Most germs, virus and bacteria can only be seen using microscopes and advanced technological instruments but not with the naked eye. We, humans, are also living with them although we do not actually see them. But we live with them in a battle because as we know, germs and bacteria aren’t best friends with humans. Yes, they exist for a balanced environment, however, we don’t live peacefully with them. What we do is try to eliminate them, not only with the use of plain tissues or patting, but with disinfectant products.
Disinfectant products are made basically to disinfect or to remove microorganisms which most probably might cause illnesses and health harm. Inside our homes, inside schools and offices, inside hospitals, everywhere humans are, cleanliness is maintained for everybody’s benefit. Common disinfectant products we see, bring, use and encounter include alcohol, air sprays, sanitizers, floor cleaners, bleach, detergents and wipes. The common question people have regarding them is – “How is it handled and used PROPERLY?” Well, you’re on the right page for here are 10 health tips for safe handling and use of disinfectant products you have at home. Here we go —
1 – Choose the Right Disinfectant
Safe handling and safe usage begin with safe selection. If you’re using the disinfectant properly while observing all in the instructions but using it on the wrong object or for the wrong purpose, then it’s useless. It’s like using fork to eat ice cream. If you’re holding it the right way and literally using it properly, but still use it for food which can’t be forked, then you’re doomed. Disinfectants have their own chief purposes, and as mostly and primarily chemicals, they shouldn’t be used interchangeably.
2 – Let the Label Tell You
Many people get into trouble due to overlooking this very crucial step in every product usage. For some, they find label reading a waste of time, so they just ask people what the product is about, its efficiency and its effective duration of use. While that’s also alright, it’s better if with your own eyes, you see the exact directions written on the disinfectant product’s container. You’ll also know if the product is healthy for you and suitable for your specific need. Disinfectants usually have harsh chemicals and others which are poisonous, and reading the label will eliminate or at least lessen the chances of you faced with accidents and health problems.
3 – Label Containers
For lesser trash, you might have experienced reusing a bottle for other different liquids. For many, it is also common for disinfectants and for other cleaning products, and it’s also risky since you might get confused and use the wrong product. Make sure that you label containers you put new disinfectant into before or immediately after transferring content.
4 – Gear Up!
Some disinfectants are more dangerous than others in different ways like they can cause skin inflammation and irritations when you get in direct contact with the chemical itself. The best way to avoid experiencing big and small accidents with disinfectant products is to cover yourself up. Wear the proper garments and protective gears as you apply disinfectants wherever. The eyes and the mouth are prone to hazardous disinfectants which might be splattered unintentionally. Goggles are the most advisable for such unpredictable and unwanted occurrences. They cover a large portion of the upper half of the face so it really helps. Gloves are the most basic protective wear for while doing this since hands are made use inevitably.
5 – Consider Proper Ventilation
No one likes a sucky ventilation; it’s both bad for the mood and for the health. Make sure that the area where you’ll disinfect an object is well-ventilated, most especially if you’re using strong substances and chemicals like bleach. Based on your resistance, it might be dangerous to your respiratory health.
6 – Be Sure Your Disinfectant Can Function Well
Your disinfectant can function well if you let it. If you think that simply applying, spraying or wiping an area or an object with a disinfectant is enough, then you have to think some more. It’s not like some sort of magic and unlike the beautiful advertisements on television that the germs will instantly be wiped away after one wipe. It is important that the disinfectant permeates the object or area of disinfection. It must not dry up until 10 minutes for best results.
7 – Wash Hands After Use
It doesn’t matter if you wore protective gloves and covering; you still have to wash your hands after disinfection. Your hands are among the most used body parts, most especially in this process, so it needs to be kept clean. The gears you used had direct contact with chemicals, and it’s not impossible if it gets straight to your hand. Thoroughly wash your hands with clean water and soap, and rinse carefully.
8 – Keep Out of Kids’ Reach
If disinfectants are harmful for adults who already know how to handle and utilize them, how much more harmful are they for kids who just know crying and playing?! It is very dangerous if the kids reach those chemicals; disinfectants might get spilled on the floor (worst, spilled on them) or they might put them in their mouth! That’s so scary! You can’t blame the kids since they are kids, and they aren’t aware yet of the rules of the world. So you, human who now knows how to know, be responsible where you put cleaning and disinfecting materials.
9 – Mind the Usual Spots
When cleaning and disinfecting, get reminded of the areas or objects which are usually touched or stepped onto. They are surely not clean and not so healthy. Examples include door handles and faucets. They might seem common, but yes, because they’re too common, a lot of people also get their hands or feet onto them.
10 – Use Only When Needed
Yes, there always has something or somewhere that needs cleaning and disinfecting, but not all needs thorough disinfecting. Don’t over-use them. They have hazardous chemicals and components which are not good for your health in general. Doing that may also make the disinfectant lose its value and authority over bacteria and germs present in the area since they already know how to counter the disinfectant. If that would be the case, you’ll need to find another disinfectant which is stronger than you used before. Use disinfectants only when they’re necessary because too much of them is harmful for the environment’s health and the people’s (your) health.
Disinfectant products are friendly but misuse makes them deadly. They are made for the best cleaning purposes, but improper and irresponsible handling and usage is harmful. It is actually a challenge to make use of them since there are specific instructions which you really have to follow in detail with proper care. For your safety and your loved ones’, remember the mentioned health tips for safe use of disinfectant products.
