-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
A stream of 409 multi-purpose cleaner douses a doorknob at The Messenger offices. According to the Webster County Health Department, frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and light switches are good places to deep clean to prevent the spread of viruses.

One of the many preventive measures being recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Webster County Public Health Department to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is frequent deep cleaning.

What exactly needs to be cleaned, though?

Kelli Bloomquist, public information officer with the Webster County Public Health Department, said it basically applies to any frequently touched surface.

“The most touched surfaces are the ones you want to clean,” Bloomquist said. “Things like countertops, doorknobs, light switches, remotes and touch screens.”

Another important item to keep clean?

“Cell phones,” she said. “Make sure you clean your cell phones.”

Bloomquist said that those recommendations follow CDC guidelines.

A wide variety of products can be used.

“Any household disinfectant will get the job done,” she said. “You can also use diluted bleach. Add five tablespoons to one gallon of water.”

She’s also fielded inquiries about laundry.

“After you go on that essential shopping trip,” she said. “Throw your clothes in the wash. Wash on the hottest setting you can. Ordinary detergent is fine.”

Kitchens and bathrooms also need a frequent cleaning. She said to use a household disinfectant and to pay attention to frequently touched areas such as the toilet handle.

Dish washers are fine with their normal detergent, she said. They clean at a heat that’s hot enough to kill the virus. For those who wash dishes by hand, she said to use the hottest water possible without burning.

So what’s it take to kill coronavirus on a surface?

“We’ve been getting that question a lot,” she said. “Anything that is a disinfectant. The CDC has a long specific list on their website.”

Cars also need some attention. Frequently touched surfaces in vehicles are typically made of some sort of plastic.

“Something like Clorox wipes work well,” she said. “Even hand sanitizer.”

One thing she’s learned during the pandemic, like many others have, is just how many surfaces at home, in the car and in a work environment actually get touched during the course of a day.

“It’s amazing the things we touch that we don’t even realize,” she said.

One final caution: don’t mix different types of household chemicals. Some combinations of chemicals can produce deadly gasses and other byproducts.

“The chemicals provided will get the job done,” she said.