After a stomach bug or particularly harsh cold hits someone in your household, you naturally want to keep the rest of the family healthy and keep the germs away. Cleaning your home after someone is sick (and while they are still contagious) is key to ensuring that no one else gets sick or is reinfected.
Sanitize the High-Touch Areas
Germs linger on surfaces and–depending on the type of sickness–can reinfect or infect new members of the household. When a household member is sick or recovering, take some time to clean and sanitize any high-touch areas that can spread sickness.
Examples of High-Touch Areas to Clean:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Sink faucets and handles
- Toothbrush holders (replace toothbrushes for the sick)
- Remotes or game controllers
Improve Air Quality
Being sick can affect the air quality in the home. Take a moment to air out the house, if possible. Open windows and doors, and swap out HVAC filters or clean air purifiers to remove germs and improve air quality. Both of these steps together will be best to ensure that the stagnant air is removed and the house feels fresh and clean.
Wash Clothes
After the household is feeling healthy, now is a great time to do a general clean and a deep clean of a few key areas to ensure that the germs are gone for good. Especially for germs from stomach bugs, it’s best practice to tackle any soft surfaces that can be washed. Wash all bedding and clothing that was used during the sickness. Be sure to use the hottest water for the fabrics and consider using bleach if the fabric won’t be damaged. Don’t forget to wash towels, robes or pajamas, throw blankets and any stuffed animals that may have been used.
Steam Clean Surfaces
Use a steam mop and steam cleaner for any surfaces in the home that can be safely cleaned with steam. This is an easy way to remove bacteria and germs naturally and without chemical cleaners. This is ideal for tile flooring and stone countertops. Keep in mind that wood and vinyl floors may not tolerate the added moisture from steam mopping.
