How to Disinfect and Clean Your Home After the Flu

How to Disinfect and Clean Your Home After the Flu-Find out how to get rid of the flu season as soon as possible.

The onset of the cold and flu season means that someone in your family will almost certainly become unwell. But your work is far from over even when they recuperate. Maintaining good hygiene is crucial to stopping the transmission of germs to other family members. 1. Experts from well-known manufacturers of cleaning supplies were consulted to determine which surfaces and everyday objects should be thoroughly cleaned following an illness, as well as the best ways to do so.

According to Mary Gagliardi, also known as Dr. Laundry, a cleaning expert at The Clorox Company, cleaning the entire house may not be necessary. "Most people who have the flu sleep less, so you can skip cleaning your house from top to bottom," she says. "Instead, focus on the bathroom and any shared surfaces in the kitchen and bedroom." Clean every place where the sick person has spent time and try to retrace his steps as you clean. If they get into the kitchen for some soup, for example, be sure to disinfect countertops, refrigerator handles, faucets, cabinet hardware, and anywhere else they've touched.

Hard surfaces that are frequently handled, such door knobs and TV remotes, can harbor bacteria. Even while you should clean these areas on a regular basis all year long, it's crucial to do so when a member of your household is ill. According to Joe Rubino, director of research and development at Lysol and a microbiologist, the flu virus can really linger on these surfaces for up to 48 hours. "Disinfecting frequently touched, non-porous surfaces and items around the home such as tablets, remote controls, light switches and doorknobs should be part of the daily routine to prevent the spread of illness during cold and flu season," he says.

Sick people spend a lot of time in bed, so it is essential to disinfect sheets, pillows and other bedding after an illness. Cell phones and tablets can also harbor bacteria, so be sure to clean any electronic devices the person handles while sick. Additionally, the CDC states that routinely washing your hands with soap and warm water—or, in the event that you are unable to do so, using an alcohol-based hand rub—is an efficient strategy to prevent the spread of germs.

For hard surfaces that other family members touch frequently, don't delay cleaning. "It's never fun to deal with a sickness in your house, but if you follow these cleaning tips, you can help stop the flu from spreading." Gagliardi, Dr. She does advise against washing blankets and linens until after flu symptoms have subsided, though.

Selecting the appropriate cleaning solution for every task is essential to successfully getting rid of residual bacteria. "Preventing the spread of the flu is serious business, and you absolutely need an EPA-registered disinfectant that targets the flu germ," Gagliardi says. To disinfect the bathroom, bleach does the trick. Gagliardi suggests using half a cup of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to wipe down all toilet surfaces (including handles) as well as other bleach-safe areas like sinks, counters and faucets.

To disinfect clothes and bedding after a family member is sick, Rubino recommends washing them with laundry sanitizer, which kills bacteria that regular detergents can leave behind.

Gagliardi recommends disinfecting places that harbor bacteria, including light switches, doorknobs, refrigerator handles and more. "They're great for disinfecting surfaces that aren't bleach-safe or hard to clean," she says. "Make sure surfaces are wet for 15 seconds after wiping to kill influenza germs; that's all it takes!"

Although managing a sickness within your home is never enjoyable, following these cleaning instructions will assist in preventing the flu from spreading. By properly disinfecting, you can restore your family to full health.