UAE residents declutter, deep clean as they #StayHome to beat Covid-19

Deep cleaning and increased sanitisation have taken on a new urgency in UAE households after the country began implementing the National Sterilisation Programme as part of its precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
People are intensely washing and sanitising hands, dusting and disinfecting homes with the knowledge that health and happiness may literally depend on it.

When 67-year-old Rina Nandi bends to scrub the drawer knobs in the kitchen, her arthritis does not act as an impediment. After scrubbing it thoroughly, she quickly moves to the gas knobs of the cooking oven, rubbing it vigorously with her frail fingers. "I do this even at home in Kolkata, India. I don't like to depend on helps alone. Now, the need is even greater as we have to try all measures to stop the spreading of germs from one space to another," said Rina, who is currently visiting her son in Dubai. Quickly segregating the grocery items on the floor after the supermarket delivery, she gets on with washing the packets thoroughly before rinsing vegetables several times. She then dries those outside in the parapet that has already been disinfected.
"The precautions are important because elderly people like us have compromised immune systems. People like me and my husband are most at risk during this coronavirus outbreak. I am also concerned about my three-year-old grandchild who is at home these days."
Abu Dhabi resident Zoya Sheikh's storeroom is well stocked with disinfectants. She holds the doorknob of the main entrance of her building with anti-bacterial wipes these days. "While it's easier to keep your house clean, I am more concerned about commonplaces like corridors and elevators. I've asked my seven-year-old daughter to stand in the middle of the lift and not to touch the buttons. Children often put the same fingers in their mouth and face, before sanitising their hands."
Zoya has also decluttered her space and is trying to be a minimalist. "I have been busy cleaning cupboards and drawers. In the process, I am discovering things that I didn't even realise were at home all these years. I am also throwing away a lot of unnecessary stuff. I feel more organised and spotting things in the closet has become much easier."
Meanwhile, Dubai based Canadian mother of two kids, Rohini Ceaser, has set a routine for her husband when he returns from work or running errands. "My husband immediately changes his clothes after he returns from work. Those clothes are put in a separate basket that are rinsed later in antibacterial soap water. After this, he thoroughly washes his hands and face before playing with the children."
It's said, the novel coronavirus is spread mostly through respiratory droplets from person to person. Apparently there is also evidence that transmission can happen by touching infected surfaces. These include doorknobs, handles, light switches, remote controls and even phone screens. A new study reportedly suggests that the virus thrives on plastic or steel surfaces for days.
"I have suspended calling cleaners from agencies in the current situation, as I am wary of unknown helps coming into my house to do the job. I prefer to do the cleaning myself until the situation improves," said Russian resident Valeriya.
Calls to clean every corner
These sentiments seemingly differ, as many are seeking help from professional cleaning companies.
"We are being called for deep cleaning, with requests to clean every corner, compared to casual dust-up, brooming and mopping. Many others without full-time domestic helpers are even increasing the regularity of their normal services", said a Dubai-based cleaning company on condition of anonymity.

nandini@khaleejtimes.com