Got the flu? Well, did you know that as soon as you will get well again, it’s best to rid your home from any remaining flu germs? Yeah, it’s something you don’t want to think about while you’re mourning in the bed with fever and a runny nose. But, for the safety of your family, it’s better to clean the house after flu to avoid the risk of catching the virus again.
It’s ideal to practice excellent hygiene before, during and after the illness. Just some simple steps like covering your mouth when you cough, using a tissue when you sneeze and washing your hands frequently and super-important steps to prevent flu and more effective than you may realize.
1. Wash Your Hands Frequently
Hand-washing is the single most important measure for preventing the spread of infection. Even if hand-washing isn’t hard, we have to admit that most of us cut corners when doing it. However, to make hand-washing effective, try the following method:
- Wet hands with clean, running water. Temperature doesn’t matter.
- Apply soap and work up a lather, making sure to include the areas between your fingers, under your nails and the backs of your hands. Scrub for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Rinse well under clean water, then either air dry your hands or use a clean towel.
2. Clean The Bedding
During the flu spurt, you probably lied in bed waiting for tit to pass. So, bedsheets, pillowcases, and duvet cover inevitably become a hotbed of germs and you should wash them as soon as you are back on your feet. Wash them in the washer to a high temperature cycle using your regular laundry detergent and you may add a cup of white vinegar in the washing machine. The same thing applies for pajamas and other clothes you wore while you suffered from flu.
3. Clean Used Items
Wondering which are those used items? Well, toothbrushes, thermometers. remote control, phone, and other things that got into contact with your infected mouth.
4. Clean Hard Surfaces
The flu virus can survive on certain hard surfaces, like light switches and stainless steel, for up to 48 hours. To treat hard surfaces, like countertops, door handles, kitchen table, worktops, sinks and washbasins, toilet and bath you can use diluted bleach or other store-bought disinfectants.
- Spray the surface and allow to sit for three minutes. Then wipe away the solution (and hopefully all germs) with a clean, damp cloth. Run any kitchen utensils used by the sick person through the dishwasher on high heat before they enter back into household rotation.
Don’t Forget Cleaning The Bathroom
I mentioned above that you have to clean the toilet, sink and most bathroom features, but you should do the same with towels, bathroom rugs, and anything the sick person get into contact with.
Most Important! Ventilation is important when cleaning after the flu. As unappealing as opening the windows on a cold day may be, it is good to ventilate your home after being ill to freshen the air and prevent any germs from lingering in the air, even after you’ve cleaned.
