While the Autumn months bring us changing leaves and fall festivities, they also bring us the dreaded cold and flu season. There are many steps you can take to prevent the spread of these airborne illnesses but at some point, you or someone in your household will probably end up getting sick. Here are some tips on how to properly clean your house after dealing with the cold or flu.
Use the Proper Tools
Hot water alone won’t fully clean a surface, so make sure to use disinfectant when cleaning. Every disinfectant product has specific instructions on how to properly use it, so if you’ve never read the label, now would be a perfect time. Typically, you will want to wipe the surface thoroughly so that it remains wet for up to 5 minutes and then let it dry. This will ensure that the disinfectant has time to get rid of all the germs that are still lingering. Consider using paper towels over sponges to ensure germs don’t spread over multiple surfaces while cleaning.
Wash That Bedding
The last thing you would want to do after being sick is to lay down in bed on sheets that could still harbor the flu virus. Wash your sheets and pillowcases as soon as you can after being sick. Doing so prevents the spread of the illness and gives you a clean and refreshed bed, it’s a win-win!
Clean Up the Kitchen
Cleaning the kitchen is extremely important as it is where you prepare all your family means, and you wouldn’t want to put the flu back on the menu! When washing the dishes, either set the dishwasher to high heat or use a disinfectant solution and wash them by hand. Don’t forget to wipe down the countertops and refrigerator handles as well. Use a cloth that can be tossed in hot water or paper towels for this as well.
Keep Kids Items Squeaky Clean
Since children are more likely to get sick compared to adults, it’s best to make sure their toys are nice and sanitary. Hard, plastic items can easily be cleaned with soapy water and then soaked in bleach for around two minutes. Other items, such as stuffed animals, can be thrown in the washing machine. If they are not machine washable, set them aside for a couple days to let the germs on the surface fade away.
Clean Your Car
If you use your vehicle on the daily, there’s a chance it can be a harbor for the flu virus. While it may not be the first thing on everyone’s mind when cleaning their home, it is still an area that you will want to clean. Wipe down everything from the steering wheel to the key fob to prevent the virus from spreading to your vehicle. A little out-of-home cleaning can go a long way!
By following these simple steps, you can help stop the spread of the cold and flu in your home. Just remember to use disinfectant and paper towels and you will be good to go!
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