Keep classrooms and homes safe from pesky germs with these disinfecting tips.

By Alexis Rochester

With a new school year upon us, I thought I would share some easy, science-based disinfecting tips for teachers and parents who want to keep germs to a minimum this season.

I have two young kids, one starting 1st grade and the other a toddler. These are tips I follow for myself and kids.

Disinfecting, often overlooked as a simple task, is a crucial weapon in protecting the health of kids and adults.

Most people aren’t aware that cleaning and disinfecting are two separate steps nor do they know what products properly disinfect.

I make this Chemistry Cachet original DIY disinfectant spray for my home and give it as gifts to teachers too.

This spray is fantastic because the lemon-infused rubbing alcohol has a pleasant scent, so you won’t be overwhelmed with the smell of alcohol. It is also safe for any surface you need to spray like doorknobs, counters and vehicles.

HOW TO MAKE IT

Use a glass jar with lid and fill it to the top with lemon peels.

Top the lemon peels with 70% rubbing alcohol, then let it infuse for two weeks. After two weeks, strain the lemon peels out.

Always clean surfaces first before disinfecting. After the surface is clean, spray the disinfectant and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.

For proper disinfecting with any product, it must have a dwell time of 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, wipe any lasting residue.

KEEP HANDS CLEAN

By now we know that washing hands is the most effective way to remove germs, but you might not have the chance to do it right away. This is where hand sanitizer comes into play.

I use this one to not only disinfect my hands, but also moisturizes and heals them at the same time. I also keep alcohol wipes handy for hands and surfaces.

The most important time to wash your hands is before you eat. If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizing product.

MORE QUICK TIPS

Invest in a store-bought disinfectant that is as powerful as bleach, but safe for people and surfaces.

I highly recommend Force of Nature. It’s something I use on counters, toys and food surfaces.

Remember, not everything disinfects. Things like vinegar or baking soda are not disinfectants.

Stick to 70% rubbing alcohol, 3% hydrogen peroxide or a store-bought product that states it kills 99.9% of germs.

We can’t keep all the germs away, but if you practice safe and proper cleaning and disinfecting, there are many you can

Alexis Rochester is an investigative chemist, blogger and founder of Chemistry Cachet. She shares science-based skin care, cleaning, gardening and health tips. She was diagnosed with RA at age 10, so she has a passion for pain management tips and research, along with sharing her journey through this disease. When she’s not writing for Chemistry Cachet, she is taking Pilates or Barre classes, and also received her Barre teaching certification this year! She grew up in Stephenville and recently moved back with her daughter, husband and bulldog. You can find her posting pictures and fun stories daily on Instagram. Also look for Chemistry Cachet on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn.