How to keep your house clean during the coronavirus pandemic: Tips from a pro

The coronavirus pandemic has raised concerns for many across the country about cleanliness and making sure everyone is taking proper precautions to limit the spread of the virus.

Service1st Restoration operations manager Sean Humphrey, just before his team went in for a deep cleaning of the Centric Bank in Enola, shared what he believed were some guidelines people should follow for making sure they maintain a clean home.

It all starts, Humphrey said, with making sure everyone is following guidelines advised by the CDC, washing hands frequently, maintaining social distancing and avoiding contact with the face.

When it comes to keeping the home clean, it doesn’t take a cleaning specialist to make sure the environment is safe.

“Just regular cleaning,” Humphrey said. “Most of the household cleaners will be fine. The average homemaker has some type of disinfecting cleaner in their house, 90 percent of them do. And if you don’t, they have bleach and those, although unpleasant smelling, would be effective.”

As far as taking precautions indoors, there’s only so much people can do. There’s not going to be too much of a need to clean high-touch areas like doorknobs and tabletops if everyone remains in their homes, Humphrey said.

When working in the kitchen, it will be important to follow standard kitchen procedures. Don’t cross-contaminate food — cutting meat and vegetables on the same cutting board — and ensure products are washed before cooking.

“An additional step wouldn’t be needed really," Humphrey said.

Using disinfectant wipes like Clorox can help to clean surfaces if that precaution is taken, and Humphrey said that people should continue to use the wipes until they are no longer moist and if they’re unsure, to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If they do leave, taking extra precautions to launder clothing like jackets can be an effective measure, Humphrey said.

“Due diligence, right,” Humphrey said. “Can never be too safe.”

-- Follow Ed Sutelan on Twitter, @EdwardSutelan

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