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Don’t bring home germs with you, keep them out of your home.
Now that restrictions are starting to ease up and everything is slowly returning to normal, anxiety is also starting to build up.
And after being cooped up for quite a while, you’re anxious to face the world. The disconcertment of having to go out there is inevitable, knowing that the invisible enemy is still out and about.
However, you should not let it stop you from moving on and living your life. There are things that you can do to win the battle. You just have to do your part.
And as you continue on with your daily life, you’ll notice that cleaning and sanitizing will become an integral part of your daily “normal”.
So today, I will share with you how to set up a sanitizing station in your home so that you can minimize bringing in germs, viruses, bacteria, and any other undesirable microorganisms into your home.
During the quarantine period, both my husband and I were considered essential workers so we were still out there while everyone else was stuck at home.
We have a dog and we also have my husband’s mom, who is advanced in age living with us.
Therefore, we were afraid that we might bring home the virus if we do not have a system in place.
So this is how we came up with our sanitizing station project that we will share with you today.
It is a very simple and basic set up but it does the work. You are free to tweak it to fit your needs.
Things You Need For Your Sanitizing Station
Plastic Laundry Basket with Lid
Barriers Which Can Newspapers/Grocery Bags
Sanitizing Station Set-Up
Here is a simple outline of how your sanitizing area will look like.
DRYING AREA. This area should be wide enough that you can divide it into two sections, the dirty and clean area.
CLEANING SUPPLIES. This area will contain all your sanitizing items, gloves, mask, etc.
BARRIERS. This area will contain your barriers which can be newspapers or grocery bags.
CLEAN SHOE AREA. You will put your house shoes or slippers in this section.
DIRTY SHOES AREA. This is where you put your work shoes.
LAUNDRY BASKET WITH LID. This is where you put your dirty work clothes.
TRASH CAN WITH LID. This is where you toss your used gloves, used barriers, and other wastes.
How To Use Your Sanitizing Station
The sanitizing station is so simple to use but here are some tips to consider,
1. Set up the sanitizing station in the garage.
2. Wear a second layer of clothing if entering your home in your undergarments is not an option.
3. If the smell of wipes and disinfectant bothers you, wear a mask.
4. Make sure to remove gloves using the proper technique.
How To Sanitize When You Get Home
STEP #1
Upon arriving home, set your belongings in the dirty part of the drying area, This will include your purse, badges, pens, keys, glasses, cellphones, etc.
STEP #2
Remove mask if you are wearing one and toss it in the laundry bag along with your top.
STEP #3
Grab a barrier (newspaper or grocery bag) to step on after you remove your work shoes. Spray your shoes with disinfectant and place them on the dirty shoe area. Then, sanitize your hands.
STEP #4
Wear a pair of gloves and start wiping your belongings with disinfectant wipes. Wipe each of the items thoroughly then set it on the clean part of the drying area. Throw the wipes in the trash then grab a new one to wipe the dirty part of the drying area. Remove gloves and toss them in the trash.
STEP #5
Take off your pants and toss them in the laundry.
STEP #6
Grab the clean house shoes/slippers and wear them after you remove and toss your socks in the laundry basket.
STEP #7
Grab the used barrier (newspaper or grocery bag) and toss them in the trash. Sanitize your hands.
STEP #8
Grab all the belongings you want to bring in from the clean drying area. If you want a more thorough cleaning, you can use a container with UVC light.
STEP #9
Take a hot shower immediately and scrub thoroughly.
How To Use Sanitizing Station Before Going To Work
You don’t really need to use much of the station before you get out of the home because you are pretty much clean. All you have to do is change your house shoes into your work shoes.
You already sprayed your shoes with disinfectant when you got home the day before so you can just grab and put them on. Place your house shoes in their designated area. Use the hand sanitizer then you are good to go.
How To Maintain Your Sanitizing Area
For your sanitizing area to serve its purpose well, you have to keep it well maintained. Here are some tips:
1. Restock your supplies regularly.
2. Wipe shelves once a week.
3. Use a trash bag to line laundry basket.
4. Wash the clothes in sanitary mode every week or as needed.
5. Empty trash can regularly.
Final Thoughts On Setting Up A Sanitizing Station In Your Home
Everything that is happening right now is unexpected, but unfortunately, it’s something that we need to deal with. The government is trying to do their part so let’s try to do our part as well.
The sanitizing station may not be the perfect solution to your problem but it surely is one thing that can help you maintain your health and protect your family.
Wow! You are way more organized and thorough then I am. I will have to take some tips for you for sure.
Thanks 🙂
This is a great list of How To Set Up A Sanitizing Station At Home. We all think we’re doing it correctly, but going through your list I see there are a few things I was not aware of and I’m not doing. Thank you for this.
I’m glad I was able to help 🙂