The Top 5 Flu Cleaning Products
The flu season can wreak havoc in people’s lives. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 9 million to 45 million people in the U.S. contract the flu each year. In addition to getting an annual flu vaccine, you should also take steps to prevent getting the flu at home and at your job. By ensuring your home has proper flu cleaning products is a step in the right direction.
The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for as long as three days, making it important for you to make sure that your indoor environment is maintained in a thoroughly clean and sanitary condition. In addition to regular cleaning, you should also make a habit of routinely disinfecting the various surfaces in your home.
Many cleaning products can reduce the risk of catching and spreading the flu virus. By stocking up on the following products and using them correctly, you can help to protect yourself and your family from the flu this year.
Flu Cleaning Product #1: Bleach
Bleach is one of the best cleaners to have on hand during the flu season. Before you use bleach to disinfect surfaces, make sure to wash them first with soap and water. To use bleach, mix it with water in a ratio of one-half cup of bleach to one gallon of hot water. Use the solution to wipe hard surfaces like sinks, bathtubs, faucets, toilets, and doorknobs. You can also add bleach to white loads of laundry for added disinfecting power. Make sure to avoid using bleach on fabrics that might become discolored, including curtains, couches, and rugs. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection when you clean with bleach to prevent skin irritation and eye damage.
Flu Cleaning Product #2: Disinfectant spray
A good disinfectant spray is something that you should have on hand for use in your home or business. One great disinfectant spray is Lysol Disinfecting Spray. This product kills up to 99.9% of viruses, fungi, and bacteria. If you have trouble finding Lysol Disinfecting Spray in your local store because of the increased demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic, you can choose a different brand. Make sure to read the label to check whether the brand you choose kills the flu virus. To use disinfectant spray correctly, clean the surfaces with soap and water first. Then, spray the areas and do not wipe the disinfectant spray off. The residue will continue killing viruses and pathogens as it naturally dries.
Flu Cleaning Product #3: Alcohol-based wipes
Your list of cleaning products to have on hand should also include alcohol-based wipes. These wipes can be used to disinfect all of the following types of electronics:
- Remote controls
- Tablets
- Computer keyboards
- Laptops
- Smartphones
The surfaces of these types of electronics regularly collect germs from people’s hands. Since many people might share these types of electronics, they should be regularly disinfected to prevent the spread of viruses and other pathogens. After you use an alcohol-based wipe to clean your electronics, let them air dry to allow the residue to continue the disinfecting process.
Flu Cleaning Product #4: Vinegar
Many people prefer to use vinegar as a household cleaner instead of harsh chemicals. White vinegar works well as a cleanser, but it does not have a great ability to kill the flu virus. However, if you make a 10% solution of malt vinegar, a 2010 study found that it can kill the influenza A virus. However, it does not kill the novel coronavirus, making it important for you to pair vinegar with other disinfecting options.
Flu Cleaning Product #5: Alcohol
Alcohol has been found to be effective in killing the flu virus. However, you must make sure that you use isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of 70% or higher. After you clean surfaces in your home with soap and water, wipe or spray alcohol on them. Let the alcohol dry naturally without wiping it away so that it can continue to work to kill bacteria and viruses.
Thoroughly cleaning your home and disinfecting it regularly can help you to keep healthy during the flu season. By having these cleaning products on hand, you can make sure that your indoor environment will not be conducive to the spread of viruses. PCT Disinfecting can help to keep your home clean and disinfected throughout the year so that you can concentrate on completing your other daily tasks. To learn more, call us today at 866.824.6160.