Hard surfaces
These include floors, walls, benches, sinks, cutlery and crockery.
Thoroughly clean with hot soapy water and disinfect by wiping or spraying surfaces with a chlorine bleach solution (see instructions below) or a product labelled as a disinfectant. Once disinfected, allow to dry.
Linen, blankets and clothing
These should be washed in hot water (if care instructions allow) or dry-cleaned.
Mattresses
Inner spring mattresses are difficult to treat and may need to be thrown away.
Foam rubber mattresses may be thoroughly washed with a garden hose. A detergent solution should then be squeezed through the mattress before it is allowed to dry.
Furniture
Other types of mattresses, pillows or furniture, such as lounge chairs, may be air dried in the sun then sprayed thoroughly with a disinfectant solution. Consult a local furniture renovating company if you are unsure about their condition.
Food
Throw away any food in your freezer or fridge, any boxed foods, fresh vegetables and fruit. Tins and bottles may still be used providing they are not damaged and they are sealed. Thoroughly clean with hot soapy water and disinfect by wiping or spraying surfaces with a chlorine bleach solution before opening.
Medicines, cosmetics and toiletries
If there is any water damage to the packaging throw it away. Speak to your chemist if you are not sure.
Children's toys
Soft toys or moulded toys with air injection holes should be thrown away. Solid toys can be washed and then disinfected.
How to make disinfectant
To make up a 10 L bucket (standard size) of disinfectant, fill the bucket with water and then add only 1 of the following:
- 50 ml (around a quarter of a cup) of household bleach
- 8 to 16 ml (dessert spoon) of liquid pool chlorine.