As a cleaning expert with years of experience in pathogen control, I've seen how everyday household items can effectively combat viruses like the one causing COVID-19. Your kitchen likely has what you need, though hand sanitizers remain gentlest for skin. Here are reliable, science-backed tips to disinfect surfaces and reduce disease risk.
Every disinfectant has specific instructions, but a key rule: Never wipe it off immediately. Allow dwell time for maximum virus-killing power.
General Disinfection Guidelines:
- Target high-touch areas like tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- Pre-clean dirty surfaces with detergent or soap and water before disinfecting.
- If someone in your home shows flu-like symptoms, disinfect regularly—viruses can linger on plastics and other surfaces.
- Ensure the solution contacts the surface long enough to kill pathogens (time varies by product).
- Avoid mixing cleaners—some combinations produce toxic gases.
Also read: Tips for safe cleaning
Bleach:
- Dilute household bleach with cold water per label instructions for killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses including coronaviruses.
- Prepare fresh solutions and use within 24 hours as potency fades.
- Submerge non-porous items like plastic toys for 30 seconds; expose household surfaces for 10 minutes or longer if bleach-safe.
- Bleach is harsh on skin—use only for surfaces, not hands.
Alcohol:
- Rubbing alcohol at 70% concentration (diluted with water or aloe for sanitizer) effectively kills coronaviruses.
- Leave 70% solutions on surfaces (check device manuals for phones) for at least 30 seconds—700% evaporates too fast.
- Store sealed to prevent evaporation; potency holds unlike bleach.
- Not for hand use—too drying; stick to soap, water, or sanitizer.
Hydrogen Peroxide:
- Use 3% solutions undiluted or dilute to 0.5%; leave on surfaces for 1 minute before wiping.
Also read: 10 habits of people who always have a clean house
Natural Options (Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil):
- Not recommended for coronaviruses. Limited studies show vinegar (10% malt) may help with flu, but evidence against COVID-19 is weak. Tea tree oil fights cold sores but lacks proof for coronaviruses.
