Protection from Virus: 6 Things Everyone Forgets to Disinfect

Specialists at US disease control and prevention centers warn that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces made of metal and plastic in dark rooms for up to 17 days. They came to this conclusion after observing surfaces on the Diamond Princess ship.

At the same time, UV radiation, organic solvents, and certain cleaning agents help fight the virus. According to researchers from The Journal of Hospital Infection, disinfectants with over 60% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite can effectively destroy coronaviruses in less than a minute.

We've already written about how to properly disinfect your phone and groceries. Here are a few more items you shouldn't forget about.

Parcels and Documents

First, define a zone in your apartment where you will unpack purchases and parcels. For example, take everything out onto a table or nightstand in the hallway or entryway, not on the kitchen counter. After receiving orders, all items delivered by couriers should be thoroughly wiped with antiseptic or alcohol swabs, and hands should be washed thoroughly.

Clothing and Bags

• Outerwear and footwear should also be left in this designated area. For treating items, use antiseptic or 70% alcohol solution. Don't forget to wear a mask and gloves before the procedure. Footwear can also be washed with soap solution. If you want to wash clothes worn when coming from outdoors in a washing machine, choose a cycle with water temperature no less than 50 degrees Celsius and an additional rinse.
• Bags and backpacks made of textile can be easily cleaned in a washing machine or during hand washing. If the material is delicate, use a damp cloth, disinfectant, and sticky roller. When cleaning, pay special attention to zippers and buttons.

Credit Card

Doctors recommend avoiding cash payments. When ordering online, choose payment directly on the website if possible; otherwise use a bank card or phone payment. After that, definitely wipe the card with a disinfectant swab and clean the magnetic strip of the credit card using a regular school eraser.

Keys

How long ago did you disinfect the keys to your apartment or car? Don't be lazy and treat them every time after use. By the way, when getting into a car, don't forget to treat door handles and steering wheel as well.

Jewelry

The coronavirus can survive on metal for up to 48 hours. Many pieces of jewelry (e.g., rings) are in close contact with skin. To protect yourself, always remove them and thoroughly clean both the jewelry and your hands.

Antiseptics

And, of course, the main item that many people forget about — a tube of disinfectant. It also accumulates bacteria and microbes, especially considering that we take out antiseptic precisely when the surroundings are dirty. Wipe the packaging with disinfectant wipes or thoroughly wash it with soap and water.