Practicing good hygiene is an important part of defending ourselves against the coronavirus. By and large, we have been cleaning and disinfecting more than usual during the pandemic, a habit which we will likely continue as we enter a “new normal” following the height of the pandemic. There may be different reasons why you worry about “cleaning too much.” It could be that you’re worried about cost, the amount of product you’re using in your home, or the use of disinfectants. Whatever your reason, something to keep in mind is to clean smarter. This means being strategic about what you’re cleaning, how often and with what product. First, choose products that fit your needs based on their label instructions (i.e. hard surfaces, soft surfaces, food contact surfaces)
The label instructions also give important information on how to use the product safely. You can rest assured that if you’re following the directions, you’re using the product in a safe way. Next, consider if you should use a cleaner, or a disinfectant. If your goal is to protect against the transmission of germs, identify which surfaces are touched frequently, where transmission may occur. Use a disinfectant on these surfaces regularly. For other low touch surfaces, cleaning is likely enough to remove dirt and grime. If you’re worried about allergens or sensitivities to cleaning products, you can find formulations that meet those needs as well.