During these uncertain times, we understand that many people have questions about disinfecting and sanitizing their homes. Stanley Steemer teams are actively monitoring communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), the World Health Organization (“WHO”), and federal agencies to ensure they are operating consistent with the latest guidance to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
According to the CDC, cleaning is the necessary first step of any disinfection process. Cleaning removes organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation. The physical action of scrubbing with detergents and surfactants and rinsing with water removes substantial numbers of microorganisms. If a surface is not cleaned first, the success of the disinfection process can be compromised. Here are some tips from the CDC on protecting your home if someone is sick:
As part of your everyday prevention actions clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. For example: tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles.
Clean
Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
Disinfect
Use diluted household bleach solutions if appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.
Household cleaners and disinfectants: Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
Many products recommend:
Keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed.
Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Soft Surfaces
For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes
Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
Laundry
For clothing, towels, linens and other items
Wear disposable gloves.
Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.
Do not shake dirty laundry.
Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.
Clean Hands Often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person.
Hand sanitizer:
If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Additional key times to clean hands include:
After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating or preparing food
After contact with animals or pets
Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Food
Stay separated:
The ill person should eat (or be fed) in their room if possible.
Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water:
Handle any non-disposable used food service items with gloves and wash with hot water or in a dishwasher.
Clean hands after handling used food service items.
Trash
Dedicated, lined trash can:
If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the ill person.Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands afterwards.
Stanley Steemer is prepared and uniquely equipped to assist Customers with the cleaning of virtually all environmental surfaces for a cleaner and healthier home and have introduced a new cleaning product:
“Stanley Steemer® is introducing a new cleaning product into all of our standard cleaning processes. This product is an EPA Registered Antimicrobial Disinfectant that meets the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2 when used on Hard/Non-Porous Surfaces like Tile, Wood, Laminates, Vinyl, Linoleum and Stone. This product has also been demonstrated to be highly effective cleaner of Soft/Porous Surfaces—including Carpet, Rugs and Upholstery—when used in connection with our proprietary and industry-leading cleaning equipment.”
Now is a great time to put some of these tips into practice to not only protect from someone in your home who is already sick, but to help prevent more spread. For more information about the critical importance of cleaning, we encourage you to visit the CDC for more information on how to Protect Your Home.
Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line.
All Stanley Steemer water restoration specialists have Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the most widely recognized and accepted certification program in the industry. These individuals are highly trained and prepared for any emergency water removal task they encounter. In addition to certification, our technicians attend IICRC-accredited continuing education and training programs throughout the year. We provide the time and money to train our people, and we supply them with the best equipment available.
For more information on their 24/7 Emergency Water Resmoval visit their site
Stanley Steemer provides trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment you can’t get anywhere else. When flooding occurs, why muddy the waters? Call Stanley Steemer.
Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)
Spring Fever has now turned into Cabin Fever. McWane is preparing at-home experiments and activities for your family to enjoy these next few weeks until they can welcome you back to the museum.
Dragon Hunt by UAB Football
If you’re looking for a cute and easy Easter Project to do with the kiddos, give this a try. These would be great to mail to loved ones this week!
No Suds Here – Coat a bar of soap with some clear nail polish to keep any suds from forming. Watch the confusion set it when they wash their hands or when they take their bath.
