Disinfecting Do’s And Don’ts
The Cardinal Rules Of Disinfecting
Do you know what you should be disinfecting? How often? Or what you shouldn’t be disinfecting?
Colds, the Flu, and a pandemic… there’s a lot going on and chances are your home is filled with more germs, bacteria, and viruses compared to years prior. While you should regularly clean your home to keep dirt and grime at bay, you should also try to regularly disinfect it. We’re breaking down some important disinfecting do’s and don’ts to help you keep your home squeaky clean, and germ free…because a healthy home is a happy home!
Disinfecting Do’s
1. Do disinfect every day.
No one expects you to disinfect every square inch of your home on a daily basis, and unless someone in your home is ill, or you’ve been in close contact with someone who is ill—disinfecting your entire house isn’t all that necessary. There are however, several high-touch spots you should try to disinfect on a regular (every day, or every other day) basis.
2. Do add these hotspots to your daily disinfecting routine.
- light switches
- doorknobs
- toilet flush levers
- faucet handles
- remote controls
- cell phones
- wallets and purses
- thermostat buttons
- refrigerator door handles
- cabinet door handles
- oven and microwave door handles and knobs
- counters and tabletops
- car door handles
3. Do clean visibly dirty surfaces before you disinfect.
Did you know disinfectants don’t always work on ultra dirty surfaces? Here’s why: Viruses and bacteria can hide in organic material and dirt lingering on your home’s surfaces, which makes any disinfectant you try to use less effective. Always use an all-purpose cleaner or soap and water, on visibly dirty surfaces before using disinfectant.
4. Do follow directions.
Did you know that for Boulder Clean Disinfecting Wipes to be effective in disinfecting, you need to keep the surface wet for 3-10 minutes? This crucial piece of information is listed in the instructions on the canister and pouch! The same applies to our Disinfecting Spray—the surface must remain visibly wet for up to 10 minutes. To take full advantage of Boulder Clean’s Disinfecting line when you clean your home, don’t forget to follow the instructions, step by step!
Disinfecting Don’ts
1. Don’t ever use disinfecting spray or wipes on your skin.
This one may seem obvious, but it’s an important one: Don’t use disinfecting wipes or spray for personal cleansing, sanitizing or as diaper wipes. While Boulder Clean Disinfecting Wipes and Spray are non-toxic, plant-based, and safe if you come into contact with them, they are meant to be used on surfaces, not skin!
2. Don’t use spray or wipes on untreated or unpainted wood (especially floors).
Untreated and unpainted wood, is porous meaning it will absorb whatever you apply to it—including disinfectant. Using disinfectant on your untreated or unpainted wood, could damage it and its appearance but, more importantly, it means you’re not getting the disinfecting power you’re counting on!
3. Don’t forget to spot test.
Like most disinfectants, Boulder Clean Disinfecting Spray and Wipes are approved to disinfect non-porous surfaces. It’s best to avoid unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled, or worn surfaces. It is also best to avoid using disinfectant on certain metals like brass, and on pH sensitive surfaces like marble, to prevent tarnishing, etching and other damage. As you should with any cleaner, if you’re unsure if a disinfectant can be used on a particular surface, make sure you spot test it first, to ensure the product will not cause any damage or discoloration to your surfaces.