While you are practicing social distancing, you should also consider regularly sanitizing your home. While most of your family is staying indoors, you likely have had to leave for essential items and to get some fresh air. Leaving your home and returning could bring hidden bacteria and viruses back with you. Sanitizing your home regularly will reduce bacteria and can help keep you and your loved ones safe from COVID-19

Please keep in mind that cleaning and disinfecting your home or property on your own is important, but that you can always contact Mr Restore for our professional expertise and equipment. We will provide you with peace of mind knowing that trained professionals have cleaned and eradicated any harmful viruses and bacteria.

Disinfectants 

There are many places that you should be sure to always clean and disinfect each day. These are known as high-touch surfaces. The CDC identifies high-touch surfaces as:

• tables
• doorknobs 
• light switches
• countertops
• handles (kitchen cabinet handles)
• desks and keyboards
• phones
• toilets 
• faucets and sinks

You should clean these surfaces with soap and water, but you should also go back over them with a disinfectant. We suggest using a disinfectant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. While using these products, be sure to wear gloves and a mask, as some of them are quite strong. Follow all directions to be sure that the disinfectant is being used properly.

You can also use diluted bleach as a disinfectant. Be sure that your bleach has not expired or it will not work. For every gallon of water used, add 5 tablespoons of bleach. Remember, bleach is very strong and can have dangerous side effects if not used properly. Be sure to wear a mask and practice caution. 

Soft/Carpeted Surfaces

Sanitizing items like blankets, carpet, curtains, and other soft surfaces are similar to that of hard surfaces. Use soap and water to clean these items. The CDC also recommends washing these items in the washing machine with high heat. If you leave the house wearing a cloth mask, be sure to wash these after each use and to handle it with care.  

Remember, leaving a carpet wet for long periods of time can damage the floor, lead to mold and mildew damage, and ultimately cause thousands of dollars in water damage if not handled properly. 

Other Surfaces and Tips

For electronics, including laptops, gaming consoles, tablets, and phones, we suggest using an alcohol-based wipe or cleaner. You should also consider a wipe-able cover for your electronics, per the CDC, to make it easier to clean these items. Remember to wipe your phone every day, as you use it often and it touches your hands and face regularly. The CDC provides an in-depth study at disinfecting and sanitizing your home if you would like to learn more. 

If someone in your household is sick, be sure to keep bedrooms and bathrooms separated from the rest of the family. Food should also be kept separate, and dishes used by a sick person should be washed immediately. Allow them to use their own trashcan to keep used garbage separate from others. 

As usual, wash your hands often and practice general safety when leaving your home. While staying home be wary of things around your home that could lead to possible water or fire damage. 

If you feel like your home or business has been compromised and would like professionals to sanitize and disinfect your property, immediately contact Mr Restore. We are here to help our communities in Texas in any way possible during COVID-19.