Matty Storton was an unknown quantity to Hull KR fans when he joined the club over the off-season.

The back-rower was one of five to leave Bradford Bulls and sign with Rovers, alongside Joe Keyes, Rowan Milnes, Elliot Minchella and Anesu Mudoti as Tony Smith looked to add depth and young talent to his Super League side.

For Storton, though, it was his first full-time contract as a player, meaning he would not only have to leave his hometown club, but also his job as a window cleaner in order to chase his dream.

So far, the 21-year-old has exceeded expectations. After impressing in pre-season, Smith went with Storton in the back-row for the opening game of the season against Wakefield Trinity, and hes played a part in every game since.

But, according to his junior coach at West Bowling, it wasnt always obvious that he could forge a path to the very top of the game, despite his notable size and strength as a child.

He was as strong as an ox, amateur coach Matt Sharp told Hull Live. Compared to all the other kids he was really strong, when we were doing tackle drills, youd know you were hit by him even as a 12-year-old, he could really hit hard.

He wasn't the brainiest kid when it came to drills, he tried his best but Ive seen him since and he has improved a lot with that!

He was quite lazy to be honest, he was one of those cheeky little kids where you turn your back and hes stopped doing what he was supposed to be doing.

I knew Matty would do something but I wasnt sure at what level, because he was very strong, a textbook tackler, hed run hard and if you wanted yardage youd give him the ball and hed get you out of trouble. It wasnt obvious to start with."

Sharp had the privilege of coaching not one current Super League player but two, with Castleford Tigers half-back Jake Trueman also being in his side and its fair to say as a pair they developed a strong relationship on the pitch, but off it, too.

Theyre the best of mates, Sharp added. They both came to the club at a similar sort of time, I think their parents knew each other, they were thick as thieves.

They both went to Bradford together and did really well and Jake went to Castleford. Jake was at half-back, Matty was at second-row and youd always find if Jake was going to make a break, Matty would be on one-side of him and vice-versa. Jake would always follow Matty up because nine times out of 10 hed break the line.

Trueman remembers his time with the back-rower well, too, telling Hull Live: Weve been best friends for ages, we get on really well off the field and I still see him a lot, Im still really good mates with him and have been since we first met.

We were all over the field and did what we wanted really, we linked up pretty well. He was my back-rower at amateur but he was that big and strong I tried to give him the ball as much as I could.

He wasnt that tall but he was always solid, hes one of the strongest players Ive ever seen. He was so hard to tackle, even at that age, he was a really good player.

It seems the pair were inseparable. Having starred for West Bowling, Storton and Trueman joined Bradford together at scholarship level and even went to college together while they rose through the ranks at Odsal.

Unfortunately, their debuts for the club came separately. Truemans talent was spotted by Rohan Smith and he was drafted into the first-team to make his debut and a move to Super League soon followed.

Storton had to wait a little longer before he got the chance to the famous jersey, making his bow in 2017.

But it was in 2019 under John Kear that he really made his mark in the first-team and its fair to say the former Hull FC and Wakefield chief was impressed by what he saw.

You dont worry about whether this is one of his good weeks, or whether hell be switched on properly, because he is already so consistent, Kear told the Daily Mirror in May last year after the clubs win over Leeds Rhinos in the Challenge Cup.

Hes tough and a physically big kid, which allows him to handle the physical rigours of the game.

The weight he lifts in the gym for a 20-year-old man is phenomenal. Hes one of those players that when the opposition carry the ball into collision with him, they stop - thats the impact he has physically.

But hes tough mentally as well, and no respecter of reputations. He couldnt give a monkey's whether hes playing against Wally Lewis or the Hemel Stags stand-off, he treats everybody the same.

After such a big billing and some sterling performances in the Championship, little wonder Storton got his move into the full-time game and he hasnt looked back since.

Hes already shown himself to be one of the most promising youngsters in the Super League and his good friend Trueman has been keeping in regular contact to see how hes getting on in east Hull.

I think he needed to move away from Bradford for some new challenges and hes done really well, hes started all the games, the Castleford stand-off said.

I think hes loving it. He was part-time at Bradford and he was doing a bit of window cleaning, hes enjoyed knocking that off and going full-time.

Storton still keeps in contact with his junior coach, making appearances at awards nights for Sharp, who now coaches West Bowlings under-10s side.

Of course, Sharp has been watching on proudly as the humble back-rower tries to make his stamp on the Super League, but how far does he believe the youngster can go in the game?

Ive seen bits on TV and what Ive seen the step up from the Championship hasnt fazed him. I think its improved him, playing with and against better players, the coach said.

Theres a lot of time ahead of him if he keeps working like he is hell be one of the best props or second-rowers around I think.

View post:
Jake Trueman, window cleaning and West Bowling - The making of Hull KR's Matty Storton - Hull Daily Mail

Strong winds caused havoc for high-rise workers in Dubai, as the UAE experienced more unsettled weather on Wednesday.

Abu Dhabi had rain and thunder during the morning, and the wet conditions were set to spread to Dubai.

The gusts caused several window cleaning platforms to smash into the side of a high-rise tower block in Dubai Marina, leaving workers suspended 67 floors up.

At least one apartment balcony on the 72nd floor of Sulafa Tower was damaged when a hanging cradle, which cleaners normally use to clean the outside of buildings, swayed wildly back and forth.

Dan Jarvis, a resident on the 74th floor, filmed the incident from his balcony just metres away.

I was supposed to be working but the noise of the wind is horrific up here, he told The National.

Dark clouds over Dubai during the recent wet spell in April. Pawan Singh / The National

Clouds covering the Burj Khalifa after the rain in Dubai on April 16. Pawan Singh / The National

Rain comes down at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A man walks in the rain while covering himself in a plastic sheet in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Deliveroo drivers hide from the rain in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Heay rain on Jumeirah Beach Road in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

A construction worker in the rain on Kite Beach in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Rain on Kite Beach with a lone lifeguard station in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

A heavy machinery driver takes cover from the rain in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A pedestrian walks in the rain in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Shoppers take cover from the downpour at Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A rainstorm in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Rain and thunder hits Abu Dhabi. Roy Cooper / The National

Rain and thunder hits Abu Dhabi. Roy Cooper / The National

Two of the workers managed to get onto the balcony.

I didn't see them jump out, its just a fair assumption as they are currently replacing the cladding on the whole buildling and they've been going past my balcony the past couple weeks.

Civil Defence attended the scene and the two workers were safe.

They have literally tied themselves to the building so they're not swinging," Mr Jarvis said.

The National Centre of Meteorology had earlier forecast "rainfall, convective clouds and blowing dust and sand amid winds reaching up to 45kph".

It confirmed moderate to heavy rain fell in the Al Dhafrah area during the morning, while light rain fell overnight in parts of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain.

The wet weather is forecast to continue during the next few days, with "some rainfall" forecast for Thursday and "a chance of lightning and thunder" on both Friday and Saturday, according to the NCM.

The country has seen a number of rainy days this month, and cloud seeding missions have been continuing.

April is considered one of the first transitional months and is characterised by swift changes in atmospheric conditions which bring an increase in cloud and chance of rain.

Temperatures have ramped up in recent days, reaching as high as 44C in desert areas, and more than 40C in cities as summer approaches. These temperatures are well above the average for April, which are normally in the mid-30s based on historical data.

The weather bureau expects thermometers to touch 40C in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Wednesday.

It will be moderate, becoming rough at times in the Arabian Gulf and in the Sea of Oman.

Updated: April 29, 2020 04:36 PM

Original post:
UAE weather: Dubai and Abu Dhabi set for showers - The National

Every situation is different, but here are some best practices to follow if you suspect someone you live with is sick with the coronavirus -- or even you.

Ascoronavirus case numbers continue to grow, and we learn more about the symptoms the virus can cause, you may be more concerned about what to do if you or someone you live with becomes infected with COVID-19 -- or thinks they might be. If that does happen, it's important to know which steps to take to avoid spreading the virus to others, as well as how to care for that person, or how others should help care for you.

This includes calling the doctor to see if you're eligible for COVID-19 testing, monitoring your symptoms and isolating yourself from others until your symptoms have subsided the appropriate length of time.

Some of these common recommendations may be impractical if you have a roommate (or three), or live in a household with your family or a significant other. You should already be practicing social distancing as best you can in a roommate situation, but it isn't always possible. And if you're helping care for others in your family, self-isolation can be extra hard.

Keep track of the coronavirus pandemic.

We've drawn suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as first-hand advice from people we know who have recovered from the coronavirus. Here are recommendations for how to adjust if you suspect someone in your household has COVID-19, but is not sick enough for hospitalization. Note this is not an exhaustive list and guidance from public health agencies is changing over time.

Here's what you need to know about finding a coronavirus testing site near you, and the latest on coronavirus antibody tests and nasal swab testing.

At the first sign of what could be coronavirus, contact the doctor immediately to list symptoms and ask for advice on whether you should pursue COVID-19 testing. In many cases, the doctor will need to order the test for you (more on this below).

If the patient has underlying health conditions that put them at higher riskfor fatality, the doctor will also be able to weigh in on which medications they should and shouldn't take and how they'll need to adjust their lifestyle, including what kind of vital signs you should monitor as the illness progresses.

As soon as you or someone you live with suspects they have symptoms of COVID-19 (or tests positive for the coronavirus), they need to isolate from others until they test negative, or until the symptoms are long gone (more details below).

They should wear a face mask or cloth covering if they're in the same room as you or your housemates and everyone needs to make sure they'vethoroughly washed their hands for 20 seconds after interacting. It's also important to keep the house sanitized. A healthy person could reduce contact with a sick person by filling a water pitcher and preparing food for the patient, leaving both at a safe distance for the member of your household to collect.

The CDC suggests isolating in a bedroom away from others. We understand that's not always an option -- for example, if you live in a studio apartment with a significant other or share a small house with many others.

If there isn't an extra room to stay in, make sure to maintain a six-foot distance at all times to practice social distancing. Unfortunately, that might mean someone's sleeping on the couch, on a mattress on the floor or so on.

Read more: Where to buy face masks and cloth coverings online

You can make a face mask at home for the infected person to wear.

The CDC recommendsthe presumptive coronavirus patient use a different bathroom if possible. However, if you only have one bathroom, the person who's ill should wear a mask when they leave their isolation room. After they leave the bathroom, make sure the toilet, sink, shower, handles and soap dispensers get sanitized.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. Also, avoid using the same hand towel as the potentially infected person. You may need to set up a caddy for items that only the sick person uses, like a separate soap dispenser, towel, toothpaste tube and so on.

If there are multiple people who live in your home, the CDC suggests only one person should take care of the sick one to limit the number of people who might come in contact with the virus. That includes bringing them food or medicine; checking their temperature, vitals and blood pressure; and laundering their clothes and bedding.

It's a good idea, however, for the carer to wear gloves and a face mask when coming in contact with anything the infected person has touched, beforewashing their hands directly after.

When you bring food, for example, you can place it inside the room they're staying in, but avoid contact with them and make sure your nose and mouth are covered -- theirs, too.

While in isolation, your roommate may start to feel lonely, so make sure you're comforting them by sending them texts, calling to talk from the next room, or even talking to them outside the door. Michigan Health suggests opening a window for air circulation.

You'll need to check the infected person's temperature daily to see if they have a fever.

It's important to note that many hospitals don't want you to go to the emergency room or arrive for a COVID-19 test without a doctor's order, or an advanced state of symptoms, like high fever over 102 degrees. In many places, the number of tests are limited and hospitals must follow protocols to limit the exposure of sick people to the rest of the hospital population.

The CDC and hospitals such as Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles suggest contacting your primary care provider about symptoms and the next steps you should take.

Symptoms that typically warrant a COVID-19 test include:

If the person you live with has contracted the coronavirus, it's possible you and other housemates have already been exposed. The World Health Organization states the incubation period for someone with coronavirus is between one to 14 days. This is the time between catching the virus and seeing symptoms. This means you need to quarantine yourself for two weeks to prevent spreading the virus to others.

To avoid going out, have your food and groceries delivered to your door. The CDC says once everyone is symptom-free for at least 72 hours and testing negative for coronavirus, you can leave the house for necessities again.

Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, difficult breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of taste or smell.

Make sure you're cleaning and disinfecting high traffic surfaces in your home daily. This includes doorknobs, remote controls, bathroom surfaces, kitchen counters, appliances and your phone. Use products from the EPA's approved list of disinfectants to help kill coronavirus.

The American Red Cross says to avoid sharing household items, such as glasses, utensils, towels and bedding. If an ill person uses any of these items, they should be washed thoroughly.

Disinfect the surfaces in your home daily.

If the infected person doesn't have access to testing, the CDC states they can leave their home if they've had no fever for at least 72 hours (without medicine), symptoms like coughing have improved and at least seven days have passed since their symptoms first appeared.

To help better prepare you for a coronavirus case in your home, here's what you need to know about making a face mask or covering at home, where you can buy a face mask if you don't have the right tools and how to disinfect your car and home to help kill coronavirus.

Now playing: Watch this: Keep in touch with loved ones while keeping your distance

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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Here is the original post:
Think you or someone you live with has coronavirus? Here's what to know and do - CNET

Stress-cleaning. So you decide you're going to go to the deep clean. You look under the kitchen sink and decide you're going to put everything together and get it done. Don't do that.

We have talked about how women's health is more than just one thing. It is a combination of different things. But sometimes a bunch of things together isn't a good thing. Let's talk about why it isn't a good idea to put some of your most potent cleaners together.

Yes, I know that maybe you have someone at home who has COVID-19 and is quarantined, and you only have one bathroom. So you have to disinfect it several times a day. Okay. You know that bleach is a powerful virus and bacteria killer, and alcohol at 70% works too. And maybe you'll just add the alcohol to the bleach and get a super killer. Yep, you could create a super killer of you. So let's talk about bleach.

Bleach has several compounds in it, but one of the main ones is sodium hypochlorite. Bleach is highly reactive. It combines chemically with other molecules and changes them, and that releases new compounds. That powerful ability to combine and change molecules makes it a potent disinfectant and whitener. It kills living cells like bacteria and sort of living things like viruses.

So under your kitchen counter, you have some bleach. Your bottle of bleach is highly concentrated, so you should dilute it a lot, four teaspoons per quart of water. It is also not meant for your skin, so wear gloves. It also reacts with everything and can give off irritating gases, so you should use it in a well-ventilated space.

Also, under your counter, you have some alcohol. So let's add bleach and alcohol together to make something better. Stop right there. Bleach and alcohol make chloroform. You know that fluid that was used in the 1800s to knock people out before they amputated a leg? So, no bleach and alcohol.

How about bleach and vinegar? That makes chlorine gas. Really bad for your lungs and your brain. It was one of those gases used to kill soldiers in World War I.

Well, how about bleach and ammonia? No, no, no. That makes another toxic gas. The only thing you can mix with bleach is more water.

What about all those other bottles of cleaning fluid and spray that won't even tell you what's in them. It is best to use them with gloves in a well-ventilated room. It's even better to go to the Environmental Working Group's website, ewg.org, and click on the box that says EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Put in the name of your cleaner and find out how it scores from A to F, and what are the concerns about the chemicals in the products. Then you can make your own decision. Make safer choices. Do you really need all that stuff under the counter?

Now, back to combining things. Vinegar is a great cleaner and antibacterial, but no, it can't kill the coronavirus, and it cleans well if you don't mind your bathroom smelling like a pickle. Baking soda also cleans well and is a mild abrasive. And baking soda and vinegar is a kids' home chemistry experiment. Together they foam up in a non-dangerous way. What fun?

What about windows? I know that means you are really bored and getting into some hardcore cleaning. A tip from a professional gave me the safest and best streak-free window cleaner -- a gallon of warm water, a couple of drops, less than a teaspoon of the original blue Dawn dish soap, not the new blue Dawn with flavors or scents or anything. The old stuff that they used to clean off the birds and animals after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.

What about Lysol? Lysol is a brand name of many different products, some with hydrogen peroxide, another fun, fizzy chemical cleaner. And it gets an A in the evaluation from EWG. Some gets an F. So Lysol is a brand, not a specific cleaner. Check out what's in it if you want to know if it's safe.

Most of all, these home cleaning chemicals are not safe for babies or young children. All kids should contribute to cleaning up the house and learning about what to use and how to use it, but not until they're old enough to understand safety. Keep your kitchen and bathroom chemicals in a baby-proof cupboard.

One last thing, there is nothing about having two X chromosomes that gives you a unique ability to clean during the COVID-19 pandemic. People with Y chromosomes can clean too. Now, if I could just get my husband to learn how to use the vacuum cleaner.

Originally posted here:
Cleaning Your Home (the Safe Way) During COVID-19 - University of Utah Health Care

Cleaning supplies might be in high demand but a Melbourne mum has found a way to sidestep that aisle at the supermarket.

When it comes to spotless, streak-free windows, a member of the Mums Who Clean Facebook group says a mixture made with hot water and shampoo is as good as any store-bought window cleaner. Plus, its one less thing to pick up on your weekly shop.

RELATED: Woman's 'game changing' tea bag hack

RELATED: Mum's hack to stop food going mouldy

Sharing her discovery in the group she says all you need is a bucket, hot water, shampoo, sponge and paper towel.

Put hot (as hot as your hands can take) water in bucket, add a squirt of shampoo and mix it up, she writes.

Dunk your sponge and cover your entire window with the solution. Leave it for a minute or so until it's almost dry then buff with a square of paper towel.

Streak-free spotless windows with so little effort. Just did all my windows today inside and out so quickly.

Responding to a comment, the Melbourne woman confirmed her trick is effective on a range of grime and build-up, including dog slobber.

My back sliding door was caked with dog slobber/muddy dog paw prints and this worked well, she wrote.

Commenting on her Facebook post, other members also suggested diluted dishwashing liquid, baby shampoo and vinegar as other DIY alternatives.

I use dish washing liquid, then wipe over with cloths in clear water to get soap off and when almost dry. I use [an] old clean dry rag to go over them, perfect every time [sic]. My rags are old tea towels, commented one user.

We used vinegar other day. The windows came up awesome, shared another.

This handy trick comes as many supermarkets report empty shelves due to coronavirus-induced panic shopping.

While basic pantry items like pasta, flour and rice have been raided, so too have things like disinfectant, toilet paper and most cleaning supplies.

Read the original post:
DIY window cleaner: All you need is shampoo - NEWS.com.au

With time on our hands and the spectre of the pandemic at our shoulders, if ever there was a moment to give our homes a thorough clean, it is now.

Keeping your home scrupulously clean will help stop the spread of coronavirus - and it could also protect your mental health. A study by cleaning company Molly Maid found that 70 per cent of us feel less stressed if our home is spick-and-span.

With only a limited number of shops open it can be tricky to rush out and buy an armful of specialist cleaning products. But there are some brilliant hacks you can try that use store cupboard basics, from ketchup to silver foil...

Cleaning mucky grouting is a soul-destroying task made easier by Tim and Melanie Smiley who caused a Facebook sensation last year with their (almost) effort-free method.

When Mrs Smiley asked her husband to tackle the stains he did it his way, attaching an electric toothbrush head to a drill and then using the makeshift tool, dipped in grout cleaner, with spectacular effects.

No grout cleaner to hand? Make your own by mixing seven cups of water with half a cup of baking soda, a third of a cup of lemon juice and a quarter of a cup of vinegar.

Now summer is finally here, sparklingly clean windows can make a real difference to your rooms.

Professional window cleaners tend to wash windows down using a weak solution of washing-up liquid, but unless you are a pro with a squeegee the results can be very smeary.

The solution? According to Extreme Couponing and Bargaining, on Facebook, the trick is to use a solution of fabric softener and water instead, then wipe dry with a lint free duster this also works on mirrors, and smells lovely, too.

Housework guru MrsHinch, aka SophieHinchcliffe, offers tips and tricks using basic store cupboard items(Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Instagram queen of clean, Mrs Hinch, carved a niche as a housework guru with three million follows. She suggests freshening up your bed by filling a sieve with bicarbonate of soda and sprinkling it over the mattress. Wait an hour and vacuum it up.

"It's an odour eliminator so any odours that may be lingering in the mattress, it just soaks them up and absorbs them, explained Mrs Hinch, aka Sophie Hinchcliffe, from Essex. It works really, really well.

Meanwhile, most pillows can go in the washing machine (check labels first). Put a couple of tennis balls in the dryer to help plump them up as they dry.

Condiments can make great makeshift cleaning products. Ketchup will eat away at burned-on stains on stainless steel pots and pans, thanks to the acetic acid it contains.

Simply spread the sauce on the surface and let it sit for half an hour before scrubbing it off.

Mayonnaise has a multitude of uses beyond a dip for your chips. Its oily texture will fix watermarks on wood furniture. Simply dab on, let it sit for an hour, then clean off and buff. Different finishes react differently, so always try a small test patch first.

Forget spending ages polishing up blackened silver like a Downton Abbey housemaid. Karyn Siegel-Maier, author of The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning, suggests placing tarnished silver items in a container filled with water, and adding in some strips of tinfoil.

Let it soak for an hour, rinse and dry, and the tarnish will have vanished this method also works on jewellery.

More:
Best home cleaning hacks:from vinegar to ketchup, the everyday items that double up as cleaning products - Homes and Property

The changes include extending the payroll co-funding scheme to sole traders and self-employed business owners not normally on the payroll of the business, as well as to charities and social enterprises where their staff are unable to work as a result of current business restrictions.

In addition to the changes, the scope of business activities that can access both the coronavirus payroll co-funding and the small business grants scheme has also been widened to include a number of other services such as cleaning, window cleaning, gardening, pet care, estate agents, architects, facilities management and office management, security and cash transfer activities, freight and goods transfer, excluding food, and dental and dental hygienists.

Policy & Resources vice-president Lyndon Trott, pictured, said they had and would continue to listen to the concerns of businesses.

Self-employed islanders and sole traders play a vital role in our community and for our economy, he said.

It was clear there was a gap in our support measures implemented so far, so we have sought to move at real pace in order to plug that gap and bring equity to the support we are offering.

We have also extended the businesses and traders who are in-scope for support.

This is also a response to our growing understanding of the need of businesses and traders in our community.

We will continue to monitor the impact of the measures we have introduced, and the feedback on them from the business community, and will carry on responding as needed to ensure our economy is as supported as it reasonably can be during these very challenging times.

The changes come in response to feedback that the support measures in place were not meeting the legitimate needs of a significant number of the self-employed and sole traders in the community.

Support for those business activities added to the scheme will be backdated to 16 March in line with the support provided to the first series of payments of economic sectors.

For business guidance on what is available and who for, visit https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/business.

See the original post here:
Self-employed and other sole traders eligible for help - Guernsey Press

From Good Housekeeping

Out of an abundance of caution, the CDC now recommends wearing a face mask or covering any time you go to grocery stores, pharmacies, or other places where social distancing is hard to practice. Since N95 respirators and surgical masks should be reserved for healthcare workers, many people have been putting their DIY skills to the test by creating their own cloth face masks right at home, either by following an easy-to-sew pattern or a quick no-sew tutorial. Others in need of a quick fix are simply ordering ready-made face masks on Etsy and other online retailers.

As a reminder, the CDC urges that select individuals aren't required to wear face coverings, including children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Everyone else should follow the CDC's guidelines and wear a face mask in public. All face coverings DIY or otherwise should meet the following requirements, as outlined by the CDC:

Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

Be secured with ties or ear loops

Includes multiple layers of fabric

Allows for breathing without restriction

Can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab suggests that tightly woven, 100% cotton is the best fabric to use, which means you can turn a bandana, or fabric from pillowcases, curtains, or woven shirts into a face mask or covering. Be sure to avoid knit fabrics, like jersey T-shirts, because they create holes when stretched. To make the mask even more protective, use a nonwoven interface, coffee filter, or HVAC filter (as long as they don't contain fiberglass) inside the mask to help block particles.

Making or buying a face mask is just half of it. To ensure that you and your loved ones are staying as safe and healthy as possible, it's also important to clean cloth face masks regularly to limit the spread of germs. There are differing reports on whether or not coronavirus can live on clothes. Harvard Health, in particular, suggests that the disease is more likely to live on hard surfaces (think: countertops and door handles) than soft surfaces like fabric. Regardless, the CDC, along with the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, urges that you give cloth face masks the same level of care as your regular laundry, which means you should wash and dry them often per the CDC's guidelines.

Story continues

The CDC has general guidelines on how to properly clean most cloth and fabric masks:

Fabric face masks should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use

A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering

Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing

However, these one-size-fits-all guidelines don't necessarily take into account the different types of fabric and filters used, especially in DIY masks. Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, suggests that all face masks should be washed with hot water in the washing machine, and tumble dried on high heat. More delicate masks that are handsewn may need to be washed by hand. If so, lather masks with soap and scrub them for at least 20 seconds with warm to hot water before tossing in the dryer. For peace of mind, iron masks on the cotton or linen setting to kill any remaining germs.

While there are some other cleaning methods floating around the Internet that suggest sanitizing face masks by sticking them in the microwave, oven, or a pot of boiling water, Forte doesn't recommended them since they are nowhere near as effective as standard washing and drying.

Think about it: You wouldn't make coffee with an old coffee filter the same idea applies for face coverings. Most filters that you would add to homemade face masks are intended for single use, so it's best to replace them after each use.

Coffee filters: Disposable paper products are not washable, so replace them after each use.

HVAC filters: While they are washable, manufacturers warn that they're intended for single use. If you decide to sew the filters between cotton fabrics, wash in the same way as mentioned above, but keep in mind that the effectiveness will decrease with each wash.

Medium weight nonwoven interface: This fabric is typically washable, so follow the method mentioned above.

There aren't any hard and fast rules regarding how often you should wash face masks because it's really depending on the frequency of use, according to the CDC. If you want to be extra cautious or think there may be a possibility that someone is symptomatic, or has sneezed or coughed within close proximity, clean your face mask after each use. Keep in mind, though, that you shouldn't be using face masks frequently, since public health officials urge everyone to only go to grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores when they are in need of essential items.

As more information about the coronavirus pandemic develops, some of the information in this story may have changed since it was last updated. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the online resources provided by the CDC, and the World Health Organization. You can work to better protect yourself from COVID-19 by washing your hands, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and sanitizing your home, among other actions.

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Original post:
A Cleaning Expert Explains the Best Way to Clean Cloth Face Masks After You Wear Them - Yahoo Lifestyle

Leading health experts have advised us against touching our face during coronavirus, but one thing we arguably handle just as much in this modern world are our phones.

Research conducted by King University found on average, we touch our phones 2,617 times a day with smartphone users unlocking their screens as much as 150 times from the moment they wake up, to when they go to sleep.

Comparably, we're known to touch our faces as much as 23 times an hour.

And as self-isolation forces us to stare into the cellular voids that are our devices for virtual contact, these numbers are likely to increase, begging the question - do we need to clean our phones to avoid contracting COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization, while it remains unclear how long the virus lasts on surfaces, studies suggest it may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.

Dr Amy Edwards, a specialist in infectious diseases claims to clean her phone "at least once a day" in a statement to Grow, while reminding people to be "vigilant, but calm and not to panic.

Cleaning influencer Melissa Maker even famously said "your phone is like a third hand because you're constantly touching it."

Apple expert, Emmanuel Lopez informed 9Honey, that while we may be more disciplined about washing our hands, our phone still comes into contact with multiple spaces each day.

"It's best to get into the habit of keeping your device clean during coronavirus, but also in general for the health of your device too," he said.

Like a quality morning skincare routine, phones require a gentle, but effective process to cut through the grime of daily life.

So, for the most addicted app users to the purist landline callers, here's a damage-free guide to properly cleaning your phone.

Where rubbing alcohol may cleanse kitchen messes and open wounds, much like too much alcohol exposure is terrible for our health, so too is it for your phone. The safest bet is to opt for alcohol concentrated wipes, where the mixture is fixed each time. Lopez recommends using "wipes with 70% isopropyl" and "gentle, circular wiping motions over the exterior surface," of your device.

Tapping your way through the day leaves dreaded fingerprint marks across the screen. The safest way to salvage your resolution from bodily oils is a gentle scrub with a microfiber cloth. Though smartphones are typically water resistant - to an extent - but a "firm rubbing motion" is enough to restore your screen to it's mirror-like resolution.

For phone purists, devices with buttons present a cleaning challenge most millennials have no concept of. Using toothpicks and skewers can assist in freeing the dust caught between dialling. Covering the buttons with tape can also help remove any lint or grime stuck in slim crevices.

Turns out people with a pore-perfect complexion may have another glowing face to cleanse each night before bed. Specific make up removers for phones exist, however, a gentle spritz of your own make up remover on a tissue or cotton pad works a charm too.

Conserve your hand sanitiser resources and don't use them on your phone - same goes for window cleaner, kitchen chemicals, soaps, vinegar and anything with enough bleach in it to turn your hair platinum blonde. Remember your phone is sensitive, like that last text you sent your coronavirus love.

Whatever you do, Lopez stresses "don't submerge your phone in any cleaning agents" or you may be soaking your device in rice until the pandemic is over.

There are currently 6,462 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia.

Read more here:
How to keep your phone coronavirus free without damaging it - 9Honey

Right now, were struggling to overcome a pandemic, but our hygiene standards are at an all-time high. A diligence for hand washing has spilled over into the household, and for once weve got the time to deal with domestic tasks frequently neglected.

Bored with tidying the living room, scrubbing the bathroom and disinfecting kitchen surfaces? Step up to the challenge of ticking off jobs you probably never even imagined needed doing.

1. Blitz oven grime(Nick Ansell/PA)

Hobs regularly get a rinse down, but how often do we tackle ovens? Over time, fat and food debris build up on the walls and shelving, burning and spewing fumes every time the appliance is switched on.

Choose a non-caustic cleaning product to avoid damage to both kitchen surfaces and your health any stubborn stains can be cleared by soaking them with bicarbonate of soda overnight. Non-toxic products shouldnt leave lingering odours, but to be safe fill a tray with water and lemon juice and heat to 120C for 20 minutes beforehand.

2.Remove dust from radiators(Yui Mok/PA)

Whatever the design, radiators are magnets for dust, which often ends up collecting in the hardest to reach places.

Allowing it to fester is not only unhygienic but can also impair heating performance, so its worth making the effort to delve in.

For tight spots impossible to vacuum, collect fluff by dangling a damp cloth, or wrap it around a wire coat hanger for greater control.

3. Moth-bomb wardrobes(English Heritage/PA)

Lockdown conveniently coincides with moth season, which traditionally kicks off in April or May.

If you want to rid pantries, carpets and wardrobes of infestations, now is the time to strike before warm weather causes dormant eggs to hatch. Lavender pouches and cedar blocks are all deterrents, but sticky paper traps and moth bombs are the most effective weapons.

Any clothes with telltale webbed cases should be put in the freezer for 48 hours.

4. Empty kitchen cupboards(Barry Batchelor/PA)

At a time when supermarket trips should be minimised, creating storage space for long-life food is more important than ever. While most items are stamped with expiry dates, others fall into a grey area. Can you recall exactly when those burgers went into the freezer?

And how long have strands of saffron been drifting around the bottom of a spice jar? According to the NHS, its best to eat frozen meat within three to six months; after that, taste deteriorates although its still safe. Most spices have a shelf life of three to four years.

5. Sort sock drawers(Ben Birchall/PA)

How irritating is it to wake up and find a drawer full of odd socks? Admittedly, Skype, Zoom and Houseparty only require dressing from waist up, but there is a sense of self-respect to be earned from wearing matching smalls. Empty the drawer, lay out each sock and ball them into pairs. Think of it as a game of Snap.

6. Detangle electrical cables(Royal Family/PA)

Not everything in the world is wireless. When the back of a TV set starts to resemble electrical spaghetti, its time to tidy cords and cables neatly away.

Hair scrunchies can be used to create manageable bundles, or thread stray wires through empty toilet rolls to avoid any tangles.

7. Descale the showerhead(Ian Nicholson/PA)

In areas with hard water, limescale deposits quickly form in bathroom taps, turning power showers into pathetic trickles over time.

White vinegar is the simple, cost-effective solution: clean a removable spout by immersing it in a bucket of the acidic liquid; if the shower is fixed, fill a plastic bag instead and use a rubber band to tie it to the head.

8. Steam clean a mattress(Rentokil Pest Control/PA)

Its a place where we spend a good proportion of our lives, so its no surprise that beds are a den of dirty hair and dead skin cells.

A vacuum cleaner will remove most of the detritus from a mattress, while baking soda can be used to help soak up stains and deodorise bad smells. Steam cleaners get the best results and should be used every few months.

9. Clean windows crystal clear(Ben Birchall/PA)

At the moment, were spending a lot of time gazing through windows, and who really wants to connect with the outside world through a veil of pigeon poo?

Its tempting to choose a sunny day to get glass gleaming, but if cleaner dries too quickly it will form streaks.

While squeegees are a window cleaners favourite tool, its easier and less messy to use a microfibre cloth for smaller panes.

10. Deodorise the washing machine(Yui Mok/PA)

If your whites are running grey after cycles emitting foul smells, its likely the washing machine is due a good clean.

Use an old toothbrush to scrub the detergent drawer, clear the debris filter (its usually on the bottom of the machine, behind a hinged cover) and clean the drum with dishwasher tablets on a hot wash.

See the article here:
Life on the inside: 10 household chores to finally complete during lockdown - BreakingNews.ie