If someone in your house has recently recovered from a cold, flu, or another virus, you’re probably ready to thoroughly clean your house. Keep in mind the flu virus can survive up to 48 hours on some surfaces!
A post-flu and post-cold cleaning checklist
Do the laundry
Flu viruses can linger on soft surfaces, including laundry items. Once you or another household member has recovered from illness, it’s essential to wash all clothing, linens, and towels. Be sure to use a quality detergent and refer to the care labels for optimal water temperature and drying instructions.
Additionally, it’s important to clean and disinfect laundry baskets and hampers. Start by using warm, soapy water to scrub the surfaces, then dry them with a clean paper towel. Alternatively, you can utilize disinfecting sprays or wipes specifically designed for hard surfaces to effectively sanitize laundry baskets and hampers.
Clean and disinfect all high-traffic areas
Frequently touched surfaces in your home are hotspots for lingering germs. Despite everyone’s efforts to maintain hand hygiene, viruses, and other pathogens can easily spread through contact with areas that have been touched by someone who has been ill.
To help prevent the spread of a cold or the flu, be sure to clean and disinfect these areas:
- doorknobs
- light switches
- drawer handles
- stair rails
- tabletops
- countertops
- faucet handles
Disinfecting wipes are the easiest thing to use to disinfect commonly touched surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and pay attention to the amount of time needed to effectively eliminate germs and be sure to wash your hands after every use.
Disinfect bathroom surfaces
Regardless of whether you share a bathroom with someone who has been ill, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean and disinfect this area after they have recovered from the flu or a cold.
You might want to think about replacing all the toothbrushes to ensure that any germs or bacteria that could potentially linger on them are completely eliminated.
Be sure to clean the following surfaces with warm, soapy water, and then follow with a disinfectant for best results:
- doorknobs
- sink and faucet
- countertops
- light switches
- tub/shower
- toilet
- toilet paper holder
- floor
Don’t forget to clean items like toothbrush holders and tissue box holders.
Disinfect kitchen surfaces
When you’re unwell, it’s common for a variety of drinking glasses, utensils, and dishes to accumulate in the sink or around the home. Gather these items and either wash them thoroughly in hot, soapy water or load them into the dishwasher for a deep clean.
Other areas in your kitchen you need to focus on are:
- refrigerator door handles
- cabinets and drawers
- light switches
- countertops
- sink, including faucets and handles
- coffee makers or tea kettles
- other appliances, such as microwaves and ovens
- garbage cans
Disinfect and clean your bedroom
Aside from washing bedding, getting rid of flu viruses in a bedroom also requires cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces. These include:
- doorknobs and light switches
- mirrors
- bedside tables
- bed frames
- drawer handles
Cleaning the flooring in bedrooms is essential for eliminating germs and minimizing the spread of viruses. If someone has been ill, make sure to vacuum carpeted areas and thoroughly sweep and mop hard surfaces.
If a child has recently battled the flu, it’s essential to clean and disinfect their toys. Soft toys, including stuffed animals, can be safely washed in a pillowcase on a gentle cycle. For hard toys, wash them thoroughly with soap and water before applying a disinfectant to eliminate any lingering germs.
Fabrics and upholstered furniture
You can apply a fabric-safe cleaning spray to your upholstered furniture, but avoid products containing bleach. Following this, consider steam cleaning your couch or rugs to effectively eliminate contaminants and disinfect surfaces. Steam-cleaning devices utilize high-temperature steam to kill germs, unlike shampooers that primarily focus on stain removal. If you prefer, you can purchase or rent a combination unit that performs both functions. Remember to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaner or tool won’t damage the fabric.
Clean and disinfect your electronics
Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces is crucial for preventing the transmission of flu viruses, but it’s equally important to address your electronic devices. Touching a contaminated smartphone, for instance, can easily transfer germs from your hands to other surfaces.
Electronics tend to harbor a high concentration of germs due to their regular use. A 2020 review of 56 studies revealed that approximately 68% of mobile phones worldwide are contaminated with harmful microorganisms.
To clean your smartphone, use a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with a mixture of warm water and soap. You can also opt for disinfecting wipes, but be cautious with alcohol-based products, as they may damage screens over time.
In addition to your phone, remember to clean and disinfect other electronic devices in your home, such as personal computers, keyboards, remote controls, and tablets.
Let in some fresh air
If the weather is pleasant, think about opening windows to welcome in fresh air. This simple step can significantly decrease the buildup of germs that may remain airborne, thereby reducing the risk of spreading illness to others.
Ventilating your home during the cleaning and disinfecting process is beneficial. It not only freshens up the space but also enhances safety when using bleach or other potent disinfectants.
Don’t forget the car
Thoroughly disinfect the hard, nonporous surfaces in your car using disinfectant wipes. Be sure to focus on areas such as cup holders, the steering wheel, door handles, seat belts, and radio knobs, adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for properly cleaning and disinfecting electronic components.
Self-care before cleaning post-cold and post-flu
If you were the one in your household who experienced the flu, it’s essential to prioritize your recovery before diving into any deep cleaning tasks.
While many individuals bounce back within a week, those with underlying medical conditions or complications, like a sinus infection, may require additional time.
If you’re still on the mend, consider asking other household members, friends, or relatives for assistance, or even hiring a professional cleaning service, such as Covenant Cleaning Services to help lighten the load.