Cleaning Your Home Amidst COVID-19

Coronavirus and Cleaning Your Home

It seems like every time you turn on the television or radio there is some new statistic related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Each day brings new information, new numbers and new guidelines for staying healthy in the midst of the pandemic. However, some specific cleaning tips are proving to be very effective for disinfecting your home against the Coronavirus. In this post, we will take a look at some basic practices for reducing the spread of this unwanted intruder.

Keep Your Surfaces Clean and Use Disinfectants

One of the easiest ways to mitigate the spread of the virus is to keep commonly touched surfaces clean and disinfect them frequently. There is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. For example, it is possible to clean a surface or material without disinfecting it. Cleaning and Disinfecting could be defined as follows:

• Clean - the removal of dirt and/or germs and impurities from a material's surface. Removing the impurities reduces the number on the affected surface, thus reducing the spread of infection.
• Disinfect - the use of chemicals to kill germs on a surface and does not necessarily remove the dirt or impurities from the affected surface. By killing germs on the surface, the risk of spreading is reduced.

As you can see from the above definitions, both cleaning and disinfecting are important for effectively reducing the spread of COVID-19. By cleaning surfaces and disinfecting them, you are sure to get the best results.

Which Disinfecting Cleaner to Use

So which cleaner is the right one to use for combating the Coronavirus? There are a number of them the are readily available. We have taken an extensive list that is published by the EPA and filtered it down to include the registered distinfectants for use in residential environments. You can find our list on our website on the Residential Coronavirus Disinfectants Registered With the EPA
As you can see from the list we have posted on our website, there are a number of registered disinfecting cleaners that can be used for fighting the spread of the Coronavirus. Just be sure to use the disinfecting cleaner of your choice according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

How Often to Disinfect Cleaned Surfaces

The answer to that question is going to depend on the environment about which you are asking. Not all rooms or areas of the home have the same amount of traffic and/or activity. Some environments are used frequently and others sporadically. What are the key factors in determining which rooms of the house to disinfect more frequently?

• Rooms with heavier traffic and more activity.
• Areas or rooms in which surfaces are touched the most.
• Rooms in which a person with an illness has spent time.

The above list is not comprehensive, but it does give you an idea of what to look for. Furthermore, even if a room does not have a high rate of use, there may be areas in those rooms that get quite a bit of use or contact; especially with hands. For example, here is a list of "high touch" surfaces that can be found throughout the home:

• Light Switches
• Door Knobs
• Appliances
• Faucets
• Remote Controls
• Computer Keyboards
• Telephones
• Cabinet Doors
• Handheld Devices

The idea then, is to be mindful of what areas are getting the most contact. Cleaning and disinfecting those surfaces more often makes the most sense. So the frequency of the disinfecting and cleaning should be commensurate with the amount of use a surface receives. Additionally, having your surfaces professionally cleaned and disinfected periodically will help you keep a leg up on that COVID-19 enemy.

Inexpensive Home Decor Project - New Rug(s)

One of our favorite home decorating techniques that can be accomplished for minimal cost is adding or changing out your ornamental rug(s). When you change a large feature of a room, it impacts the rest of the room. An ornamental rug is such a feature. Changing the color of an area rug and perhaps some pillows or other accent items, you can create a whole new look for the room for very little cost. And if you happen to find a nice area rug at a flea market, consignment shop or yard sale you can even get a better price.

It is always a good idea to have a used rug professionally cleaned before introducing it into your home. Pets and other factors can be a good reason to have this service performed. Having the rug professionally cleaned will ensure that the colors will be vibrant and achieve your intended purpose - livening up the room.

As we've seen over the course of the last couple of weeks, achieving a new look or refreshing a room in your home can be accomplished for very little cost. It just takes a bit of creativity and little some 'elbow grease' to give your room a makeover.

Available Tile Choices - Travertine

The Benefits of Travertine Tile

Another elegant natural stone material that makes a great floor covering is travertine. This stone, when used in a home can increase, not only the appeal, but also the value of a home. Although it is one of the more expensive floor coverings, many home owners choose this beautiful stone to decorate kitchens or bathrooms. Here are a few reasons why this natural stone surface material might be a good choice for you.

One benefit that we just alluded to is that travertine adds value to the home in the eyes of both the home owner and many potential home buyers. For many reasons, travertine is a relatively safe material. One property that qualifies it as a safe floor covering is that, compared to its lower priced counterparts, it has better grip. Travertine is a natural stone and is porous whereas ceramic tile, for example, is smooth and can become very slippery when wet. Compared to carpeting, it is less conducive to allergies, because it is a hard surface.

Other benefits of travertine flooring are more of a question of taste and maintenance. For example, ceramic tile is more of a fashion material because the tile manufacturers change the designs and patterns every few years. Now some people might think that this is a good thing because who wants to have the same tile as everyone else? However, these changes in the designs 'date' the older styles and even if the flooring is newer looking, the style and pattern of the tile itself gives away its age.

Finally, travertine flooring stacks up well against natural hardwood since termites really do not have an appetite for stone like they do wood. So, there is no need to worry about the little pests devouring your floors.

So, if you are willing to shell out a bit more cash for this higher-end material, it can prove to be a great, timeless surface in your home.

Available Tile Choices - Limestone

Limestone Tile and Its Properties

The next flooring material that we will consider in our series of hard surface flooring posts is limestone.

This natural stone may have some properties that some would consider to be drawbacks, but it is considered to be an elegant choice for flooring. While limestone is a hard material compared to other types of flooring, it is actually a relatively soft material compared to other natural stones. Additionally, limestone is porous and can absorb spills and stain if not properly treated periodically. For that reason, it is recommended that it be sealed every few years to maintain its naturally stylish look.

Since limestone is a soft stone, it is sometimes shaped or carved to add character to design of the room. Like many other flooring materials, limestone can be found in a range of colors, making it an appealing choice for a variety of decorating styles.

In summary, although limestone like other materials has disadvantages, it also has some strong benefits. These outstanding pluses make it a regular choice in upscale designs and construction.

Available Tile Choices - Slate

Slate Tile Flooring and Its Properties

If you are looking for a floor that is strong, long lasting, and has natural beauty, slate might just be the material for you. This durable material withstands heavy traffic and is strong enough to endure harsh weather conditions. As a result, it is great for indoor or outdoor use.

Since slate is a such a durable, rugged, and versatile material, it might be tempting to think of it in limited designs or only for rustic looking designs. However, slate flooring is available in a variety of colors. This means that slate can be incorporated into many designs relatively easily.

Slate, like all other substances that are used for flooring, does have some disadvantages, among which are the cost of the installation. All-in-all, slate can be a great, long-lasting material that rugged, yet stylish.

Available Tile Choices - Marble

Characteristics of Marble Tile

The second natural stone material that we need to consider is the luxuriant Marble. Like granite, marble is an elegant material that is durable and beautiful. It has a very distinct appeal and an unmistakable look that seems to never go out of style.

There are marble floors that were installed hundreds of years ago that remain today. One reason for this, is that marble is very strong and durable - being naturally stain and damage resistant. Another reason for the long life span of marble flooring is the timeless beauty and the variety of the material's color and pattern.

Overall, marble floors not the lowest price material for flooring. However, many feel that it is a material that provides great value over the long term.

Available Tile Choices - Granite

Properties of Natural Stone - Granite

Granite is a very hard stone by nature so it is easy to slip into the thinking that it is tough but not very appealing. That thinking would be inaccurate because there are a variety of colors and patterns available.

This diversity in appearance means that you do not have to compromise on looks just to get a long lasting floor covering. Even after years of wear the stone is very attractive and retains its unique look. While other hard surfaces age in such a way that they look worn and faded, granite does not suffer from these weak points. Rather, it holds its beauty and shows wear at a slower rate - making it attractive for a longer period.

Granite is an easy material to maintain when sealed properly and the appropriate cleaning agents are applied to the material as directed.

Overall, if you are seeking a durable, yet elegant material that is sure to last for many years, you might consider granite.