Disinfectants are an integral part of every home’s arsenal. Whether you opt for more traditional disinfectants or prefer less abrasive versions, there are a few key points to remember. Here are the basic dos and don’ts of two of the most common disinfectants.
Most homeowners, renters and residents know that bleach has a plethora of uses. What many don’t know is there are two types of bleach. Chlorine bleach is the most common and well-known. The other is oxygen bleach.
Chlorine bleach is an incredible disinfectant, eradicating most, if not all, pathogens and residues it comes into contact with. When using as a household cleaner, bleach should be diluted with water. The amount of bleach needed to clean or sanitize will depend on what you’re hoping to disinfect. However, the basic rule is to use one cup of bleach per gallon of water. Another key pointer is to use bleach on nonporous surfaces (tile, ceramic, some masonry, etc.) to avoid any lasting negative effects such as odor or material degeneration.
If you opt to use bleach as a cleaner, remember:
Do not mix bleach types.
Do not mix with other cleaners.
Wear protective eye and hand gear.
Only use in very well-ventilated areas.
Do not ingest bleach. If ingested, follow the instructions on the label, and contact poison control immediately.
Read the label carefully.
Many homeowners and renters alike have felt the sting of random stickiness. Often, it’s hard to get rid of and smears across walls and other surfaces. And like most residents, you’ve probably reached for some form of alcohol to clean it off with ease. But did you know that various other forms of that same phenomenal cleaner exist and can be used as a disinfectant?
Isopropyl alcohol is a very effective sanitizer and disinfectant. It is another of the more abrasive cleaners that should be used in a well-ventilated area. It’s normally is safe to use on most screens and certain electronics. If you’re going to mix a solution, be sure that your isopropyl content is at least 60% pure (or mostly pure - adjust for slight impurity) to make it effective against pathogens. Only mix it with water unless directed otherwise by the label. As with bleach, do not mix isopropyl alcohol with other cleaners, and always read the instructions and warnings. Be sure to wear protective coverings on the hands and over the eyes. If you’ll be using it en masse, be sure to wear a protective face covering.
If you’re simply using a solution of it to wipe the screen of a cell phone with a cotton ball, or using a quick spritz on your glasses, you’ll often only need to wash your hands thoroughly and wait for it to dry before using the object again.
Both cleaners are fantastic sanitizers and disinfectants when heavy cleaning is needed. As always, read the labels, do not ingest either, stay protected and in a well-ventilated area.
Shana Lundell has been a real estate professional since 2003 in Bourne, Cape Cod, Plymouth and the surrounding areas, where she’s lived since 2000. Shana is a luxury and waterfront specialist who has represented hundreds of buyers and sellers, including representing builders in over 100 new construction transactions in her career. She consistently achieves recognition awards for top production, including membership in the Coldwell Banker® International President’s Elite, an honor reserved for the Top 3% of agents globally. Shana ranks in the Top 100 of 4,000 Coldwell Banker agents in New England.
Shana works with a range of clients, including lifestyle properties, vacation residences, down-sizers, trade-up buyers, land, first-time home buyers, and new construction sales. She understands that moving happens for a myriad of reasons and has had the honor of helping all types of transactions. Many emotions can come into play during this time, but Shana is skilled at keeping calm and carrying on with care, professionalism, open communication, and the ability to keep things on target to achieve results. She guides her clients smoothly through the process, from dynamic marketing measures, negotiation and solution strategies, connecting pivotal professional resources, to coordinating the essential closing details.
Shana is proud to have over 100 five-star client testimonials that rave about her positive, professional, responsive, and authentic approach to real estate service. Love where you live. Live where you love. Looking to buy or sell? Call Shana Lundell!
