Looking back at the pandemic, with the emphasis put on cleaning and disinfection and wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we’ve come a long way. Now that multiple vaccines are out to keep people safe, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. People are getting vaccinated and starting to gather in social groups again. For some, life feels like it’s going back to normal.
But for others, things are just as bad, if not worse with all the different variants spreading. The media has been saying the vaccinations are still effective against the variants, but nobody can be sure.
It is still a good idea to keep cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting to not only keep COVID-19 away, but other illnesses like the seasonal flu and common cold. It feels like it’s been ages since we’ve been worried about them, despite the thousands of deaths that occur each year as a result.
But one thing that is certain; it’s always a good idea to keep your home and business clean, sanitized and disinfected to reduce the risk of any illnesses threatening the health and safety of your family, staff, tenants, guests and customers. Here are some post vaccination service tips for coronavirus, seasonal flu, and the common cold.
Clean on a Regular Basis
For those living and working in the Aurora, IL area, ServiceMaster S&R Systems is available to provide cleaning and disinfection services
Simply using a household cleaner with soap or detergent can greatly reduce the amount of bacteria on high-contact surfaces, reducing the risk of infection. But disinfection will eliminate pathogens including the virus that causes COVID-19. Be sure to follow these specific disinfection steps to protect everyone in your home, especially if it has been contaminated.
Cleaning Infected Surfaces
- Clean high-touch surfaces daily after visitors have been in your home or business
- Focus on high-touch surfaces like light switches, countertops, tables, doorknobs, handles and keyboards
- Clean other surfaces in the home if there is visible dirt on them and clean them frequently if people in your home face a higher risk of becoming sick.
Other Ways to Prevent Surface Contamination
- Ask unvaccinated people to wear masks
- Follow CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people before inviting others into your home or business
- Isolate those who are sick
- Ask that everyone in your home wash their hands often, especially when coming in from outside activities
Disinfection Tips for When Someone is Sick
If someone in your home has tested positive for COVID-19 or is sick, you’ll need to disinfect your home in addition to cleaning it. Keep in mind that cleaning simply removes bacteria while disinfecting kills it. Here’s how to disinfect commonly touched surfaces in your home or business.
- Follow the directions on the label of the product as most recommend keeping the surface wet with the disinfectant for a certain period of time. Also make sure to keep it away from children.
- Use a disinfectant product from the CDC’s EPA List N that are effective against COVID-19.
- Always wear gloves during the cleaning process. You may also want to wear additional protection, such as eye wear.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after removing the gloves. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Always ensure adequate ventilation while disinfecting any surface.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Bedrooms and Bathrooms
If someone has been sick, keep them in a separate bedroom and bathroom. If they are able to clean…
- Provide cleaning and disinfection supplies to the sick person, like paper towels, cleaners, tissues, and disinfectants.
- In shared areas, the infected person should always clean and disinfect surfaces after using them.
If the person cannot clean…
- Wear a mask and disinfect the area around the person and limit your contact with them.
- Open all windows, doors and use fans and heating, air conditioning and ventilation settings to increase air circulation.
After the person is no longer sick…
- Still continue to wear a mask when cleaning.
- If you can wait 24 hours to clean the contaminated area, such as the bedroom or bathroom, you will only need to clean.
- Make sure to use and store the cleaning and disinfectant products safely
- Store the disinfectants and always use personal protective equipment (PPE), including mask and gloves, that’s needed for the cleaning products
You should continue to take the following precautions during these activities after the person is no longer sick:
Simply using a household cleaner with soap or detergent can greatly reduce the amount of bacteria on high-contact surfaces
When eating…
- Wash dishes and utensils with hot water and soap or in the dishwasher
- Always wear gloves when washing dishes
- Wash your hands after taking off your gloves or handling contaminated items
When taking out the garbage…
- Use a specific, lined trash can for the sick person
- Use gloves when taking out the garbage
- Wash your hands when done
Other Safety Tips When Using Chemical Disinfectants
- Wear gloves and even safety goggles to prevent against possible splash hazards to your eyes
- Never eat, drink, ingest or inject cleaning and disinfectants into your body or apply directly to your skin
- Never mix products or chemicals
- Store and secure chemicals out of reach of children and pets
- Use only the recommended amount on the product label
- Take extra precaution when living with people with asthma
- Label diluted cleaning products and disinfectants
Professional Disinfection and Cleaning Services
Even with the increase in vaccinations, it’s always important to keep your family and staff safe from illnesses of all types. Especially for those who have not yet been vaccinated or pose a high risk to contracting a dangerous sickness, one can never be too careful when sanitizing, cleaning, or disinfecting their home or building.
For those living and working in the Aurora, IL area, ServiceMaster S&R Systems is available to provide cleaning and disinfection services to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, common cold and seasonal flu. Our products are specifically designed to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and illnesses, keeping your family, staff, tenants, guests and customers safe and healthy.
Get a Free Estimate
We are proud to provide free estimates and happy to disinfect homes and buildings of all types and sizes. Give us a call at 630-896-0030 to schedule your appointment for disinfection and cleaning services in the Aurora, IL area.
