Building a Disinfecting Routine That Actually Works
Can’t seem to get rid of germs no matter how much you disinfect? The key may be in your cleaning routine. In this guide, we’ll cover how to build a sustainable disinfecting plan that is manageable for the long term. With clear practices in place, you can reduce stress during cold and flu season and gain the confidence to battle germs year-round.
Key Takeaways
- Clean before disinfecting for better germ-killing results.
- Disinfect after high-risk events to reduce the spread of germs.
- Establish a consistent and manageable disinfecting routine.
Clean First, Then Disinfect
Every good disinfecting routine should start with cleaning. This doesn’t mean that you should deep clean your home every time you want to disinfect, because who has time for that? Simply removing dirt and grime from surfaces first is enough to support disinfection, and it’s more effective overall.
For a full overview of how to clean, disinfect, and maintain, check out our blog on Fighting Cold & Flu Season with These 3 Essential Cleaning Steps.
Where Disinfecting Makes a Difference
Disinfecting shouldn’t be a constant battle, and a good routine relies on timing over continuous action. Reduce the chance of germs spreading throughout the home by staying one step ahead of these high-risk situations.
When to disinfect:
- During peak cold and flu season
- After returning from traveling
- After guests visit or large gatherings
- After an illness in the house
Stay proactive and avoid endless disinfection by understanding when your home may be more vulnerable to germs.
Make Disinfecting a Part of Your Routine
When building new routines, it’s important to make sure they are sustainable and the same goes for establishing cleaning habits. Avoid burnout or over-cleaning with these tips that make disinfecting faster and easier:
- Use Multi-Surface Disinfectants – Look for products that are multi-functional and simplify steps in your routine. For example, Zep Antibacterial Disinfectant combines disinfecting and deodorizing, making your routine easier to maintain.
Pro Tip: Having a few reliable products on hand can reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to stick to your routine.
- Use Products That Work Quickly – Reduce the time spent cleaning by having a product on hand that works fast. Ready-to-use sprays or disinfecting wipes are quick and easier to maintain than a longer, drawn-out routine.
- Follow Contact Time and Don’t Overuse – It can be tempting to overspray disinfectant and allow it to sit for longer than needed; however, it is unnecessary and won’t improve the product’s effectiveness. Follow the label directions to ensure proper contact time and avoid overuse.
- Focus on Consistency Over Intensity – Regular, manageable disinfecting habits are far better than the occasional “deep clean.” Over-disinfecting can be a pain, and simple routines are more likely to stick.
Build Confidence in Disinfecting Habits
Stay prepared and reduce stress by establishing your own routine that fits your household. The more you practice your routine, the more confidence you’ll have to handle any illness that may arise during this cold and flu season.
From hand sanitizers to disinfecting wipes and more, Zep offers solutions designed to support simple, effective disinfecting routines. Explore our full line of disinfecting products and build a routine that works for your home.
- Zep Inc.
