Clean First, Disinfect When It Counts: A Calm Plan for Cold-and-Flu Season |
CDC guidance says regular cleaning is enough in most situations, with disinfecting reserved for when someone is sick or at higher risk. Here are five numbered tips for doing both safely this fall. |
Why this week
Late October in Centennial brings earlier sunsets, more time indoors and the usual season of sniffles. That makes it a good week to give your home's busiest surfaces some attention, without turning the kitchen into a chemistry lab.
A note on sources: Rubi didn't supply tips for this week's column. Every tip below comes from the CDC's guidance on when and how to clean and disinfect your home, plus your own product labels where noted. When Rubi's own advice appears here, it will be labeled as hers.
Cleaning and disinfecting are different jobs
Cleaning with soap or detergent and water removes germs and dirt from a surface. Disinfecting uses a chemical product to kill germs. The CDC puts cleaning first because "impurities like dirt may make it harder for chemicals to get to and kill germs."
Here's the reassuring part. According to the CDC, "In most situations, cleaning regularly is enough to prevent the spread of germs." The agency says disinfecting is likely not needed unless someone in the home is sick or at higher risk, such as a person with a weakened immune system.
This week's tips
Clean first with soap or detergent and water. Wipe away visible grime before reaching for anything stronger. (Source: CDC)
Wipe high-touch spots regularly, and again after visitors. The CDC names light switches, doorknobs and countertops. If friends stopped by for a fall get-together, start there afterward. (Source: CDC)
Treat phones and remotes as electronics. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. A wipeable cover can make cleaning easier. (Source: CDC; manufacturer instructions)
Disinfect when someone is sick or at higher risk, and respect the contact time. Contact time is how long the product needs to stay on the surface to kill germs, and it's listed in the directions. Per the CDC, "The surface should stay wet during the entire contact time." (Source: CDC; product label)
Use products safely, one at a time. The CDC is direct: "Do not mix products or chemicals with each other." Read and follow the label, wear the recommended protective equipment such as gloves or goggles, and keep air moving with a fan or open window. Wash your hands for 20 seconds afterward, and store chemicals out of reach of children and pets. (Source: CDC; product label)
A few extra notes
Laundry: The CDC says it's safe to wash a sick person's laundry with everyone else's. Use detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting, and dry items completely.
Soft surfaces: Vacuum carpets and rugs, and launder drapes and similar items when possible.
Breathing easy: The CDC notes that some cleaning and disinfecting products can trigger asthma, which is worth remembering if anyone in your household has it.
Keep it realistic
You don't need to tackle the whole house this week. Try the entryway, where keys, bags and mail tend to land, and give its light switch and doorknob a quick wipe. Small, repeatable habits add up, and there's no wrong place to begin.
So here's a question to carry into the weekend: which high-touch spot in your home is the easiest to forget? |
27 Comments
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Just put a sticky note on my light switch to remind me to clean it after guests. Let’s see if I remember next time!
Contact time is wild. I didn't even realize you need to let stuff sit and stay wet, I've probably been doing it wrong for years.
Is there a list somewhere of products safe for pets? My cats rub up on everything after I clean, it stresses me out.
The idea that cleaning is separate from disinfecting makes sense now. I guess I was combining steps and wasting supplies.
I always kind of ignore drapes and curtains. Maybe I should give them a wash before the holidays hit.
That's a great idea! Giving your drapes and curtains a wash not only freshens up your space for the holidays but also helps remove dust and allergens.
Leaving windows open while cleaning really helps the smell clear out, especially in these cooler evenings.
I rotate between rooms each week, but always forget the remote and thermostat. The little things add up!
You're absolutely right, the remote and thermostat are so easy to miss! Little high-touch spots like those can really make a difference when added to your regular routine.
Doorknobs after guests is smart. We had a cough go through the house after a birthday party, probably from little hands touching everything.
I wish I saw a tip about cleaning reusable grocery bags. After a lot of fall shopping, those gotta be a germ magnet.
Great point, reusable grocery bags do collect germs over time! Most can be tossed in the wash with your regular laundry, just be sure to follow their care labels.
Goggles feels like overkill to me, but I get it if you're using stronger stuff. We just stick to basic cleaners mostly.
Always keep gloves around if you're using disinfectant, trust me. I forgot once and my hands cracked so bad.
Wiping the light switches regularly is new for me. I clean counters but never thought of switches. Thanks for the tip.
Honestly, the kitchen drawer handles are my most forgotten spot. They're sticky before I even notice.
I like the idea of just picking one area like the entryway. Breaking it down makes it less overwhelming.
Vacuuming the rugs is one thing, but what about the dog beds? I always wonder if those need more than just shaking outside.
Carla EllisonI toss the whole cover from my dog's bed in the wash every couple weeks. Shaking it out never seems to do the trick for all the fur and smells.
Asthma point is big for me. Certain sprays make my lungs tight, so I try to stick with fragrance-free or just use soap.
I wish my kids would remember to wash their hands after cleaning, but they're always rushing. Tape a reminder to the soap maybe?
Phones are definitely something I forget to clean. Maybe it's time for a wipeable case like it says here.
Good reminder about not mixing cleaning products. I did that once, mixed up bleach and something else by accident. Fumes were awful. Be careful, folks.
The note about laundry is helpful. We've got laundry for everyone in one load when someone is sick. I stressed about it being safe.
We're glad the laundry note brought some peace of mind, it really is safe to wash everyone's laundry together, as long as you're using detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting.
I always thought I needed to use disinfectant every single time. Feels good knowing regular soap and water is enough most days.
I've never thought to wipe down the remote before. That thing is probably the dirtiest item in our house. Guess I know what I'm tackling after work!