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How to Clean and Kill COVID-19, But Avoid Harsh Chemicals
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that leads to COVID-19, is primarily believed to spread when a person with the virus coughs or sneezes in close proximity to someone who is healthy. However, the possibility that healthy people can contract the virus by touching unclean surfaces and then touching their mouth or eyes cannot be ruled out. That is why we are always being prompted to wash our hands and wipe down surfaces amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is also important to know which CPAP cleaning products kill COVID-19.
Proper cleaning and disinfecting means using the right products. Some common cleaning products will not stop COVID-19, while others comprise harsh ingredients that carry health risks. Constant hand washing may damage the skin if precautions are not adhered to. Let us look at the safest ways to clean and disinfect to reduce your risk of COVID-19.
Handwashing is necessary, but chemicals can damage the skin
Regular washing hands and using hand sanitizer can cause skin irritation and fissures. We recommend avoiding washing with hot water and using soap for sensitive skin to prevent skin damage. Additionally, when using hand sanitizer, try to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. That is because ethanol seems to be less irritating than n-propanol or isopropanol.
Cleaning is not the same as disinfecting or sanitizing
The CDC Trusted Source suggests that cleaning regularly touched surfaces is not the same as disinfecting or sanitizing them. Notably, the CDC advises that cleaning only removes germs, along with dirt and other impurities, from surfaces. Using soap and water only physically removes germs from surfaces but does not necessarily kill bacteria.
Disinfecting kill germs on surfaces and objects. However, this process does not always clean surfaces or remove germs. You can lower the risk of spreading infection by killing germs on a surface after cleaning.
Sanitizing cleanses or disinfects surfaces to lower the number of germs on surfaces or objects to safe levels.
Best cleaners are readily available
SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus implying that the virus has an outer protective lipid coat. In turn, anything that effectively disrupts this outer membrane can kill the virus. There are also several excellent options for disinfecting your home.
Experts recommend Soap and water — no antibacterial soap required. Soap and water alone are sufficient to destroy this outer layer that the virus needs to infect. This is why it is recommended to clean surfaces with water and soap first.
According to experts, one common household product that easily disinfects the screens of electronic devices is isopropyl alcohol, which contains a minimum of 70 percent alcohol. Alcohol disrupts membranes, hence killing the virus. This option is excellent for touchscreens, computer monitors, etc.