Many of you are thinking that the two are probably the same however this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you want to make sure you’re killing the Coronavirus you need to follow these steps.
The best plan of action is to first clean surfaces by removing the dirt, using an all-purpose cleaner, and then apply disinfectant to get rid of the virus (the first step makes the virus easier to remove in the second step).
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
- Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces (it doesn’t kill germs but can reduce them and reduce the risk of spreading an infection).
- Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
The more isolated we become in our own homes, the less chance we have of someone entering our home who has COVID-19.
If no one in your immediate household has tested positive, you don’t need to obsessively clean to remove germs (over and above your usual everyday cleaning).
However, you may want to clean and disinfect after visitors or in high-traffic areas or communal outdoor areas that others may have visited, and especially areas with high contact such as doorknobs and handles.
What cleaning products should you use against coronavirus?
There’s a good chance you probably already have the cleaning products you need in the cupboard. Your everyday cleaning methods and supplies, applied with diligent scrubbing, will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus. The important thing is to first clean with a detergent and water, then disinfect with a bleach-based solution or an alcohol-based solution with at least 70% alcohol.
Your choice of cleaning product will be determined by the type of surface you’re cleaning and how likely it is that it is contaminated by the COVID-19 virus. If you feel the risk of contamination is high, you may like to opt for a stronger bleach-based solution for the disinfecting part of the process.
Check the label to ensure the product kills viruses (not just bacteria)
The Australian Department of Health says you should use a disinfectant that claims “antiviral activity”, meaning it can kill a virus (such as chlorine-based disinfectants).
This is different to an ‘antibacterial cleaner’. Antibacterial cleaning products contain ingredients to eliminate germs and bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. While you can still use these products to clean surfaces, the ‘antibacterial’ ingredients themselves will not eliminate COVID-19.
Just to confuse you further, some products that market themselves as being ‘antibacterial’ are actually also disinfectants – but not all. So check the label to ensure the product kills viruses as well (not just bacteria).
For a free, no-obligation quote for all your covid-19 cleaning needs please call Eco- Green Cleaning & Maintenance on 03 8307 8155 today!
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