Colds and flu are common seasonal illnesses that can quickly take over your entire household. While it’s essential to keep your home clean all year round, it’s even more crucial to clean up after a cold or flu infection. The germs from such illnesses can stick around even after the coughing and sneezing stop and they can resurface and reinfect other members of the family. Fortunately, with the right cleaning tips, you can prevent this from happening. Here are 10 Cleaning Tips After Cold and Flu Strikes to help you clean up after a cold or flu and keep your home germ-free.
1. Start with a Disinfectant Cleanser –
The first thing you’ll want to do is wipe down all surfaces – countertops, doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and any other hard surfaces with a disinfectant cleanser or disinfectant wipes. Be sure to let the cleanser sit for at least ten minutes before wiping it away to kill all germs.
2. Wash All Bed Linens –
All bed linens should be washed, even if the sick person only uses one bed. Using hot water and a high heat setting on your dryer can help destroy any remaining germs.
3. Wash Pillows –
Your pillows’ stuffing can trap germs, contributing to reinfection. If the tags on your pillows allow, wash them, dry them thoroughly or spray them with a disinfectant or fabric sanitizer.
4. Wash Your Children’s Stuffed Animals –
Stuffed animals can also harbor germs and benefit from being washed or disinfected.
5. Sanitize Your Mattress –
When we sleep and sweat, germs can accumulate on our mattresses. To sanitize them, lightly spray them with a fabric sanitizer.
6. Disinfect Frequently Touched Items and Areas –
To ensure all the surfaces in your home are germ-free, be sure to wipe down frequently touched areas, such as phones, remotes, light switches, handles, door knobs and toilets.
7. Sanitize Window Coverings and Wash Curtains –
Your window coverings are often neglected. You can clean them by wiping blinds down with a damp cloth or washing curtains in the washing machine.
8. Wash and Sanitize All Clothing Worn –
Every fabric that the sick person has worn should be washed, including coats, hats, scarves and gloves.
9. Vacuum Well and Deep Clean Hard Floors –
Germs can accumulate on your carpets and floors. It is essential to vacuum and deep clean them thoroughly.
10. Disinfect Toys –
Toys can also harbor germs and they should be washed with warm water and soap, sprayed with a disinfectant cleanser or run through the dishwasher.
Following these ten cleaning tips will help keep the germs that cause colds and flu at bay, reducing the risk of reinfection or spreading the viruses to other family members. It’s essential to keep your home clean all year round, but it’s even more critical after an illness. By cleaning your home regularly and following these simple tips, you’ll keep your home germ-free and healthy for all those who live in it. And don’t forget, for your regular cleaning needs, The Clean Up Club is always here to help you clean it up!
