How to Properly Sanitize Surfaces

Want to know How to Properly Sanitize Surfaces? Over the past several months we’ve certainly learned just how important it is not only to keep our hands washed but also making sure that surfaces in our homes are sanitized. Are you 100% sure that you know how to properly sanitize every surface in your home? If not, there might be a key component that you’ve been missing.

How to Properly Sanitize Surfaces

It’s also good for you to be aware of which surfaces need to be regularly cleaned and sanitized. We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to properly sanitize surfaces.

Properly Cleaning and Sanitizing

If you notice that a particular surface is visibly dirty, first, go ahead and use a household cleaner, whether it’s a soap or detergent, to remove any dirt or residue. This takes care of dust and debris, but you don’t stop there.

When a surface is not visibly dirty, use a cleaning product that both cleans and disinfects.
The goal of disinfectant products is to kill any invisible germs or bacteria (including viruses) that may be lurking throughout your home.
When you are sanitizing a surface, are you allowing the product to sit long enough so that it can fully do its job?
Don’t make the mistake of spraying down a surface and follow up behind with an immediate wipe down.
Sanitizer products work best when you’ve allowed it to sit and agitate a surface for an extended period of time. It’s all about time.
For some products, it’s okay to allow the disinfectant to completely dry, but most disinfectant sprays will mention a contact time on the label that is recommended, in order for it to kill up to 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
You can buy a commercial disinfectant or make your own disinfectant by using a bleach/water solution.
For surfaces that come into contact with food, it’s important to follow up behind the disinfectant by using soap and warm water.

Surfaces to Regularly Wipe Down

Surfaces that are touched often by people should be sanitized regularly. These surfaces include doorknobs and door handles, light switches, countertops, chairs, tabletops, desktops, bathroom surfaces, toys, as well as the kitchen faucet.

It’s also important to sanitize your electronics, but make sure that you use a sanitizing wipe or cloth for the job.
These electronic surfaces include the telephone, computer, keyboard, computer mice, remote controls, video games.
When you’re wanting to take your new sanitizing expertise even further, it’s also recommended that you clean and sanitize surfaces in your vehicle as well.
The steering wheel, gear shifts, and door handles are all areas that you don’t want to miss.

One last note for you to consider is not mixing two disinfectant products together. This can render the disinfectant ineffective. Allowing sanitizer to sit and agitate for a longer period of time, gives the product a chance to kill more bacteria than simply spraying followed by an immediate wipe behind. What are some other surfaces in your home that you make sure and sanitize well?

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Melissa Jennings

Melissa is a soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 21 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.