The pandemic has brought about a lot of changes in the way people live. Before, it was only limited to doctors and nurses. Now, it’s the norm to wear face masks and even shields everywhere you go. People are also expected to give others a wide berth in public areas. One of the more positive changes it has caused is people’s cleaning habits. Everyone is adopting better habits at home, work, or just outdoors. Even after the pandemic, people should be cleaning more. Here’s how:
Clean the Cleaning Tools and Equipment
The official advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that the coronavirus mostly spreads from person to person, not through touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Even so, people are taking precautions by sanitizing shoes, carts, and doorknobs. While it’s a good thing to disinfect things that are always in use, it’s also important to clean the actual materials you use to clean are pristine.
Besides the sanitary benefits, tools should be clean for safety purposes. For example, dryers can burst into flames due to lint buildup. This is why it’s crucial to hire a dryer vent cleaning service every 12 months minimum. Cleanliness is also important to ensure the quality and performance of the equipment. Another important tool to maintain is the vacuum. Because it’s so convenient and efficient to use, it’s easy to forget that it should be emptied out every once in a while. Otherwise, it might leave dust and dirt instead of clean the floors.
Sanitize Phones and Other Gadgets
Mobile phones are arguably the most used object in today’s world. Nearly everyone has a smartphone to communicate, travel, work, or just relieve boredom. The pandemic has shown a light on the germs on the surface of a phone. In fact, a study has found that cell phones have 10 times more bacteria than an average toilet seat. It’s because of the frequent usage. People constantly check their phones to know the time, see if there are any messages, or to watch videos. Then, there’s also the habit of placing phones on different surfaces. When people go outside, it’s normal to put their mobile phones on a dining table or bathroom counter. It’s no wonder that dirt accumulates on the phone.
Phones aren’t the only objects that get dirty really quick. Laptops and cameras can accumulate a lot of germs and bacteria as well. For the former, they’re usually placed on different tables and desks. Dirt can also accumulate between tiny crevices in the keyboard and hinge. On the other hand, cameras get filthy because they’re usually used outdoors. People like to take photos of great views which is usually at mountaintops, beaches, and monuments. Areas that are crowded and dusty which naturally causes dirt to come together on the phone.
The great news is that it’s pretty easy and quick to sanitize gadgets. To start, all you need to do is to turn it off and remove all cables connected to it. Then, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the entire surface area. Avoid getting water or any sort of liquid in the openings.
Handling Money
Pandemic or no pandemic, paper bills and coins are some of the filthiest things you regularly come in contact with. Unless you work for the central bank, the money has likely been through various hands and surfaces before you ever get your hands on them. A 2017 study discovered hundreds of bacteria, animal DNA, and even traces of drugs on a paper bill. If you add a pandemic to the equation, it’s not the best situation all around.
Thanks to technological advancements, there’s a way to make transactions without holding cash. Now, you can pay your groceries, utilities, and any sort of bills using your phone. Whether it’s Android or Apple, there are so many choices for different consumers. You don’t even have to have a bank account. You can also pay using online payment systems like PayPal and TransferWise. All you need to do is to hold your phone above the card reader and you’re good to go.
If you’re wary about cashless transactions, there’s always the old-fashioned method of washing your hands. After handling money, remember to rub the sanitizer all over your hands until it’s dry. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water but a sanitizer will do in a pinch.
The pandemic has shone a light on people’s cleaning habits or lack thereof. It has made people more aware of dirt and bacteria that’s lurking everywhere. It’s better for people’s well-being to continue these new habits even after the pandemic has ended.
