Keeping your home sanitized is easy and inexpensive. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make a powerful sanitizer that will keep all surfaces clean. The Covid-19 coronavirus can be eliminated from surfaces in 20 minutes by cleaning with water and bleach.
Bleach for cleaning surfaces
According to the CDC, one of the most effective ways to make a surface disinfectant at home is with water and bleach. Any brand of store-bought bleach will do, but be sure to use bleach containing 5.25–8.25% sodium hypochlorite. Do not use a bleach product if the percentage is not in this range or is not specified. The water must be fresh and clean, neither cold nor hot.
How to make the disinfectant
The CDC instructions are simple and easy to follow. First, you need a 1000ml (34 fl oz) container / bottle, preferably a spray bottle. Add bleach, any brand is good as long as it does not have special additives or fragrances.
Read the label on the bleach container and make sure that it contains 5.25-8.25% sodium hypochlorite.
- Fill the bottle (preferably plastic and dark) to 90% with clean water. The 10% empty should be roughly two horizontal fingers of your hand.
- Pour 100ml (3.4 fl oz) of bleach into the bottle. Close the lid and gently mix for 10 seconds.
Where and how to use the disinfectant
You can use the disinfectant on any hard or soft surface. Just be sure to spray the surface well with the solution so that it has a full effect.
Cleaning floors: Use a mop, spray the floor with enough disinfectant to clean the entire surface of the floor. Use another type of bottle, in this case just open a small hole in the lid.
Cleaning offices: Take the spray bottle to work and clean your office door knob by spraying it. Tables and desks should be sprayed and excess wiped off.
Contact sites: Your home has several contact sites where other people can leave viruses and bacteria. The most common places to spray disinfectant are: door knobs, desk phones, refrigerator door, chair armrests, water faucets, TV remotes, computer keyboards, and laptops.
When to replace your disinfectant
The only problem with this type of home disinfectant is its short life. Every 24 hours you should redo your disinfectant, since the bleach loses its effect on the water. Ideally you should try to make a small amount to use during the same day.