How to Disinfect a Home

In any household, especially those with kids or pets, germs are a fact of life. They spread easily and can be found in surprising volumes on everyday objects. The four most common types of germs found in homes are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Regularly disinfecting surfaces is the best way to reduce their presence and keep your living spaces healthy.

A systematic approach makes cleaning more efficient and effective. This process ensures you not only remove dirt and grime but also eliminate germs for a thorough clean.

Step 1: Prepare Your Space and Supplies

Before you start, get everything ready. This will help you work faster and avoid stopping midway through.

• Gather Your Tools: You’ll need cleaning cloths, a spray bottle, your chosen disinfectant, and gloves to protect your hands, especially when using chemical cleaners like bleach.

• Ensure Good Ventilation: Open windows or turn on a fan. Proper airflow is crucial when using any cleaning product to disperse fumes.

• Choose a Disinfectant: You can use a store-bought solution or create your own. A simple and effective homemade disinfectant is a bleach solution (be sure to follow dilution instructions on the product label).

Step 2: Declutter and Dust

Cleaning is much harder when surfaces are covered in clutter.

• Clear the Clutter: Remove any items that don’t belong in the room. Put away toys, papers, and other stray objects.

• Dust from Top to Bottom: Start with the highest surfaces, like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of shelves or cabinets. Work your way down to lower furniture. This method ensures dust falls to the floor to be vacuumed up later, so you aren't cleaning the same surface twice.

Step 3: Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

This is the most critical step for creating a hygienic home. Focus on the areas and objects that are touched most frequently throughout the day.

1. Apply your disinfectant to a clean cloth or spray it directly onto the hard surface.
2. Let the solution sit for at least one minute (or as directed by the product label) to give it time to kill germs.
3. Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth.

For soft surfaces like sofas or rugs, it's best to spot-treat. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first, and always test your cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area.

Step 4: Clean Floors Last

Once all the surfaces are clean, it's time to tackle the floors.

• Vacuum or Sweep: Remove all the dust and debris that has settled on the floor.

• Mop the Floors: If you have hard flooring, finish by mopping with a suitable floor cleaner to leave the room sparkling from top to bottom.

Some of the dirtiest items in our homes are the ones we touch every day. Many household objects harbor more germs than things you encounter in public. Make a habit of disinfecting these items regularly—daily, if possible.