In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners need to practice proper cleaning and disinfecting methods to keep their homes safe from the virus, especially now that businesses are opening up once more and people are going out more freely.

If you suspect that your home has been exposed to COVID-19, you must follow the NEA-imposed cleaning guidelines to sanitise your home completely.

According to the released guidelines of the National Environment Agency (NEA), there are five essential steps you need to follow in order to clean and disinfect your home effectively. These include the following.

STEP 1: Prepare the Appropriate Cleaning Tools

Before beginning the cleaning process, the first thing you need to do is prepare your tools, such as:

• Disposable gloves
• Surgical mask
• Bleach solution or other disinfectants
• Change of clothes
• Trash bags
• Mop and pail

You need to wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from bacteria while cleaning your home. In addition, you should also keep your windows open to promote proper ventilation. 

Remember to avoid touching your face or other exposed skin throughout the cleaning process to prevent getting infected.

STEP 2: Disinfect Surfaces

Once all the materials are ready, begin by mopping the floor with a disinfectant. Then, use disposable rags to wipe the toilet and other frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, handles, light switches, cabinet drawers, remote controls, etc.

To ensure that bacteria is effectively eliminated, follow the instructions written on the disinfectant product label. For instance, the product will specify how long you need to leave the disinfectant solution on the surface before wiping. Making sure to wait the allotted time will help you get rid of all bacteria build-up. 

When wiping down surfaces with wipes or rags, make sure not to use the same side twice as it can spread the virus throughout other areas of your home. Instead, use the rag to wipe small surfaces up to a maximum of 5 square feet before flipping it over. 

STEP 3: Wash Upholstery and Other Fabrics

Besides disinfecting high-touch surfaces, you also need to clean fabrics that may have been contaminated. 

Bedsheets, blankets, pillow covers, and other fabrics must be washed with detergent. Likewise, upholstery like mattresses, carpets, cushions, and pillows should be disinfected properly. 

Since upholstered items are layered and more complex, it’s advisable to seek professional services.

STEP 4: Mop the floor Once More

Once all surfaces and household items have been disinfected thoroughly, you need to mop the floor once more with a disinfectant solution to ensure that no corner has been left uncleaned. Make sure to go from one end to the other to avoid dirtying the previously cleaned areas. 

STEP 5: Proceed with Post-cleaning Procedures

After all this, you need to follow through with post-cleaning procedures to properly dispose of all contaminated items. 

• Post-cleaning Procedure #1: 

When the cleaning is complete, throw your used rags and cleaning cloths together with the other wastes in double-lined trash bags. 

Afterwards, remove your gloves and mask, and dispose of them in a double-lined trash bag. Then, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 

Separate clean-up generated waste from household waste and dispose of them as soon as possible. 

• Post-cleaning Procedure #2

Once everything is disposed of, be sure to shower and change your clothes immediately. Doing so should get rid of all harmful bacteria that have stuck to your clothes and exposed body parts. Don’t forget to keep the windows open to encourage air circulation and proper ventilation.

Conclusion

Although NEA continues to provide homeowners with updated information on the proper cleaning and maintenance procedures, it’s still crucial to get professional assistance when cleaning and disinfecting your home.