Recent escalation or, rather, re-escalation of Coronavirus has the world on the edge once again. Current developments remind us of how important it is to take care of our health. And to be conscientious about respecting the guidelines that help prevent the spread. However, the need to find a happy place for all of your belongings remains. And now, more than ever is important to keep your home or office decluttered and tidy. Which further begs the need for good and reliable storage space. And even though Authority Moving Group can provide exactly that, you might be feeling the need to take additional precautions and disinfect your storage before using it. And we wholeheartedly support that decision.
A crucial difference between cleaning and disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. Although, people often confuse them. Or think they are one and the same. This is a common mistake because both activities look similar. So, what is the difference between them?
Cleaning removes what you see
Cleaning removes contaminants and visible impurities from the surfaces. So even though you’ve dusted off your storage Boynton Beach based and mopped the floor to perfection, there are still things that can be potentially dangerous to your health. You only can’t see them with the naked eye. Which is where disinfecting comes into play.
Disinfecting removes invisible things
Disinfecting is all about destroying germs and pathogens. You might not see them, but rest assured that they are there. Cleaning indeed destroys a portion of these microscopic nuisances. But not all of them, and not nearly enough. To be certain that your storage is safe, you should disinfect the surfaces you’ve already cleaned. It will take a bit more time, but safety should always be your priority.
Proper disinfecting requires proper supplies
If you wish to properly disinfect your storage before using it, you will need adequate supplies. Bear in mind, you are doing it to stay healthy. And some of the cleaning and disinfecting products can be hazardous. Especially if they come in contact with your eyes. And also if swallowed or even inhaled. Therefore, you should always wear some form of protective gear during this activity. Bare essentials, without which you should not even consider cleaning and disinfecting are:
- Rubber gloves are essential and pretty self-explanatory. Your hands will spend a lot of time soaking in cleaning products. Thus, you should ensure they are protected.
- The face mask will mitigate the fumes of cleaning products. A cloth mask is your best bet. They are generally cheap, and you can find them in any store. However, if you don’t have one handy, you can improvise by wrapping a cotton shirt around your head so they cover your nose and mouth. The added benefit of this is that you’ll look totally ninja!
- Protective eyewear can take a bit away from your ninja look and the fear factor it may have on germs and bacteria. Nonetheless, it’s better than risking any of the disinfecting products entering your eyes.
And let’s not forget the supplies
We are certain that you’re well versed in cleaning your home. Thus we won’t waste any time telling you what cleaning products to use. Anything that works in your house will also work in your storage unit. And everyone has a preference regarding these products.
We will, however, give you a few guidelines on disinfectants that you should use. To generalize, any disinfecting product containing active substances that meet EPA’s criteria is a good choice. And it is easy to find these products either online or in your local store. The most common ones being Clorox, Lysol, and Purell. Any of the variations of these products will do. Make sure to read the label and pick one that will best suit your needs.
Alternatives to store-bought disinfectants
In case your local store is cleaned out of disinfectants mentioned earlier, you can use some alternatives:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Alcohol (at least 70%)
- Chlorine
If you choose to use alternative products, be mindful that not all of them mix well together. Be sure to follow the labels, ask someone, or do a bit of online research. Just to be on the safe side.
Good rules to follow while you disinfect your storage before using it
There are two golden rules you should keep in mind when you clean and disinfect. And they can be applied both to your storage and your home. These rules are:
- Clean first, then disinfect.
- Start high, end low.
Following these rules is the best way to do the job swiftly and efficiently. And depending on the size of the storage unit you chose, it can save you some time. Needles to say, the less time you spend among chemicals the better.
Keep your storage neat and tidy
You won’t have to clean your storage that often. You will have to do it occasionally. And the whole process will go a lot easier if your unit is neat and tidy. Simply because you won’t have to organize and declutter every time you want to spray some disinfectant on your stored belongings.
Another thing worth mentioning, that will save you a lot of pain, is to be mindful of what you’re putting in storage. Some items should never be in your storage unit, as they can cause health problems which no amount of disinfectant can fix.
Stay safe
If you are moving during these daring times, do so swiftly and efficiently. Ideally, with the help of a good moving company, such as ours. Be mindful of the guidelines set in place by the authorities. Take care of your health and do not risk unnecessary exposure. And, of course, do not forget to disinfect your storage before using it. Yes, it might seem like a chore. But, in the long run, a few minutes spent cleaning are better than days spent in the hospital.