As we settle down into a life turned upside down from the coronavirus, we are continually reminded to wash our hands and disinfect surfaces that could be contaminated. At the beginning of the crisis, stores quickly sold out of hand sanitizer and essential cleaning products. With businesses soon opening back up, we are left wondering how to keep ourselves and our homes clean and safe.

Even though we have been told to stay at home, many people are still working, which means they could bring the virus home, whether they touch something or even have the virus in their clothes. Activities we once thought were harmless could potentially put us at risk, such as going to the grocery store, ordering food, or even checking the mail. Any object that you bring into your home could carry the virus on its surface.

The CDC recommends disinfecting high touch surfaces in your home as much as possible. The virus can live for several hours and even as long as half a day on some materials. Look around your house at all of the surfaces that may be touched after a trip to the grocery store, for example. High touchpoints include doorknobs, light switches, keys, cell phones, remote controls, sink handles, and any other objects dealt with regularly.

Don't panic if you weren't able to score some Clorox wipes. You can make your disinfectant with a little bleach and water with a rag. Add 1/3 cup bleach to every gallon of water. This mixture can be used on most non-porous surfaces around the home. For electronics, most can be wiped down with small amounts of at least 70% alcohol or alcohol wipes. Make sure to follow the manufacture recommendations of cleaning cell phones, keyboards, and tablets.

Groceries and delivery items must be wiped down with Clorox wipes, bleach water, or alcohol. Soak fruit in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes then air dry. Make sure to wipe down the counter area and wash hands thoroughly after handling packages. 

Vacuum carpets often and keep floors swept and mopped. Wash blankets, linens, towels, and clothes in the warmest water possible and use the dryer instead of hanging them up to dry. 

Keeping high touch points clean is essential to minimize your risk of catching COVID-19. Click here to read more on the sanitation recommendation from the CDC.