Flu season is a serious matter. It is that time of the year when we are reminded of all the germs in contact with on a daily basis. With the COVID pandemic in the past few years, we have all been more conscious of the possible threats that can exist on all surfaces – even the smallest ones. We must be especially vigilant during flu season and if someone in the household is sick.
If you have ever had the flu, you know how dreadful it can be. There are many viruses around, but most commonly, they can cause muscle aches, fever, chills, and exhaustion. Approximately 35 million people are affected by those each year. Don’t allow the flu to take over your home and affect your loved ones. Start combating the virus by frequently cleansing your home and you will be considerably safer this flu season.
Disinfecting the property before and after the flu
In this article, we will share some helpful tips on how to thoroughly clean and disinfect your whole house and prevent the virus from spreading further and invading your home.
Regularly wash your hands with soap and hot water
This may seem obvious but even the most careful people sometimes require a reminder. Follow your usual handwashing measures and don’t speed through the process. Use hot water and soap at all times. Use antibacterial hand sanitisers to quickly get rid of bacteria whenever you don’t have time to thoroughly wash your hands. Avoid touching your mouth or nose without washing your hands first. Disinfect your hands after touching door handles or other objects in public spaces.
Disinfect high-traffic areas and frequently touched items at home
Think of all the common areas of your home where people may gather. Then consider everything you touch in each of those places. Keep an eye out for areas where guests may concentrate. There might be some regions you did not take into account.
Begin with the room itself – cabinet handles, doorknobs, and light switches can quickly become a breeding ground for dangerous diseases. All those small items should be disinfected on a regular basis. Then, go on to regularly used items in the room. The family computer, the remote control that we all fight over, gaming consoles, and even the cell phones which allow us to spread infection from one place to another.
Use a slightly wet cloth and soapy water to clean these items. Sanitisation wipes and disinfectant sprays are other options. Whatever you use, make sure you wipe the entire surface, including in between buttons and beneath switches.
Cleaning towels and bedding in hot water
Use ordinary or colour-safe bleach if it is safe for the fabric. You can sanitise your laundry even if you don’t want to use bleach. Try adding vinegar to your regular laundry cycle and always use the hottest suitable temperature. Don’t share your towels or blankets with others, especially if someone in the house is already sick. Keeping these items clean can not only make your ill family member feel better in clean sheets but will also help prevent the virus from spreading.
Clean your vacuum cleaner at least monthly
Some vacuums feature bags that can be changed once they become full. Others have containers that must be emptied after each use. Check the hoses and filters to ensure they are not clogged. Even with a vacuum, cleaning picks up bacteria and pollutants. Vacuums that are regularly emptied are less likely to distribute contaminants around your home.
Disinfect toothbrushes and dispose of them after an illness
Replace your manual toothbrush every 3-4 months. However, you cannot choose when to get sick. If you happen to be in between toothbrush changes, you can disinfect it instead. Use hot water to boil the bristles. You can use water and vinegar to get an additional clean. Even if it is not the time yet, replace your toothbrush once you recover from your illness. The more cautious you are, the better your chances of warding off the flu virus.
Pay extra attention to cleaning your bathroom and kitchen
The kitchen and bathroom are the most used and likely the most contaminated areas in the whole house. Clean the kitchen and bathroom faucets and taps, as well as door handles, and the toilet handle. Do that daily, especially during flu season. Make sure there are always clean towels and thoroughly disinfect all kitchen utensils and tools used for food preparations. Wash everything that the ill person has used in hot water, immediately.
Make sure you have as little contact as possible with any ill members of the family. Wash everything they use in hot water and regularly disinfect the household. If you start feeling sick yourself, make sure you regularly wash your hands and avoid touching the objects shared by all household members.