From doing laundry to preparing meals — every day measures to help protect your family

Many household tasks have turned into a source of anxiety as families grapple with getting the basics done, while at the same time keeping the family safe from Covid-19. While we are all trying desperately to return to "normal", widespread misinformation about the virus has everyone questioning even the basics of hygiene and cleaning. With a little help from Unicef.org we help filter fact from fiction.

While research into the COVID-19 virus is ongoing, we know the virus is spread mainly when respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing, sneezing, talking, singing) get into the mouth, nose or eyes of people who are nearby.

Most people become infected by touching their mouth, nose or eyes after touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus may survive on surfaces for a few hours up to several days. The good news? Simple disinfectants can kill it. Use these tips to help keep germs out of your home.

What is a high-touch surface?

Clean and disinfect these surfaces as often as you can and you'll reduce the chances of people picking up the virus. Every home is different, but common high-touch surfaces include door handles, tables, chairs, handrails, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, taps, toilets, light switches, mobile phones, computers, tablets, keyboards, remote controls, game controllers and your kid's favourite toys.

What to use to clean and disinfect

If a surface is dirty, first clean it with soap or detergent and water. Then use a disinfectant product or bleach. Vinegar and other natural products are not recommended according to experts at Unicef.org.

We love the fresh scents of the Zoflora range, a trusted household name in disinfecting that has been protecting families and cleaning homes for more than 100 years.

Does Zoflora kill coronavirus?

Yes! We can confirm that Zoflora has been laboratory tested and proven to kill coronaviruses, including the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2), and conforms to the latest British standard BS EN14476:2013+A2:2019 relating to the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants, when used at 1:40 dilution with a one minute contact time.

Cleaning clothes

It is currently unclear how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on fabric, but many items of clothing have plastic and metal elements on which it might live for a few hours to several days. Exercise caution and common sense. Good practices to consider include removing your shoes when you enter your home and changing into clean clothes when you return home after visiting busy places, especially if you have used public transport.

Doing laundry at home

Try and clean bed sheets, towels and clothes regularly. When you've stripped the beds, don’t shake dirty laundry to minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air. Wash items with soap or detergent, using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely — both steps help to kill the virus. It's also a good idea to disinfect your laundry bag and hamper as well, or consider storing laundry in disposable bags.