Is It Good to Spray the Front of My House with Coronavirus Disinfectant Twice a Week?
Understanding the Risks and Benefits
The decision to regularly apply disinfectants to your home's exterior is a complex one, influenced by various factors. Whether you decide to spray the front porch or the siding with a homemade mixture or a store-bought disinfectant, there are several considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we'll explore the best practices and debunk common myths about house disinfection.
Is Spraying Beneficial?
There is a common belief that spraying your house regularly with a disinfectant solution can protect you from the coronavirus. However, this approach is not without its drawbacks. The effectiveness of such practices is largely dependent on the substance used and the specific circumstances.
The Use of Vinegar and Essential Oils
One popular home remedy involves mixing vinegar and essential oils in a spray bottle. The reasoning behind this is the antiseptic properties of vinegar and the antimicrobial effects of essential oils. While vinegar has historically been used as a natural cleaner and can help remove mildew, mold, and other fungi, there is no concrete scientific evidence that it can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19. Essential oils like tea tree oil, although effective against certain bacteria and fungi, are not proven to kill the virus.
Better Alternatives: Soap and Water
The most effective way to clean surfaces and keep them disinfected is through the use of soap and water. A solution of half a cup of bleach mixed with dish soap on most surfaces can be quite effective. For example, you can clean the porch and doors diligently with a mixture of water, soap, and a small amount of bleach. This method is both safe and effective, requiring minimal resources and time.
Final Thoughts
In general, regular disinfection of your home's exterior is not necessary and could be a waste of resources. Sunlight, fresh air, and natural sanitation processes are highly effective at reducing the presence of pathogens. For any surfaces that might come into contact with visitors (such as doorknobs and handles), thorough cleaning with soap and water or a bleach solution is sufficient. Remember, being cautious and informed is key to protecting yourself and your family during these challenging times.
Stay safe and informed. For all the latest updates, refer to reputable sources such as CDC.gov and
Myths Busted: Why Regular Spraying is Ineffective
No. It’s a terrible waste of time and resources.
The exterior surfaces of your house are subjected to natural sanitation methods such as ultraviolet (UV) light and fresh air. These conditions are sufficient to maintain a hygienic environment without the need for additional disinfection. Applying disinfectant to the exterior of your home is not only unnecessary but also a waste of time and resources.
Could you do it? Yes. Would you gain from it? You might have warm and fuzzy feelings for a while, but it wouldn’t do a whole lot of good other than costing you resources and time.
Additional Information: The Ineffectiveness of General House Spraying
No. It is a waste of time and money doing that at all, much less twice a week.
Your house does not have the capability to infect you with the COVID-19 virus. Sunlight and natural ventilation can effectively eliminate many pathogens. If visitors come into your home, focus on disinfecting surfaces that they might touch, such as doorknobs and handles, with a soap and water or a disinfectant solution.
Among the myths, regularly spraying the exterior of the house is highly questionable. The risk is minimal, and the benefits are negligible. Focus instead on thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that come into direct contact with the outside environment.