Coronavirus: Cleaning Tips to Help You Sell Your House Safely
COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for homeowners who want to sell. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the real estate market. Open houses and showings can put you and your family at risk. But worry not! Here are some tips you can use to help you sell your house safely during coronavirus:
Follow CDC Cleaning Guidelines
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that “It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it”. Although the CDC says “This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads,” they also advise that “we are still learning more about this virus”. Confusing, ah?
Anyway, given the possibility that contact with contaminated surfaces could spread COVID-19, when you’re selling your home be sure to spend lots of time cleaning and disinfecting. This is especially important for high-touch surfaces such as door handles, countertops, and appliances. Also pay extra attention to toilets, sinks, phones, and keyboards when cleaning.
Use EPA-Registered Disinfectants or Diluted Household Bleach
According to the CDC, there’s a big difference between simply cleaning, and disinfecting.
Cleaning can help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 from a contaminated surface by removing germs. But it doesn’t actually kill the germs.
Disinfecting means using chemicals proven to kill germs on contact. This is a far more effective COVID-19 prevention strategy than basic cleaning is.
To sell your house safely during coronavirus, be sure to wear disposable gloves that you discard. Even if the gloves look ok, they could harbor hazardous germs. Most hard surfaces can be disinfected with readily-available cleaning products or a solution of 1/3 cup bleach mixed with a gallon of water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, maintains a current list of disinfectants that kill COVID-19 online.
Disinfecting soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs and furniture is a bit more challenging. The CDC recommends washing fabric items with laundry soap and the warmest possible water, and drying everything thoroughly.
Ask Visitors to Wear Foot Coverings
Since constantly cleaning your floors is tough while you’re trying to sell your house, consider providing disposable shoe covers for visitors. These covers will help keep your floors clean while reducing the chances of COVID-19 being brought into your house via contaminated footwear. This is especially important if you have young children who play on the floor, pets, or if you simply like to walk around without shoes on inside.
Other Ways to Sell Your House Safely During Coronavirus
During these extraordinary times, the idea of selling your house might seem overwhelming. Before you sign up with a real estate agent, contact us here at SellHouseFast.
We make selling your house safely during COVID-19 easy by eliminating open houses and showings. We buy houses for cash, regardless of the condition. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation quote.