With another surge in cases of the coronavirus, the focus on eliminating germs is at an all-time high. While wearing masks and practicing social distancing are important ways to stay safe, cleaning and sanitizing are also vital. Even though germs are too small to see with the naked eye, they can be dangerous if you come in contact with them. While the amount of time that germs live on surfaces can vary, it’s important to clean surfaces during that time.
In addition to using household cleaning products, there are some key cleaning tips you can follow to protect yourself and your home. After you understand where germs live longer and which areas to pay more attention to, you can feel more equipped to stay safe at home.
Which germs live on surfaces the longest?
According to the Mayo Clinic, cold and flu virus-laden droplets may remain infectious for several hours. The rate varies depending on where those germs happen to fall. So, while it may seem to make more sense that one germ lives longer than others, the length of time also depends on the surface. In general, stainless steel, plastic and other hard surfaces hold germs much longer.
Germs like the flu virus and COVID-19 are said to last up to 24 hours on hard surfaces. Other viruses like the Norovirus and Clostridium difficile (diarrhea) can last from days to weeks on hard surfaces. Softer fabrics like couches and blankets tend to not hold germs as long which is why cleaning high-touch hard surfaces at home often is important.
Which areas are the dirtiest places at home?
The best rule of thumb when determining the places where you’ll find the most germs are ones you touch often. Places like doorknobs, sink and toilet handles and digital devices like cell phones, remote controls, and computers are germ collectors. While you should clean your home often, you may want to spend more time focusing on these areas in particular. Click here to learn more about potential health hazards in your home.
Additional safety measures to take
Household cleaning products can be extremely effective in getting rid of germs in your home. While they are powerful tools, they can also be dangerous if you don’t use or store them properly. For more information, check out our recent blog where we outline the best ways to safely use household cleaning products.
Now that you know the average length of time germs live on surfaces and how to clean them, there are a few additional ways you can stay safe. One is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water as well as use hand sanitizer. Another is to avoid touching your face, specifically nose and mouth, while you’re spending a lot of time around others. Finally, getting the proper vaccines can help you fight any potential viruses and using a healthy balance of vitamins can help boost your immune system.
If you or someone at home has an extreme illness, you may need more than just household cleaners to make your home safe. Biohazard cleanup companies like Xtreme Cleaners are experts in cleaning contaminated spaces. They will also advise you how long the cleaning process will take so you enter your home when it’s safe. If you are in need of a biohazard cleanup company in Louisiana, give us a call at (800) 524-9591.