Hygiene habits that should stay – even in lockdown level 1

Like many countries worldwide, South Africa has undergone the coronavirus pandemic for months. We have finally entered lockdown LEVEL 1, and most ordinary activity can retake place, with health guidelines and precautions to be followed at all times. A second wave of COVID 19 is still possible says our health minister, Zweli Mkhize.

Disinfecting and cleaning your home or office is a required precaution method that lowers the risk of infection.

Did you know

Since microbes/viruses are invisible, it is essential to understand that a visibly clean surface is not necessarily hygienically clean. To ensure that hands, surfaces, and fabrics (clothes and cleaning utensils) are hygienically clean, they must be treated in the prescribed manner.

Here are some easy daily hygiene habits you can practice in your home to keep you and your family safe. Remember, preventative measures are all about maintaining good hygiene.  Clean working space and home environment are imperative to aid in the fight against Covid-19.

Bust the dust

We’ve all seen how quickly dust builds up behind cabinets and furniture. As dust can carry allergens causing respiratory issues, it’s important to vacuum regularly and open up windows to allow air to ventilate.

High-touch surfaces that need cleaning and disinfection

High-touch surfaces differ in every home, but here are the most common surfaces: Tables, door handles, chairs, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, handrails, taps, toilets, light switches, computers, mobile phones and game controllers.

What to use to clean and disinfect

If a surface is dirty, soap, detergent, and water can be used to clean it first. Then a disinfectant product containing alcohol (of around 70 per cent) or bleach can be used to disinfect the item or surface. Vinegar and other natural products are not recommended.

The product we use is called Zoono Surface Disinfectant. This product was tested in the UK in February, against the approved surrogate of the COVID-19 virus, and achieved a kill rate of greater than 99.99%.

Don’t forget your dustbins

Your kitchen dustbin can be a hot spot of bacteria with food spoilage. Ideally, it would help if you used a dustbin with a closing lid and a bin bag which can be tied before putting into an outside bin. Washing your hands after being in contact with your dustbin is a must and wipe down any common touchpoints.

Lounge hygiene

Light switches, tablets, and remote controls can be a perfect breeding ground for cold and flu viruses. It’s advised to clean and disinfect these regularly, mainly if there are family members who have been recently ill.

Fresher laundry

For items like gym kits, healthcare uniforms, and towels you should aim to wash these at 60°C, with most other items suitable for washing at 40°C.

If you find you need help with disinfecting your home or workplace, we can help. Click here to get a quote.