Cleaning and sterilization recommendations for facing the COVID-19 virus

Recommendations for cleaning and environmental sterilization

Based on available information that supports coronavirus in general, including coronavirus (COVID-19), the spread of these viruses from one person to another is often the result of close contact between them, enabling the respiratory spray to pass from the infected person to others, causing Infection with them, in fact, the transmission of the virus from contaminated surfaces to others has not been recorded with certainty, but the possibility is that it is worth noting that coronaviruses may survive for hours or days on surfaces, so cleaning and sterilizing soiled surfaces is one of the best practices that enable Prevention of respiratory system diseases. (Corona disease)

CDC recommendations for cleaning and sterilization

The advice and recommendations provided by the CDC aiming to clean and sterilize the homes of the people under follow-up, or those who have been isolated due to suspected infection with the CoronaVirus (COVID-19), or those who have been confirmed infected with this virus, and these tips and recommendations aim to Reducing the survival of the virus in the environment, and it is indicated that its updating is carried out continuously, and it is directed to the general public, and the following is a statement of the most prominent of these tips and recommendations:

• Cleaning refers to removing germs, dirt, and impurities on the surfaces, and in this context, it is indicated that cleaning does not kill germs, but it works to remove them, and therefore it reduces their numbers and the possibility of spreading and transferring to others.
• Disinfection or sterilization refers to the use of certain chemicals to kill the germs on the surfaces. It is worth noting that this process does not necessarily lead to cleaning dirty surfaces or removing germs, but doing disinfection or sterilization after cleaning the surfaces will eliminate the germs, and this would reduce the risk of infection.

General recommendations when cleaning and sterilizing household homes and facilities that include isolated people

• Family members should educate themselves about the symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and prevent its spread at home.
• It is important to clean surfaces that are subject to frequent contact, such as tables, chairs, door handles, lighting switches, remote controls, and knobs, taking into account attention when cleaning the rooms intended for isolating individuals and their facilities from bathrooms, etc., as it is cleaned when needed This was required in order to avoid unnecessary direct contact with the sick person, and attention to the following points is also recommended:
  • Isolate the sick person in a designated room, and remove him from other healthy family members.
  • Work on preparing personal cleaning supplies for the sick person’s room and bathroom. Cleaning supplies include towels, tissue paper, and the necessary cleaners and disinfectants.
  • In cases where it is not possible to provide a separate bath for the sick person, it is worth cleaning and disinfecting the bathroom after each use by the patient.
• Family members find themselves following home care guidelines when interacting with or confirmed to be infected with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and those who have been isolated in designated rooms.

How to clean and sterilize

Surface cleaning and disinfection

• Gloves should be worn when cleaning surfaces and sterilizing them, taking care to dispose of gloves after each cleaning process, and in the case of using reusable gloves, these gloves should be dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and should not be used for other purposes. It is worth noting that the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning and disinfection products should be reviewed before use.
• As for soiled surfaces, they should be cleaned first using water, detergent or soap, and then sterilized.
• When sterilizing, household bleaching powders should be diluted. As for solutions that contain alcohol, the alcohol content should not be less than 70%. Consider the following points:
• It is possible to use diluted household bleaching powders if it is appropriate to use them for surfaces, and it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the proper use and ventilation, and it is worth checking that the product does not exceed its expiration date, and in this context, it is indicated that it is necessary to avoid mixing household bleaching powders with ammonia Or any other detergent, and in general, household cleaning powders are not expired effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted, and to dilute them add 5 tablespoons of bleaching powder per gallon of water which is equivalent to 3,785 liters of water Or adds 4 teaspoons of bleach powder per liter of water.
• It can be inferred that EPA-certified products are able to eliminate viruses through an external code on the package, and it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using all cleaning and sterilization products, including concentration, method of use, duration of application, etc.

Cleaning and disinfecting clothes, towels and other things that go into the laundry

• It is found wearing gloves that can be disposed of when washing, especially when dealing with the clothes and tools of a sick person, as well as warning about the importance of disposing of it immediately after use, and in the case of using the gloves that can be used again, these gloves should be dedicated to washing and should not be used for other purposes, With care to wash hands after removing gloves, taking into account other aspects and matters:
• In cases where gloves are not used when handling dirty laundry, it is worthwhile to wash your hands after this is done.
• Avoid dirty clothes if possible, as this will reduce the possibility of the virus spreading in the air.
• It is advisable to use products intended for washing according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it is worth noting the importance of washing the packages of these products using cold water and then keeping them to dry completely.
• When cleaning laundry baskets, it is worth taking into account the advice and directions explained in the section on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

Hand cleaning and other preventive measures

• It is worth noting that family members work on cleaning hands frequently, especially after removing gloves or contacting a sick person and making sure to wash hands with soap and water for a period of not less than twenty seconds. At least%, noting that it is necessary to wash hands directly with soap and water when dirty.
• Family members should follow preventive measures at work and at home, including taking care to clean hands if the hands are dirty, after using the bathroom, before eating or preparing food, after coughing, sneezing, or skipping from the nose, after coming into contact with animals, and before and after providing care Another person’s routine needs help, for example, children.
• Other considerations:
  • It is worthwhile for a sick person to eat in his room if possible, taking care to clean utensils and dishes using hot water or in a dishwasher, and clean hands after handling these utensils.
  • Allocate a trash can to the sick person if possible, taking care to use gloves when removing the garbage or its bags, handling it, or disposing of it.
  • Be sure to consult the health department about waste disposal guidelines if possible.

Note:

What is mentioned in this article is a translation of what was issued by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the answers and instructions provided for following up on what is issued by the Ministry of Health for your country