Admit it. You’re working at home, but sometimes, as you gaze around the room or out your window, you start noticing things that could seriously use some work. It’s not like you need to start to build that deck right at this moment, but here are a few tasks and diversions that might make your stir-crazy day more productive.
Clean stuff. This is a good time to notice what collects dirt. Turn the lights on in the daytime. See that stuff on your stuff? That’s dust. This is obvious, but not only will you feel better about your place, but a cleaner place is a much healthier place. You and your kids track in germs and contaminants constantly. This is a good time to wipe down that thing over there. And that other thing.
You might also check to see if your cleaning materials are approved products released by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can check that list here.
The CDC recommends that you clean dirty surfaces first with soap and water before disinfecting them. Wear disposable gloves when you clean. Concentrate on counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables.
Get rid of stuff. Maybe you don’t notice on a regular basis, but how much of all that stuff in your house are you actually using? Is it just attracting germs, or could it be used regularly by someone else? Take a look around. If you’re not using it, or have not used it in a while, you’re probably not going to use it. Bye bye.
Clean those gadgets! Yes, the ones that you use all day. Your phone, your laptop, your iPad, all those things. You’re touching them all the time, and if you take your phone shopping, you could touch something that might remain on your phone. Apple recommends using a soft cloth with 70 percent alcohol solution or some soapy water to clean your phone and other handheld gadgets. Unplug and turn off your devices. And it’s not a dish. Don’t dunk it in the sink.
Avoid spraying any cleaning product right on your gadget. You’re gonna need those devices. Treat them right.
Make a safe space. This might be a good time to make a separate space for anyone in the house who is at risk. Clear the area and clean it well. If you’re able, you might also want to dedicate a “safe” bathroom. Separate sheets, pillowcases, towels. You know the drill.
You can choose any or all of these tasks. And frankly no one knows for certain when all of this will end. These tasks will only take an hour or so. Hmm, maybe you should take another look at that deck.
