Resource guide
CLEANING
American Cleaning Institute:
After President Trump’s remark that household disinfectants could be injected, The ACI has issued a reminder that household disinfectants are “meant to kill germs or viruses on hard surfaces. Under no circumstances should they ever be used on one’s skin, ingested or injected internally.” For information on household cleaning go to cleaninginstitute.org/coronavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Find extensive information about coronavirus and COVID-19, including how to protect yourself and your family. Its list of approved cleaning and disinfecting products includes many widely available products, including some by Purell, Clorox and Lysol. For a full list, go to cdc.gov and search “Center for Biocide Chemistries.” DIY hand sanitizer:
In a bowl, mix one-third cup aloe vera gel with two-thirds cup 91 or 99 percent rubbing alcohol until blended. You can add a few drops of essential oils to make it smell better. (Note: this will be runnier than hand sanitizers you buy at a store.) For more DIY tips, go to houstonchronicle.com. Hand washing:
Use soap and warm running water for 20 seconds, or about the amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song. Use paper towels — not a hot-air dryer — to dry your hands. In a public restroom, use the paper towel to open the door when you leave.
Cleaning:
Household surfaces and frequently-touched items should be washed with soapy water and then disinfected with a bleach solution of a gallon of water with five tablespoons of bleach or any EPA-approved household disinfectants. It’s better to use wipes than a spray bottle with paper towels. (Most Clorox, Purell and Lysol products are approved and widely available.)
Laundry:
If someone in your home is ill, wash their clothes and bedding with detergent on the hottest water setting, then dry in a hot dryer.
Children:
This is a great time to reinforce good personal hygiene, teaching children to wash their hands often.