Unfortunately it’s that time of year when everyone you know seems to be sick. With colds and the flu running wild in school yards and the workplace through wintertime it’s likely that sooner or later someone in your family will bring home a nasty bug. Sadly, it’s simply not possible to fight off all viruses and bacteria in the home but you can still take some simple cleaning steps to stop the virus being passed on or lingering around. Some viruses can live on surfaces for hours so it’s important to be proactive to prevent a cycle of illness in your household.
1) Use paper towels
When there are sick people in the home, don’t use cleaning products like sponges or brushes as these hold on to bacteria. Instead use disposable paper towels that can be thrown out after each use. If you do use a brush or sponge on your dishes, make sure to put it through a full run in your dishwasher each day.
2) Clean the bathroom
This is a cold and flu danger zone. In particular pay attention to your toothbrushes – don’t store your family’s toothbrushes together in a single toothbrush holder. After recovery either throw away or boil the sick person’s toothbrush to remove contamination. Clean out the bathroom sink and taps with disinfectant daily to help prevent the rest of your family falling ill. Any hand or body towels need to be put immediately in the wash through a hot water cycle.
3) Clean your bedding
When you’re sick all you want to do is curl up in bed, therefore when you’ve recovered this is a critical area to wash clean. Make sure to immediately wash your bedding and pillow cases in the hottest water setting that suits your linen. It's okay to wash a sick person’s bedding in the same load as other washing.
4) Disinfect, disinfect, disinfect
Firstly make sure the cleaner you are using is labelled ‘disinfectant’ so you are not simply moving germs around. Tackle all the areas in your house where sick hands have touched every single day. Using a spray on disinfectant clean the light switches, tv remotes, phones, doorknobs, refrigerator and cupboard doors, microwave buttons, computer keyboards, and even your credit card. Don’t forget your personal gadgets! Make sure to clean your smartphone and ipod as well. If the item will not be damaged by being left wet it’s best to spray them with the disinfectant and leave to air dry. Clean your kitchen sink daily and wash your dishes and cutting boards in hot water.
5) Empty your bins regularly
All those tissues you’ve been dumping amount to a big pile of germs in your bin. Make sure to empty it regularly and sanitise the container afterwards.
6) Clean your kids’ toys
If your child has been sick make sure to disinfect their toys by putting plastic toys in the dishwasher and stuffed toys through a hot washing machine cycle.
7) Wash your hands
Make sure that everyone in your house is regularly washing their hands with soap and using hand sanitiser. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to get rid of bacteria.
8) Air out your house
Even though it’s cold in winter it’s important to let fresh air into your house, particularly when someone is sick. Opening your windows for a few minutes each day lets fresh air in and contaminated air out so it’s worth those few chilly moments!
Sometimes when you’ve been sick the cleaning afterwards can be overwhelming. If you need help, check out our list of local cleaning professionals.
