This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
As we navigate the coronavirus pandemic, maintaining good hygiene practices is crucial to slowing its spread. One often-overlooked aspect of this is cleaning and disinfecting items we bring into our homes from the outside.
According to health experts, the risk of contracting the virus increases when we come into contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. To mitigate this risk, it's essential to take extra precautions when returning home from outside.
Here are six items you should clean and disinfect when you come back from outside:
1. Shoes ¶
When you step out, your shoes can pick up dirt, germs, and other contaminants from the ground. To prevent these from entering your home, make it a habit to leave your shoes outside and clean them with a disinfectant before entering.
2. Shopping Bags and Wallets ¶
Shopping bags and wallets can also harbor germs, especially if you place them on the ground or in shopping trolleys. To minimize the risk, wash your shopping bags regularly and disinfect your wallets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Food and Packaging ¶
When you bring food and packaging into your home, make sure to clean and disinfect them thoroughly. Consider designating a 'dirty' counter in your kitchen to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
4. Door Handles, Light Switches, and Keys ¶
Disinfect any surfaces you touched when you returned home, including door handles, light switches, keys, and padlocks. This will help prevent the spread of germs within your home.
5. Clothes ¶
Don't forget to change your clothes and wash the dirty ones immediately. Storing them in a laundry basket can contaminate other clothes, so it's essential to wash them as soon as possible.
6. Phone ¶
Our phones are often in our hands, making them a breeding ground for germs. When you're outside, try to keep your phone in your pocket, and when you return home, disinfect it thoroughly, paying special attention to the screen.
By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus and keep your home clean and germ-free.
