Disinfecting around the house

Before disinfecting anything, remove any visible dirt and grime; this will help the disinfectant do its job. Tried-andtrue disinfectants include products such as bleach (sodium hypochlorite), hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide expires six months after opening but can last up to three years unopened), grain alcohol (ethanol), and rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. If you purchase any over-over-the-counter products labelled “disinfectant”, they are required to meet government specifications. Experts say you must follow the product label instructions exactly for the disinfectant to be effective. It’s a myth that wiping surfaces in circles spreads the virus around — as long as you wait for the area to dry, the germs will be killed. To create a bleach/water solution check the label instructions, or follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended recipe of a third-cup bleach per gallon of water. But when using bleach: Never mix bleach and ammonia together, as it creates a dangerous and potentially deadly chlorine gas.