This holiday season, some of us are finding creative ways to be together even while we’re apart. While others of us are taking the extra safety measures necessary to be together in person. If you’re among those taking steps to gather, you know that the CDC research has shown that COVID-19 causing bacteria can live on particular surfaces for days. To keep you and your guests safe, here are 5 overlooked areas to disinfect as you get ready for guests to arrive.
Doorknobs
The front doorknob will likely be the first item they touch at your home, and while they visit, they will touch many others. Doorknobs are among the highest touched surfaces in a home. Bacteria and viruses can survive indoors and out, so make sure to sanitize both.
Remotes
When was the last time you cleaned your TV’s remote control? Whether your family watches It’s a Wonderful Life or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, at some point, you and your guests will be touching the remote. Be sure to disinfect the remote control thoroughly, including all buttons.
Handles and Drawer Pulls
Aside from cleaning fingerprints, we don’t usually give much thought to items like refrigerator door handles. Since your guests will likely be spending time in your kitchen and bathroom, it is essential that the refrigerator door handle is sanitized. Other handles to think about? Sink faucets, toilet handles, and all drawer pulls as these are touched regularly.
Light Switches
Light switches are another frequently touched item that most of us don’t pay attention to while cleaning. And since it is unlikely you’ll walk around and turn your guest’s lights on and off for them, we recommend disinfecting all light switches, especially in bathrooms and shared living spaces where they will be touched frequently.
Dinner Ware
We clean our dishes all time, but we don’t necessarily worry about sanitizing them when we do it. Sanitizing your dishes is easier than it sounds. If you have a dishwasher that has a sanitize feature, then you can push the button and walk away. If not, the hot water method is easy.
How to do the Hot Water Method
- Step One: Scrape off all food before washing
- Step Two: Wash the dishes in hot, soapy water. Be sure to use clean dishcloths each day and don’t use sponges! They tend to harbor germs.
- Step Three: Rinse dishes very thoroughly in clean, hot water. You want all the soap removed because soap that makes its way into your chlorine bleach solution in Step 4 stops the bleach from sanitizing.
- Step Four: Soak dishes completely covered in 170 degree water for at least 30 seconds. Use a thermometer to check temperature and time your soak with a clock. Remove dishes and completely air dry. Use gloves or utensils to remove from hot water.
- Step Five: Allow dishes to air dry. Do not use a towel or cloth as this can spread germs.
Bonus Hosting Tip
Another vital addition to your 2020 holiday gathering line-up will be hand sanitizer stations where your guest can sanitize their hands as needed throughout your time together. Make sure you’re fully stocked up and ready before guests arrive.
Need help prepping and disinfecting your home for guests? Contact us for a cleaning or disinfection treatment estimate.