How to Manage Essential Household Tasks Safely Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

As we wait for a return to normalcy, some jobs can’t be put on hold. You may have an upcoming move that can’t be postponed. Perhaps listing your home next year is dependent upon decluttering this year. There are essential errands to run and food to buy. Masks, gloves and social distancing are now a way of life. Many of us prefer to scrub down any purchases made in-person or online. We’re all becoming conscious about cleaning due to COVID-19, but are we doing it properly?

Facts and Tips

Sanitize Does Not Mean Disinfect

Since the virus can last for several hours on some surfaces, people are cleaning a lot more, which is great. However, labels need to be read. Some products may claim to sanitize (ie., reduce the level of certain bacteria), but they don’t claim to disinfect against viruses. A disinfectant claim means the product destroys or inactivates both the bacteria and viruses noted on the label. What you want is a disinfectant.

Disinfect Times Vary

Check the product label for recommended times.  The guidance can range from leaving the cleaner on a surface for seconds to several minutes before wiping. If you’re quickly spraying surfaces and immediately wiping them down, your home may not be germ-free.

Follow Credible Guidelines

Consult the CDC to ensure you’re cleaning properly. Their recommendation is to clean with soap and water first, and then apply disinfectants that are EPA registered. The high-touch surfaces to watch out for include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, keyboards, and faucets.

Use EPA Registered Products

Check out their products here.

Incorporate New, Higher Safety Standards When Managing Household Tasks

Packing, Moving, and Unpacking

All phases of a move bring you into contact with a lot of different surfaces and potentially a large number of people. In addition to PPE, attention must be paid to continual cleaning and disinfecting of those surfaces frequently touched. Be cognizant of items such as: cardboard boxes, trash bags, Sharpie pens, tape, box cutters, paper lists, etc. Surfaces touched by the move and packing crews need to be continually wiped down properly.

Decluttering

It makes sense to declutter a house before moving. The removal of unwanted furniture and other items from your home may require you to interact with people such as haul-away service crews, Professional Organizers, employees manning charitable drop-off locations, just to name a few. Everything needs to be disinfected.

Running Errands

Doing the groceries, picking up prescriptions, and posting parcels all bring you into contact with others and merchandise that needs disinfecting.

Trust Potomac Concierge for Home Organization and Move Management Services in the Washington, DC Area

In our efforts to help our clients efficiently and safely, Potomac Concierge is closely monitoring, and following, all guidelines released by government agencies like the CDC, EPA and state and national regulations. Every service is provided on a case by case basis. Each job is reviewed thoroughly and a custom-made implementation plan is devised to address your family’s needs and priorities. If you are looking for peace of mind with your next home project during the pandemic, call us. Our Professional Organizers, Move Managers, and Personal Assistants are here to help. Contact us today!