It’s common knowledge that proper hygiene is the key to curbing the rapid spread of the pandemic. And it’s even more critical if you’re hosting even a small gathering at home, inside or, preferably, outside.

But how exactly are you to go about it?

Here is a Thanksgiving cleaning checklist for your consideration.

Cleaning Hard Surfaces

• Wear disposable gloves and other protective gear – including eye protection.
• Clean hard surfaces with soap or detergent and water.
• Ensure adequate ventilation.
• Check whether the disinfectant products at hand are appropriate for the surface, fresh, and EPA-approved. The bleach should contain 5.25%–8.25% sodium hypochlorite – clearly specified on the label.
• Read the manufacturer’s manual on how to use the disinfectant at hand.
• Keep children and pets off of the area to be disinfected.
• Use the amount of disinfectant specified on the label and dilute according to room temperature water – or as stated on the label. 
•  Disinfect the surfaces using methods and contact time recommended on the label. Note, most disinfectants are effective up to 24 hours – after which you can rinse and repeat if need be.
• Label the diluted solutions.
• Store the remaining chemicals out of the reach of kids and pets.
• Discard the used gloves.
• Clean your hands immediately after removing the gloves.

The Don’ts

• Never drink, eat, or inhale, inject, or apply disinfectant products on your body.
• Never bathe or wipe pets with the products – unless they are pre-approved for animal use.
• Never mix or use the disinfectant near or in the same room as people with asthma – lest risk triggering asthma exacerbations.
• Never mix chemicals carelessly (say household bleach with ammonia and other cleansers) as they can result in fumes that are dangerous to inhale.

Cleaning Soft/Porous Surfaces like Drapes and Carpeted Floor

• Remove visible dirt, dust, and other contamination if present.
• Clean with appropriate detergents or cleansers
• Launder the soft surfaces appropriately per the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest water setting possible for the surfaces, and dry them adequately.
• Alternatively, use disinfectant suitable for your soft surfaces/items that are EPA-approved for use against the coronavirus.
• Clean hands thoroughly when done.

Cleaning Electronics

• Remove visible dirt if present
• Clean and disinfect each electronic as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Use cleansers and disinfectants recommended by the manufacturer.
• Clean or wipe and disinfect electronics covers as directed by the manufacturer. Use alcohol-based sprays or wipes with at least 70% alcohol to cleanse touch screens.
• Dry electronic surfaces thoroughly – to prevent pooling of liquids.
•  Return the wipeable covers and clean hands thoroughly when done.

Cleaning Hands

Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. And more so after removing gloves, contacting an ill person, going out, touching high-touch surfaces that are not disinfected, before preparing and eating, after using the washroom, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose, before and after tendering care to another person,  – as often as possible. 

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%+ alcohol content to complement (and never in the stead of) soap and running water. Check out CDC’s Hand Sanitizer Use Considerations and FDA’s Tips for Safe Sanitizer Use.

While at it:

• Store the hand sanitizer in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children.
• Supervise kids under six years to ensure proper handwashing and sanitization.
• Avoid touching nose, mouth, or eyes – even after washing your hands.
• Avoid sharing hand washing and drying towels.

Phew! That’s quite an overwhelming list, huh? But you can have all that done this Thanksgiving day with the Happy Home Cleaning Services. You book, we clean, and you rest, like enjoying a delicious dinner.