WE'VE been told to regularly wipe down hard surfaces in the home to protect against being infected with Covid-19.

But an expert has revealed it's also important to vacuum both sides of your mattress on a weekly basis too.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

Speaking to the Daily Mail about ways to ward off coronavirus in the home, a microbiologist for Dyson has encouraged people not to forget the soft furnishings in their bedroom.

Since the virus causes respiratory infections, it is particularly important to get rid of bacteria in the areas where we sleep.

Gem McLuckie, an advanced research scientist for the brand, recommended that every Monday people hoover both sides of their mattress.

At the same time, she advised washing bedding on at least a 60°C cycle, and to wash or replace duvets and pillows.

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW

Don't miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.

To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.

To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.

Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.

Doing all these three things will break down allergens present, and also reduce dust mites and skin flakes.

These are all known by experts to exacerbate a host of respiratory conditions, like asthma and bronchitis, if they are inhaled at night. 

It comes as Dr Javid Abdelmoneim, an A&E doctor, and Dr Lisa Cross, a virologist, appeared on Channel 4’s 'Coronavirus: How Clean Is Your House', to help two families keep their homes safe during the pandemic. 

Shopping for products – whether online or in-person – can be an area of concern, since they could potentially be harbouring the deadly virus.

While food itself is likely to be safe, it’s the packaging which can cause problems. 

Dr Abdelmoneim said: “Current guidance tells us that the food itself is unlikely to be a risk, as even if virus particles are ingested they’d probably not survive in our stomach acid. 

“But the food packaging could be an area of concern. Remember the virus can survive for 24 hours on cardboard, and three to five days on plastic.” 

Dr Cross advised removing as much outer packaging as possible, for example the cardboard box of a bag of cereal.

But for anything which needs to stay in its packet, such as tins, give it a wash with soapy water. 

In other cleaning news, we told you how a mum strip washed her duvet – but was slammed for stockpiling.

We also revealed how another mum used fabric softener to get her doors white again.

And Mrs Hinch has revealed the £9 tool she uses to clean her washing machine drawer.

Source: Read Full Article