Role of Disinfectants in tackling Corona Virus
Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While its symptoms match the common cold and flu, this disease differs entirely from them.
The disease was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since spread globally. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus (Covid-19) a pandemic.
Because of the pandemic, the world changed rapidly as we witnessed unforeseen circumstances, market crashes, crumbling economies, and collapsing health systems. But, more importantly, people around the globe adopted changes in hygiene habits to curb the spread of the disease.
The spread of the coronavirus also spurred a huge surge in demand for disinfectants as everyone wanted to keep themselves and the environment around them protected from the coronavirus.
But what do we know about these disinfectants and their relationship with this disease? This article will look deeply at how the disinfectants tackled the coronavirus.
To this day, many people confuse cleaning and disinfecting with each other. Even though they both are parts of the decontamination process, there’s a clear difference between them.
When to clean and when to disinfect?
You should know that cleaning reduces the germs and bacteria on the surfaces by removing contaminants and increasing the likelihood of avoiding infectious diseases.
Whereas the disinfecting process cuts down the risk of infectious diseases such as cold & flu, hepatitis, E. coli., Urinary tract infections (UTIs), etc., by eliminating hazardous microorganisms.
You must regularly clean and disinfect high-traffic areas that are poorly ventilated, lack sufficient hand washing facilities, and are usually occupied by people who are at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19.
What is coronavirus (Covid-19)?
Covid-19, or coronavirus, is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that emerged in December 2019.
This contagious and deadly disease has caused millions of deaths worldwide, leaving health problems in people who survived this illness.
The most common symptoms of Covid-19 include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
A tremendous impact
There are many aspects to look at concerning the coronavirus. Research showed that the countries with the largest outbreaks since February 2020 include India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, and Mexico.
Having a good immune system is important, but cleaning and disinfecting is still the best protective measure you can take to keep this virus out of your house and life.
Keeping your body clean
Keeping yourself clean is essential before you can go on to disinfect your environment. Therefore, you must wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soap or antibacterial liquid hand wash for at least 20 seconds.
In addition, we suggest using our antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers that provide 100% better germ protection for convenient and instant protection.
Contaminated hands are a prime reason for spreading diseases. This further highlights the importance of having antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers readily available for use.
Develop your plan
Consider the type of surface and how often that surface is touched. Generally, the more people touch a surface, the higher the risk of the coronavirus spreading.
Prioritize cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces at least once a day. You may also choose to clean or disinfect more frequently, depending on how often the surface is used throughout the day.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
Soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, and drapes
- Vacuum as usual
- Clean the surfaces using soap, detergent, or antibacterial multipurpose wipes
- Launder them (if applicable) using warm water, detergent, and antiseptic liquid to eliminate germs, bacteria, and other pathogens
- Disinfect such surfaces using Dettol’s disinfectant surface spray for a fast and effective solution
Don’t forget to clean and disinfect your baby’s everyday items to prevent the coronavirus from being transferred to your baby via these items.
Electronic items such as tablets, remote controls, etc.
Cleaning and disinfecting electronic devices at home becomes easier if you know which product to use.
- Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronic devices, which makes cleaning and disinfection easier. You can wipe down the surface using antibacterial multiuse wipes.
- Use a disinfectant surface spray on the device but ensure the droplets don’t reach inside the device.
Outdoor areas
- Spraying, cleaning, and using disinfectant products on outdoor areas such as sidewalks and roads is unnecessary
- Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars, play structures, and railings
Regularly disinfecting
One cannot simply underestimate the importance of routine cleaning and disinfecting.
You can protect yourself and your loved ones from the coronavirus if you regularly clean and disinfect floors, surfaces, and objects, especially those in the home hygiene hotspots.
Practice good hygiene, keep yourself and your household clean, limit interactions, and don’t go out without knowing these safety tips! So we leave you with all these precautions to stay happy and healthy.
FAQs
What are the recommended surfaces to clean and disinfect during the COVID-19 pandemic?
High-touch surfaces such as doors and window handles, countertops, bathroom surfaces, toilets and taps, remote controls, keyboards, and work surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected during the Covid-19 pandemic.
What protective measures should I take while using disinfectants?
Here are some protective measures you should adopt while using disinfectants:
- Keep children, pets, and other people away during the application of disinfectant until it’s dry and there is no odour
- Keep the area ventilated by opening windows and using fans
- Wash your hands using antibacterial soap
- Keep the disinfectant’s lid tightly closed when not in use
- Do not allow children to use disinfectant wipes
- Keep cleaning fluids and disinfectants out of the reach of children and pets
How long does the virus that causes Covid-19 last on surfaces?
A study suggests that Covid-19 may remain on surfaces for days. It was reported that the virus survival rate on those surfaces (plastic, stainless steel, and copper) varies greatly, ranging from 2 to 3 days for plastic and steel and 4 to 24 hours for cardboard and copper.
The survival time depends on several factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity, and a specific strain of the virus.