In order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus [1], COVID-19, it's important that everyone take as many precautions as possible, including thoroughly washing your hands [2], not touching your face, and using soap and water and other disinfectants [3] to rid high-touch surfaces of germs. According to a government study, the coronavirus can be airborne for a few hours and live on some surfaces for up to three days [4].
The Centres For Disease Control recommends wearing gloves while doing any coronavirus-related cleaning [5]. The agency also recommends cleaning surfaces first with soap and then disinfecting after that for maximum effect in removing germs. For disinfecting, "diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70 percent alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective," the CDC explains.
The idea of cleaning every high-touch surface can be overwhelming, though, so we've compiled a list of the most essential spots to clean and disinfect, just in case there are any you've forgotten. Think about your average day around the house, in your car, and at the office, and clean everything you touch frequently. This list can help you get started.
- Light switches
- Doorknobs (on the inside and outside and also the locks on the doors)
- House keys and car keys
- Cellphone and landline
- Earbuds, headphones, and AirPods
- Frige handle
- Oven knobs
- Small kitchen appliances
- Drawer pulls
- Sink knobs
- Bath knobs
- Toilet flusher
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
- Makeup and brushes
- Any bottles of hair care or skin care
- Desk
- Computer screen
- Computer mouse or laptop touchpad
- Computer keyboard
- Windows
- Mirrors
- TV remote
- Car door handles
- Steering wheel of your car
- Dashboard of your car (including the radio and air vents)
- Gear box of your car
- Rearview mirror of your car