Rainy-day cleaning tips
MANILA, Philippines - During the rainy season, Filipinos are often faced with the burden of floodwater, mud and soaked homes. Floodwater is contaminated with disease-causing germs, exposing every family member to a host of infections, from diarrhea and nausea to deadly water-borne diseases like malaria and leptospirosis.
The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using bleach to control infections and the spread of health hazards. The world’s most trusted bleach brand, Clorox, has a century-long history that includes World Wars I and II when the product’s antibacterial properties helped save the lives of wounded soldiers. It is being used today by international relief agencies and volunteers, such as during the emergency response to Hurricane Sandy in the U.S.
The sanitizing and disinfecting properties of Clorox Bleach ensure its critical role in public health and within Filipino households:
Sanitation begins at home. For household areas and surfaces that were soaked in floodwater like the floors, food-contact surfaces including eating utensils, kitchen counters, and stoves; it’s not enough to simply scrub these clean using regular detergent. Sanitize using one teaspoon of Clorox Regular Bleach in 1 gallon of water; wash then allow to air dry. Your cutting boards, baby’s items that were immersed in floodwater should be thrown out.
No more mold and mildew. Your basement, floors, sinks, countertops, and other hard surfaces affected by floodwaters could harbor mold and mildew that can cause allergies and other diseases. Prevent health complications at home by getting rid of stain, mold, and mildew on all types of surfaces. Clean the area first using soap and water. Next, disinfect with a solution of ¼ to ½ cup of Clorox Regular Bleach and five gallons of water.
Safe drinking water. Water is everywhere during typhoons and flooding, but drinking water is scarce. Contaminants threaten to pollute water sources and put the population at risk for diarrhea and other diseases. Having to boil water during crisis situations can be inconvenient and even downright impossible. It is safer to use Clorox Regular Bleach to purify water. Here are the simple steps: 1) Remove suspended particles by filtering then pour the clear water into a clean container. 2) Add 1/8 teaspoon (0.75ml) of Clorox Regular Bleach to a gallon of water (for cloudy water, mix ¼ teaspoon (1.5ml) bleach to a gallon of water). 3) Let the treated water stand for 30 minutes. You should be able to detect a slight bleach odor; if not, repeat and wait another 15 minutes. 4) Make the water more palatable by pouring between clean containers several times.
During extraordinary situations when tough cleaning is needed, Clorox products can be used as effective disinfectants that can help save lives, including that of your loved ones. Keep a bottle or two of Clorox Regular Bleach at home and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes in work desks, bags and cars for a healthier home and family.
