Cleaning supplies, helpful hints useful for coronavirus, general housekeeping

Considering a fall cleaning (spring cleaning’s cousin) project as summer winds down? For months now, getting our hands on effective cleaning supplies has at times proved challenging.

So, to help you get stocked – and with products that may be easier to find during a pandemic – we put a little elbow grease into sorting through products, handy tips and recommendations. Some of them will disinfect and others will simply spruce up your space.

One note about disinfectants, which are especially in demand as we head into flu season – consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a list of recommended products that can kill germs, including the novel coronavirus. To research which of these is best for the environment, check out their ingredients and the letter grade assigned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Here’s to happy cleaning!

  • Clorox and Lysol wipes are CDC-approved for killing the coronavirus. If you cannot find these in-store, you can make them yourself. Soak paper towels in bleach or isopropyl alcohol and water and store in an airtight container. Consider using washable cloths instead of paper towels, if desired, for environmental reasons (although to note, Clorox and Lysol are not known for their environmentally friendly nature).
  • What is good for the environment and effective? Simple Green gets high marks for effective, safe cleaning – and it doubles as an ant spray if you’re having a late summer invasion.
  • Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful germ killer and is superb at cleaning countertops, bathroom surfaces and more.
  • Also environmentally friendly and a tried-and-true housecleaning favorite – a vinegar and lemon juice mixture to clean hard surfaces.
  • Try WD-40 to keep your stainless-steel kitchen appliances shining and streak-free.
  • Mr. Clean Magic Eraser keeps white surfaces white – great for sinks and tubs.
  • Put lemon rinds in your garbage disposal to take care of odors.
  • Consider Swedish dishcloths in place of kitchen sponges – they can be tossed in the washing machine to reuse, and they harbor less germs.
  • Essential oils make great cleaners – you can find tons of information online about which ones are right for your specific needs.
  • UV-C light sanitizers can be a bit pricey, but they are popular these days to kill germs on cell phones, credit cards and other items we handle often (and that others may handle from time to time).
  • Finally, remember to wash your reusable masks after each use. Toss right into the washing machine or hamper when you walk in the door.
Contact a Patient Central Associate
The Friday Fix typically covers diet and nutrition topics. For information about PanCAN’s Patient Services, including diet and nutrition information, tips on managing weight loss and resources to find a dietitian, email patientcentral@pancan.org or call 877-272-6226.