COVID-19 Prevention Tips to Reduce Spread in Your Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catastrophic event that has taken over 3 million lives since early 2020. Thankfully the spread and the deaths have slowed down but mutated strains are being discovered. Thankfully a Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have released a Coronavirus vaccine. As we are in the midst of flu season, and we are starting to become more cautious to protect ourselves from germs, the germ count is feasting in our homes.

Also, I do not know about you, but I do my best to avoid the use of chemicals, as I do use them, I stick to minimal amounts while usually sticking to the more ‘natural stuff’. Mechanics antimicrobial countertops are your best bet in minimizing chemicals and are new ways of preventing germs from harboring in your home. Here some home remodeling tips and other ways to keep the household virus under control once and for all.

Clean All Metal Fixtures

Metal fixtures around the home collect the most viruses and germs. Copper-containing metals, like, brass will prevent germs from spreading easily, however, sweat over time corrodes the metal, according to University of Leicester forensic scientist John Bond, so it is still important to keep them clean and encourages frequent hand-washing. Hand-washing is the easiest way to prevent the spreading of germs.

At the time of doing a kitchen remodel, you start to think about how to better use the space and “carefully consider: is it really going to enhance your life?” Brannock says on sparefoot.com.

The Local Records Office also explains “the safety of your kitchen and its organization are two important factors in making your kitchen more reasonable.” As remodeling becomes a wide interest and consumers are becoming more driven with the urgency to cook meals and the simplicity of keeping their kitchen environment both safe and clean, having anti-bacterial surfaces has become very appealing. The countertops listed below offer an array of surfaces that contains material to kill the COVID-19 virus.

Focus on the Most Used Areas

EOS Surfaces has solid surface countertops with Cupran technology with copper ions infused into the countertop that kill 99.9 percent of bacteria within two hours, according to the company. They also suggest that families with kids are more likely to be interested in antibacterial surfaced, considering that 39% of those that were surveyed find these products very appealing, Gallagher explains.

Crystallite is composed of 85% quartz and 15% acrylic, and has a non-porous mixture, though a similar surface of polished granite, yet 30 times more hygienic.

Silestone countertops are engineered containing 94% natural quartz, and silver ions that prevent bacteria growth, according to the EOS Surfaces company.

Silestone Volanco is approximately 90% quartz and also non-porous but has a subtle, molten-rock texture that gives a matte finish which feels softer to the touch, without compromising the antibacterial properties.

Silestone Leather is the first countertop that uses Micoban, a popular antimicrobial agent. It primarily performs as an aesthetic benefit by resisting stains and odors.

Bios. Antibacterial Ceramics, however, gain antibacterial through an active bactericide. During the process stage, proprietary mineral particles generate a highly effective antibacterial reaction that is added to this ceramic material. The result ceramic tiles are offered as natural, polished, or glazed since the antibacterial particles are embedded in its core.

Polluted and cement print offers another strategy for combating bacteria. Through light-sensitive photocatalytic technology white cement and /paint is screen printed to create an ‘invisible’ motif that starts to become visible over time as pollutants discolor the area and are not protected by paint. This nanotech white paint has the ability to break down organic polluted molecules and bacteria in the air, transforming them into harmless substances. 

Protect Your Home by Using These Products

Microban is registered with the EPA and has one of the leading qualities of resistance to bacteria. The company Microban partners with recognizable names: Conair®, Rubbermaid®, Bissell®, Reebok®, and much more.

Appliances harbor significant amounts of microbes. And infusing these appliances with microban technology ensures correct antimicrobial protection.

Bathroom products are most typically moist and warm harboring significant amounts of microbial flora. Incorporating microban technology in bathroom products will prevent product deterioration, stains, and unpleasant odors due to microbial presence.

• The “SimplyPure™ custom bathtubs come infused with Microban’s antimicrobial protection also helps by keeping your bathroom cleaner and safer. It works continuously even between cleanings to keep your shower and bathtub cleaner by fighting the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.”

• The lux-seal glass is ultra-smooth, optically clear, and has a protective layer easier for cleaning. It also resists water spots for a cleaner solution. The doors are track-free handing to avoid the painstaking process of cleaning the wheels or tracks on the bottom of the door and with ease of movement.

10 Hot Spot Places Germs Are Breeding

As mentioned previously germs are attracted to moisture. And when getting a handle on your household duties, look for these top ten places that are considered the germiest in your home.

• Dish sponges harbored 77% of coliform bacteria and 86% of yeast and mold. Even scarier, 18% contained staph bacteria.

Cleaning tip: microwave wet sponges once a day for 2 minutes, and replace them every two weeks. When using a hot rag, replace it every day or two and place it in a hot washing cycle.

• Kitchen sinks hit number two on the list, as the study conducted 45% of sinks tested positive for coliform bacteria, while 27% contained molds. 

Cleaning tip: clean all sides and bottom of skin twice a week. Once per month, pour a solution of a teaspoon of bleach to one quart of water down your drain. Don’t forget to wash the sink strainer!

• Toothbrush holders. A high level of bacteria (27% of coliform, 14% of staph) was found and is likely high because they tend to be close to the toilet. When one flushes, the fecal aerosols harbor to the holder. 

Cleaning tip: Toss the toothbrush holder in a dishwasher or wash with hot soapy water two times a week. Better yet, keep your toothbrush stored inside the cabinet or get a sanitizer to stash your toothbrush.

• Pet bowls ranked #4 with the study of 45% of bowls harboring mold and yeast, and 18% coliform bacteria.

Cleaning tip: Put the pet bowls in the dishwasher. When handwashing, use a dilute bleach solution (one cup per gallon of water) and rinse well with clean water.

• Coffee makers. When swabbed for mold and yeast, had 9% of coliform bacteria.

Cleaning tip: Read the instruction manual. Add four cups of vinegar to the reservoir; let it sit for 30 minutes, then brew. Run two to three cycles of fresh water until the smell has disappeared.

• Faucet handles when tested, found 9% of coliform bacteria. 27% has contained molds and 5% staph. When you touch the handle before washing your hands, it is no wonder the bacteria is found here.

Cleaning tip: disinfect daily with either wipes or spray.

• Pet toys harbor staph bacteria- the highest percentage in any item studied in a household. Tested of 55% yeasts and molds, and 14% coliform bacteria.

Cleaning tip: scrub hard pet toys with soap water, and mild bleach solution. Soft toys can go in the washer.

• Kitchen countertops are found to harbor bacteria, as discussed earlier, with 34% tested coliform bacteria, and 18% were found to carry molds.

Cleaning tip: Rinse countertops with a dilute bleach/ water solution after preparing food.

• Stove knobs tested with 14% had coliform bacteria, and 27% harbored molds and yeasts

Cleaning tip: Once a week, remove knobs and wash in soapy hot water.

• Cutting boards are tested with 18% potentially dangerous coliform bacteria and 14% contains molds and yeasts.

Cleaning tip: after each use, place boards in the dishwasher, or hand-wash with hot soapy water.

Not only is a home remodeling your best option in preventing microbes, but you still are needing to do your part in maintaining a germ-free environment by keeping it safe for your family to hibernate during this winter season.