Stuffy noses, sore throats, high temperatures … all that means it’s that time of year again. Flu season! With the flu season hitting hard, you might be wondering how to properly clean, disinfect, and sanitize your home after the flu so you and your family can get back to normal. We’ll give you easy cleaning instructions below.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need:
Disinfectant solution: when it comes to killing bacteria and viruses, soap and water won’t be enough. You’ll need to use a disinfectant. If you don’t have one on-hand, you can easily make one with help from The Spruce—just combine two tablespoons of 5.25-6% chlorine bleach with four cups of water. Make sure to remix this solution every day so the bleach doesn’t lose its potency.
Clean paper towel or cloths: to apply your disinfectant, use a clean paper towel or cloth. Sponges aren’t a good idea as they can trap bacteria inside the sponge’s holes.
Rubber gloves: you’ll want to use rubber gloves as you clean, too, to protect your hands from exposure to bacteria and abrasive cleaners.
Step 2: Divide and Conquer (Your Cleaning)
It might feel overwhelming to clean and disinfect your home after the flu, so we’ve assembled this quick list of tips by room to help you feel organized.
Bedroom: wash sheets, pillowcases, pajamas, and any stuffed animals kids would have snuggled with when they were sick. Wipe down remotes, light switches, and end tables with disinfectant.
Bathrooms: focus on disinfecting the toilet (handle, seat, lid, too!), sink and shower (plus handles), light switches, doorknobs, trash cans, floors, and toiletries that were out in the open while people were sick. You’ll want to wash hand towels that were out, too.
Living room: if sick folks are out in your home’s common areas, wipe down hard surfaces like remotes, lamps, your coffee table, etc. with disinfectant.
Kitchen: like in the other spaces on our list, you’ll want to wipe down hard surfaces like tables, counters, and chairs with disinfectant. Wash your dishes on the highest heat setting while people are sick in your home and for a few days afterward to make sure all bacteria are gone.
Cleanliness in the home is essential to keep illness at bay this time of the year and not let it take over our households. We hope you find this little guide helpful! Want more tips to keep a tidy and organized house? Check out the rest of our blog.