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Restoring Health and Hygiene After Someone is Sick
It can feel like walking through a minefield after someone has had the sniffles. When illness strikes your household, a thorough cleaning is crucial to prevent the spread of germs and restore a clean, healthy environment. Whether it’s the flu, a stomach bug, or a seasonal cold, targeted cleaning can make a big difference in reducing lingering bacteria and viruses. We at Mighty Clean want to give you a guide to help you sanitize your home after someone has been sick.
Start with High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch areas are prime spots for germs to linger, so focus on cleaning and disinfecting these first:
- Examples: Doorknobs, light switches, remotes, phones, keyboards, faucet handles, and countertops.
- How to Clean: Use disinfecting wipes or sprays designed to kill viruses and bacteria. Let the product sit on surfaces for the recommended time before wiping.
Tackle Bedding and Soft Fabrics
Bedding and soft surfaces can harbor germs from an ill person:
- Wash Bedding and Linens: Use hot water and a high-heat drying cycle for sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and any other fabrics the sick person has touched.
- Disinfect Pillows and Mattresses: Spray disinfectant on pillows and vacuum mattresses if necessary. Consider using a mattress cover to make future cleaning easier.
Sanitize Bathroom Areas
Bathrooms can be a hotspot for germ transmission during an illness:
- Toilets: Focus on disinfecting the flush handle, seat, and surrounding areas. Use a bleach-based cleaner or other disinfectant suitable for toilets.
- Sinks and Faucets: Clean faucet handles, countertops, and any other touched surfaces with a disinfectant spray or wipes.
- Towels: Replace hand towels with clean ones daily during and after the illness. Wash used towels on a high-heat setting.
Clean the Kitchen
If the sick person used the kitchen, clean it thoroughly to prevent germs from spreading through food preparation areas:
- Dishes and Utensils: Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or run them through a dishwasher on the sanitize setting.
- Counters and Appliances: Disinfect frequently touched areas like refrigerator handles, microwaves, and cabinet pulls.
- Sponges and Towels: Replace sponges and kitchen towels to avoid cross-contamination.
Don’t Forget the Air
Airborne viruses can linger, so improving air quality is essential:
- Open Windows: Increase ventilation by opening windows to let fresh air in and germs out.
- Use Air Purifiers: If you have one, run an air purifier to filter out airborne particles.
- Change HVAC Filters: Replace air filters to remove contaminants and improve overall air quality.
Pay Attention to Toys and Personal Items
If the sick person is a child or shared items with others, those need attention too:
- Toys: Wash washable toys with hot, soapy water or wipe down hard toys with disinfectant wipes. For plush toys, follow the care label instructions.
- Personal Items: Clean glasses, cell phones, books, or any other personal items handled during the illness.
Clean Electronics
Electronics often get overlooked but are frequently touched:
- How to Clean: Use disinfecting wipes or a soft cloth slightly dampened with alcohol-based cleaner. Avoid saturating electronic devices to prevent damage.
Practice Good Hygiene
Besides all these, the most common prevention is regularly washing your hands. By taking these steps, you can ensure your home is not only clean but also safe for everyone in the household. A thorough post-illness cleaning routine reduces the risk of reinfection and promotes a healthier living environment.
For the most thorough cleaning, give Mighty Clean a call.
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