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These days, health scares seem to dominate the global news platforms. Instead of resorting to panic, it pays to be prepared. Search to products that can help eradicate bacteria, viruses, and other germs. Practice proper hygiene measures such as washing your hands regularly and using antibacterial hand sanitizers.
Moreover, you must sanitize your household items to defend yourself from COVID-19 and other illnesses. Health is wealth after all!
USE BLEACH
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus seems to spread commonly from person to person via respiratory droplets. It usually transmits between people who are within about 1.8 meters of each other. Current evidence suggests that this virus can remain for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Hence, a relatively cheap and highly efficient disinfectant such as bleach is needed!
Bleach kills some of the most dangerous bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli and salmonella. It also kills many viruses such as common cold and flu.
CDC advises that bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when it is properly diluted. Use a bleach solution comprising of 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and ventilation. You may use this solution for toilets, plastic toys, kitchen counters, and more.
FairPrice sells 4 Liters of Clorox for S$5.
STOCK UP ON VINEGAR
A more natural alternative to bleach is using vinegar. You may stock up on vinegar as you can use it for cleaning and cooking. Research has shown that vinegar solution is helpful against some bacteria and viruses, including the flu. However, does not kill dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus.
To use vinegar for household disinfecting, begin by mixing equal parts vinegar and water. Put this all-purpose disinfectant mixture in a spray bottle for easier application. Cleanse counters, mirrors, and doorknobs with this mixture. You know how viruses can transmit thru entering one doorknob! So, cleanse your doorknobs religiously.
Different kinds of vinegar with varying price tags are available in the nearby grocery.
MIX WITH TEA TREE OIL
Commonly used as a natural antiseptic for treating minor cuts and wounds, tea tree oil is more than what meets the eye! It can be strong enough to kill viruses and more powerful bacteria.
For anything that needs disinfecting and cleaning anywhere in the house, a few spray of tea tree oil gets the job done. Simply add 10 drops of tea tree oil to 250 ml of white vinegar and 250 ml of water. Put this mixture in a spray bottle. Spray on any surface such as kitchen counters or floors, and then wipe up. You can also create a tea tree oil mixture for your smartphone.
Let me school you on how dirty your smartphone can get! You touch your smartphone countless number of times throughout the day and you may even be holding it now as you read this. It does not matter if you are diligently washing your hands, if you do not disinfect your smartphone. You see, a 2012 study found that smartphones have more germs than toilet seats. Imagine that!
Deep-cleanse your smartphone without damaging it by spraying the tea tree oil mixture on a microfiber cloth. Spraying to the cloth rather than directly onto the screen can prevent damage. Some even add vodka into the tea tree oil mixture (i.e., 1/4 cup of vinegar mixed with 10 drops of tea tree oil and 1/4 cup of vodka).
Watsons sell 10 ml of tea tree oil for S$14.90.
DISINFECT USING ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES
Aside from your smartphones, one item that you constantly touch at work is your computer or laptop’s keyboard. It is full of nooks and crannies as you click away for hours a day! Disinfect this germ collector daily by following these steps.
If you are using your computer’s keyboard, turn it upside down and use compressed air to remove any dust or crumbs. Then, turn it over and use antibacterial wipes on the surface. Antibacterial wipes are available in Watsons for S$2 (3 packs of 10 pieces). Disinfect as much as possible.
BUY ANTIBACTERIAL LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Prevent your beloved little ones from becoming sick by constantly washing their stuffed animals and blankets. You see, their furry companions hold onto germs.
Check the tag on stuffed animals to see if it can go in the washing machine, and if so, follow these washing instructions by using the hottest water setting possible along with antibacterial laundry detergent. Use the same technique for the blankets. Dry these completely.
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Four liters of antibacterial laundry detergent is currently on sale at FairPrice.
