At this time, the lifespan of the virus in the open is not certain with certainty. But the fact remains that objects and surfaces can remain contaminated for some time. It is therefore essential to take all the necessary measures to properly clean the rooms frequented by sufferers.

Having impeccable hygiene is just as important to avoid the risk of contracting the coronavirus or any other flu. We repeat it and repeat it again: washing your hands several times a day, for 20-30 seconds, is one of the most adequate and important measures to limit the spread of the virus.

How to disinfect the house in case of influenza / coronavirus?

According to epidemiologists, the coronavirus can be effectively destroyed using cleaning products containing chemical compounds such as: ethanol (between 65 and 70%), hydrogen peroxide (0.5%) or sodium hypochlorite (0.1%), for one minute. Regarding ethyl alcohol, it is a very effective product for disinfection against viruses and bacteria. It is important to remember that alcohol at 70 ° is to be preferred to alcohol at 90 °. So, if you want to know how to disinfect the house for flu and coronaviruses, ethyl alcohol or ethanol is a great disinfectant that should not be underestimated.

How to use household alcohol to disinfect the house in case of flu and viruses?

No, 70% alcohol is not a quick fix to our disinfection problems. But the point is, ethanol is an excellent disinfectant that kills bacteria and germs and inactivates several viruses that some disinfectants cannot eliminate. In order to disinfect a surface, you can either spray it or moisten it with alcohol, simply letting it dry. For a cleansing effect, just add a few drops of essential oil.

Of course, you have to be careful because not all surfaces are suitable for using ethanol. For example, it should be avoided on electronic devices. The surfaces on which it can be used are: the toilet seat, all handles and knobs, keys, trash cans, sink, furniture, doors and windows. So, in summary, alcohol can be used on many types of surfaces: metal, plastic, tiles, glass and even fabric.

Precautions for use

• Ethyl alcohol is a highly flammable product and should never be used near a flame;

• The bottle must be carefully closed after use to avoid possible evaporation;

• The product should be stored out of the reach of children and pets;

• When handling it, it is strongly recommended to wear gloves;

• After using it, ventilate the room well;

• Household alcohol and bleach must never be mixed!

Other products to disinfect the whole house

During an epidemic, microbes and bacteria are found in the air, but also on surfaces. You can also use bleach to disinfect the house, but not just any kind. Yes, it turns out that this solution, very often used as a disinfectant, is not harmless. Of course, it eliminates microorganisms in the short term, but few people know that it facilitates the development of resistant bacteria. Added to this is the fact that it is toxic and corrosive to the skin and eyes. Fortunately, you can replace it by concocting your own homemade bleach, based on less polluting ingredients. The alternative is a mixture of 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of lemon essential oil. Pour into a bucket of hot water. This preparation can be used to clean and sanitize floors and surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom etc.

Believe it or not, to disinfect the house in the event of the flu or aggressive viruses, you can resort to aromatherapy. Yes, we have already made you discover the benefits of essential oils in case of a stuffy nose. This time, we're going to tell you about essential oils to diffuse to disinfect the house against germs and alleviate the symptoms of the flu.

The list of essential oils to test in your diffuser includes:

• Tea tree - a powerful antiseptic

• Pine - antiseptic and anti-infectious

• Chinese cinnamon - antiviral, antibacterial, anti-infectious and antiseptic

• Ravintsara - antiviral, antibacterial, anti-infectious

• Aucalyptus - antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial

• Thyme - anti-infectious

• Rosemary - anti-infectious (antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal)

• Mint - antiviral, antibacterial

• Clove - anti-infectious

• Lemon - antiviral and bactericidal.

The objects at home that can infect us the most

Does anyone in our family have the flu? So, if hand washing is mandatory to avoid contagion, certain objects in the house can also be formidable nests for bacteria. Since the influenza virus and the Covid-19 virus can survive for several hours on an object or surface, regular cleaning is essential. A mixture of water and white vinegar is a very suitable homemade disinfectant.

The list of items that must be disinfected includes:

1. TV remote control, computer keyboard and telephone: these items used by the whole family must be meticulously cleaned and disinfected, especially between the contours of the buttons and the slits.

2. Tea towels: in times of flu, cloth hand towels are real nests for bacteria. It is essential to change them every day to avoid getting sick. On the coronavirus side, the patient must, on the other hand, use paper towels and disposable handkerchiefs which must be thrown in the trash immediately after use and wash their hands.

3. In the event of an influenza epidemic, it is necessary to regularly clean the handrail of the stairs. We do not realize that this smooth surface is among the most contaminated in the home and therefore, its disinfection deserves special attention. Usually, it is sufficient to spray it with 70% alcohol.

4. The same goes for door or window handles. Door handles in general, just like the flush button, the fridge door and the microwave door can transmit many germs, as well as viruses such as influenza or gastroenteritis. Take care to disinfect them regularly with a spray of water and white vinegar.

5. During and after the flu, it is very important to regularly disinfect the handle of either electric or conventional toothbrush. This is particularly necessary in cases where one shares the handle of the electric brush with one's spouse.

6. If you have two or more toddlers, you need to be extra careful with toy contagion. These are excellent vectors of viruses that children very often put in the mouth. So clean the toys regularly and don't let your kids share them if any of them are sick.