Being in the midst of cold and flu season, germs are everywhere. From grocery store shopping carts to the door handle in your bathroom to your smartphone, there’s no escaping them. But even when symptoms subside and sinuses clear up, the germs still linger.
So, to avoid spreading your sickness to family, friends and loved ones, as well as to complete strangers, a deep clean of your home and personal belongings is a must. Be sure to disinfect your home and belongings during and after having a cold or flu.
Shared Spaces
Unless you’ve coughed, sneezed and spread your germs in every room of the house, shared spaces will most likely be focused on the kitchen, bathrooms and your bedroom. Be sure to thoroughly disinfect all door handles first, as you will be going room by room to kill the germs. In the kitchen and bathroom, wipe down all countertops and faucets. Any hardware on cabinets or handles, like the refrigerator or microwave, should also be disinfected.
Linens and Towels
With a cold or flu, most likely, you’ll spend a lot of time resting. Whether in bed or on the couch, germs will make their way onto sheets, pillowcases and blankets, as well as couch cushions and pillows. Be sure to wash all linens and disinfect your mattress and couch, as they will harbor bacteria. Throw in a load of towels to be sure to knock out all fabric-dwelling germs.
*Hint: When sick, try to wash your bedding at least every two days to avoid prolonging your illness or transferring it to others.
Electronics
Arguably, one of the best parts about being sick is getting to relax and watch TV. However, a remote is one of the most communal devices in a household. Be sure to thoroughly disinfect any electronic devices, like remotes, game controllers and tablets after each use. Your cell phone, though not usually a communal device, most likely carries the most germs of all of your personal items. Sick or not, you should clean your cell phone at least once a day, especially after being out in public, where you can pick up endless amounts of germs, illnesses and flu strains, and pass them onto everything you touch.
