Flu Season Cleaning Tips For A Healthier Home

When someone in your home gets the flu, it feels like everything stops. Your main focus is on helping them feel better. But once the worst is over, you are left wondering how to clean your house after the flu to protect everyone else. Germs can live on surfaces for hours, even days. A good clean-up is your best defense to stop the virus from spreading. These flu season cleaning tips are designed to be simple and effective, helping you create a healthier environment for your family.

At Cleaning Master, we know that a clean home is a healthy one, especially when germs are trying to make the rounds.

Start with the Right Supplies

You do not need harsh chemicals to get rid of flu germs. In fact, many common household products work very well. Check the labels on your cleaning supplies. Look for products that say "disinfectant" on them. These are made to kill germs, not just wipe away dirt.

You can also make a simple and effective disinfectant at home. Mix 1/3 cup of regular bleach with one gallon of cool water. This bleach solution is great for killing viruses on hard surfaces. Just remember to make a new batch each time you clean, as it loses its power after about 24 hours. Rubbing alcohol with at least 70% alcohol is another strong option for smaller items.

Target the High-Touch Hotspots

You do not have to scrub your entire home from top to bottom. Instead, focus your energy on the spots that get touched the most often. These "high-touch" surfaces are where germs love to hang out.

Think about the things everyone in your family touches every day:

• Doorknobs and light switches
• Remote controls for the TV and gaming systems
• Refrigerator and microwave handles
• Faucets and toilet handles
• Tabletops, desks, and countertops
• Staircase railings
• Smartphones, tablets, and computer keyboards

Wipe these areas down thoroughly with your disinfectant. It is a good idea to clean these hotspots a few times a day when someone is sick to keep germs under control. For a comprehensive sanitization of a whole property, such as between tenants, professional apartment cleaning services in New York City can systematically address every high-touch point.

Do Not Forget the Soft Surfaces

Viruses can land on soft surfaces too, which we sometimes forget to clean. Germs can live on fabrics, though for a shorter time than on hard surfaces.

The most important soft item to focus on is bedding. Wash all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets that the sick person used. Use the hottest water setting that is safe for the fabric and dry everything completely. Do not forget the pillows; many are machine washable. Stuffed animals and throw blankets should also go through the laundry.

For things you cannot easily wash, like couches and chairs, a good vacuuming can help. You can also use fabric sprays that are made to disinfect. If the task of thoroughly cleaning all soft surfaces feels too big, especially in a larger home, professional deep cleaning services in New York City can handle this important job for you, making sure every surface is properly sanitized.

Tackle the Kitchen and Bathroom

The kitchen and bathroom need special attention during and after illness. These rooms are germ hotspots. In the bathroom, clean and disinfect the sink, counter, toilet, and tub. Pay close attention to the toothbrush holder. If someone was very sick, it might be a good idea to just replace their toothbrush.

In the kitchen, focus on the areas where food and drinks were prepared for the sick person. Wash all cups, plates, and utensils in the dishwasher or with very hot, soapy water. Disinfect the counters, cabinet handles, and the kitchen sink. A common mistake is using the same sponge to clean everything. Use disposable paper towels or a fresh, clean cloth when you are disinfecting to avoid spreading germs around.

Laundry and Waste The Smart Way

Handling dirty laundry and tissues needs a bit of care. When you gather laundry from a sick person, do not shake it. This can send germs flying into the air. Instead, carry it gently in a basket. Wash it with the hottest water the clothes can handle and dry them completely. Remember to wash the laundry hamper itself too.

All used tissues, paper towels, and other disposable items should go into a lined trash can. If you can, use a trash bag that can be tied shut. This keeps germs contained. Have the sick person use their own small trash bag so others do not have to handle their tissues.

Let Fresh Air In

After being closed up with sickness, your home's air can feel stale and may be full of germs. One of the easiest and best things you can do is open the windows! Even just for 15-20 minutes, letting fresh air circulate through your home can make a big difference. It helps push out stale, germy air and brings in clean oxygen. This is a simple step that can really help everyone breathe easier.

When to Call a Professional

Life gets busy, and sometimes a thorough, germ-fighting clean is more than you can manage. If your family is recovering from a tough bout of flu, the last thing you may have energy for is a deep clean. There is no shame in asking for help. A professional service can give you peace of mind, knowing that your home has been properly sanitized.

This is especially useful in specific situations. For instance, if you are preparing a new space for a family member to move into after an illness, moving in/out cleaning services in New York City can make sure the entire property is fresh and healthy from the start.

Getting through the flu is hard enough. By following these steps, you can take back control of your home's health and stop the virus in its tracks, allowing your family to fully recover in a clean, safe space.