Unless you've just woken up from a two-month-long nap, your life has been sent into chaos because of the Coronavirus.  Washing our hands and disinfecting surfaces that could be contaminated has become a vital way to fight against this unseen enemy. Hand sanitizer, essential cleaning products, and for some reason, toilet paper are luxuries that not everyone can obtain. Now we are left scratching our heads on how to protect ourselves and our homes. 

Even though the stay at home orders are being followed for most places across the globe, many people still have to work, and businesses are slowly opening, which could lead to potentially bringing the virus home, either by touching something or the virus in their clothes. Grocery shopping, ordering take out food, or even checking the mail are all things we once thought were harmless, could now potentially put us at risk. The virus could be on objects that you bring into your home, and you could be infected unknowingly. 

High touch surfaces in your home need to be disinfected as much as possible, recommends the CDCs. The virus can stay on objects for several hours and even days on some materials. There are surfaces all over your home that may be touched after a seemingly harmless trip to the store, for instance. Doorknobs, light switches, keys, cell phones, remote controls, sink handles, and any other objects that are touched regularly are all considered high touchpoints. 

If you weren't able to get some Clorox wipes, don't worry. Disinfectant can be made using a little bleach and water with a rag. Add 1/3 cup bleach to every gallon of water. This solution can be used on most non-porous surfaces around your house. Most electronics can be wiped down with minimal amounts of at least 70% alcohol or alcohol wipes. Remember to follow the manufacture recommendations of sanitizing cell phones, keyboards, and tablets, and other sensitive electronics. 

Food packages and delivery items must be wiped down with Clorox wipes, bleach water, or alcohol. Rinse fruit off with hot water and let them soak for a few minutes, then air dry. Wipe down the counter surfaces and wash hands thoroughly after handling packages and anything from outside of the home. 

Carpets should be vacuumed often as well as sweeping and mopping floors. Linens, towels, and clothes should be washed in the warmest water possible and dried in the dryer instead of hanging up to dry. 

Making sure high touchpoints are clean is vital to lowering your risk of catching COVID-19. Read more on the sanitation recommendation from the CDC.