These days, one can never be too OA when it comes to cleanliness and sanitation, especially at home where we’re supposed to feel safest and most comfortable. With the pandemic continuing to drag on, it’s all the more important to take extra measures to keep the virus at bay and away from our families.
To help you do just that, we’ve gathered some expert tips on how to level up your home disinfection practices and keep your loved ones extra safe. Even better: You can conveniently shop for all of your household cleaning essentials at SM Malls or choose from pick-up or delivery options via ShopSM, The SM Store, the SM Malls Online app, or our Customer Care hotline. For cash-saving deals and exclusive discounts, don’t forget to check SMDeals, too!
Tip #1: Identify high-touch surfaces and clean them regularly.
In the past, a cursory wipe on your shelves and counters might have been enough for you to deem an area “clean,” but now, that’s no longer the case. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you need to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces in your home. “High-touch areas are door knobs, gates, countertops, refrigerator, etcetera,” says Kayne Litonjua, founder of Busy Bee Cleaning Co, a company that offers professional cleaning services in Manila. “[They’re] mainly in your entrance, kitchen and bathroom counters, fridge handles, and even our gadgets.”
Make cleaning those danger zones easier with this Ace Hardware 2-Pack Microfiber Towel, P149.75, ShopSM.com.
Where to get: Ace Hardware, ShopSM.com
Tip #2: Disinfect everything before bringing them inside the house.
Just because you’re cleaning your home regularly doesn’t mean you can afford to be lax. Kayne says she makes sure to disinfect everything she brings inside her home. “By everything, I mean everything. Nothing gets through the door without being disinfected, from grocery bags, canned goods, Lazada deliveries, paper bags of food delivery, plastic utensils, and even the corrugated boxes,” she says. If you’re having people over, make sure to disinfect before and after their visit as well. “Proper hygiene prevents the spread of viruses. We must always observe proper disinfection of our hands and even gadgets.”
She adds, “Always wear face masks. We strongly suggest each home implement plastic wraps for the shoes of the visitor before they enter since we also carry viruses in our homes from our shoes.”
You can use this Giraffe Sterilizer Lamp UVL1000, on sale from P3,599 to P2,879.20, ShopSM.com, to disinfect your items more efficiently.
Where to get: ShopSM.com
Tip #3: Use appropriate cleaning solutions.
While it’s important to sanitize major surface areas in your home, you also run the risk of inflicting irrevocable damage to them if you’re not careful. A cleaning solution for marble might not be suitable for glass. Make sure to read the instructions first before you use a particular solution in your home. According to Kayne, you need to be especially careful with wooden surfaces as a hard chemical solution might only cause staining and discoloration.
For general cleaning, the Lysol Multi Action Cleaner Lemon 900ml, P199, ShopSM.com, is said to kill over 100 illness-causing germs. To be extra safe, read the instructions carefully before using it on anything.
Where to get: ShopSM.com
Tip #4: Make sure your air purifier is equipped with a HEPA filter.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air [filter,]” and is specifically designed to target smaller airborne particles. “The quality of the HEPA filter used by the air purifier is key, as it is the most important element in the filtration process—cleaning the air of particles that are harmful to health and releasing clean air,” says Kayne. “HEPA filters are the reason why so many air purifiers have been installed during the current pandemic in schools, hospitals and offices, and the reason why air purifiers are useful in improving the quality of life of those who suffer from allergies and asthma.”
The Imarflex Air Purifier IAP-300, starts at P7,499.75, ShopSM.com, can help improve indoor air quality.
Where to get: ShopSM.com
You’ll also want a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, such as this Black and Decker Wet and Dry 20L Vacuum BDWD20, starts at P5,979, ShopSM.com.
Where to get: ShopSM.com
Tip #5: Give your home a regular deep cleaning.
Since you’re spending more time at home than ever before, you and your loved ones can benefit from deep cleaning once or twice a month. “We have to remember that indoor air is more hazardous than outdoor air,” explains Kayne. “Hence the air we breathe inside can cause reactions to our body if it’s not purified well.” What makes deep cleaning different from regular cleaning is the use of hydro vacuums that penetrate mattresses, sheets, sofas, and carpets. “Deep dry vacuuming already captures all dust mites, bedbugs, dirt and allergens,” says Kayne, who adds that one bed can be home to millions of dust mites.
Tip #6: Know your DIY solutions.
Cleaning and disinfecting your home doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you’ll find that you already have several natural cleaning agents in your kitchen. According to Kayne, baking soda works best on grease, dog pee, and animal dirt. “It can scour surfaces without fear of scratching,” she says. Meanwhile, distilled vinegar works on alkaline substances and removes molds. It’s also perfect for removing coffee stains, rust, and tea. Looking to get rid of foul smells? “Try slicing a lemon and putting it in your kitchen or bathroom and you’ll notice the difference in the air you breathe in a few hours,” says Kayne.
To clean your floors, this Ace Hardware Small Spin Mop, P929.75, ShopSM.com, works well with these DIY solutions.
Where to get: ShopSM.com
Make your home even safer by incorporating these pro tips into your cleaning routine and stocking up on essentials at an SM Mall near you. For updates on mall hours, entry guidelines, and other important announcements, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and regularly check the SM Supermalls website.
