9 Ways To Disinfect Your House After Flu Season
- How To Disinfect.
- Disinfect Your Tech.
- Clean All The Tables.
- Get Some Clean Air.
- Sanitize Kid Stuff.
- Disinfect The Bathrooms.
- Keep The Bedrooms Germ-Free.
- Take Care When Doing Laundry.
- Wash Your Hands.
How should I clean my house if I have the flu?
Since the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours, it's important to clean the house after the flu has been detected. Disinfect surfaces that the sick person has touched, paying special attention to the sick person’s bedroom and bathroom.
How do you disinfect your home from germs?
That way you can easily switch out the bag and get those germs out of your house and into the trash. If someone vomits into a waste basket, you can disinfect it with the same 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water solution that you’d use in the bathrooms. 8. Take Care When Doing Laundry
How to do laundry after the flu?
When doing laundry after the flu, wash everything on the hottest setting ( or a “sanitize” setting if your machine has one) and make sure you include bleach or color-safe bleach in every load to get rid of those germs. If your machine ( regular or HE) has a bleach dispenser, just fill it to the MAX line and you’re good to go.
How can I keep my kids safe from the flu?
The number one way to accomplish this goal is to wash your hands. Use soap, warm water and wash for about 20 seconds. The next tip is to keep your hands away from your face; especially your eyes, nose and mouth. If you need to touch one of these areas wash your hands before and after.
How do I decontaminate my house after the flu?
Clean all hard surfaces with disinfectant: countertops, sink, fridge handles, drawer and cabinet knobs and handles, garbage cans, food prep areas, kitchen table and chairs (if hard material). Note—clean with food-safe products in all food prep areas. Launder dish and kitchen towels with sanitizing laundry soap.
How do I disinfect my couch after the flu?
Bleach Is Best To kill the germs, the EPA suggests you use 2 to 4 times the recommended amount. Flu viruses can also be killed with hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners.
What kills flu virus on surfaces?
Mix hot water and vinegar for the best results. Hydrogen peroxide, another common household item, can also be used to kill bacteria and viruses. It should be used the same way as bleach- mixed with water and then wiped down. Be careful with H2O2 as it can also stain clothes and porous counters.
When should I wash bedding after flu?
While viruses last longer on surfaces such as metal and plastic, it's still important to wash your bedding once you're feeling better – and, if possible, on a daily basis while you're ill. Give them a machine wash, using your standard laundry detergent, at a high-temperature setting to help disinfect bedding.
How do I disinfect my whole house?
Clean the soft surfaces (carpets, rugs, and drapes) with soap and water or with cleaners made for use on these surfaces. Launder items (if possible) using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely. Disinfect using an EPA List N product for use on soft surfaces, if needed. Vacuum as usual.
How often should you change your sheets when you have the flu?
Bed sheets might not be need to be washed as often as you thought, unless you are sick. ACI recommends you wash your sheets every two weeks, but more often if you sweat a lot at night.
How long does Covid stay on bed sheets?
A study published in found that at room temperature, COVID-19 was detectable on fabric for up to two days, compared to seven days for plastic and metal. However, when it was exposed to high heat, the virus became inactive within five minutes.
How long does the flu stay in the air?
Past research has suggested the influenza virus can survive up to two to three hours in a droplet form, but there has been debate over whether the droplets are able to stay suspended in the air long enough to spur infection . When droplets are big, gravity can pull them down so they don't remain airborne.
Can I get the same flu twice?
While two flu outbreaks overlap one another, raising your possibilities of catching the flu infection twice, the chances of you catching the flu virus twice may still be rare.
Does airing out house get rid of germs?
DOES AIRING OUT WORK? — Airing out your home for just a few minutes daily will help to let stagnant air out and fresh air in. Even in the winter, cracking your window a few inches to increase airflow is a good idea. This is especially important if someone in your home is sick.
Should I change my sheets when im sick?
However, should you change your sheets if you are sick as well? According to the CDC, linens need to be cleaned and disinfected after a person is sick, and they recommend that you wash the sheets in the warmest water setting to help kill the germs off the soft surface.
How long does flu virus last on surfaces?
Both influenza A and B viruses survived for 24-48 hr on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic but survived for less than 8-12 hr on cloth, paper, and tissues.
Why is it important to disinfect during flu season?
Tip: During flu season, it’s a good habit to include disinfecting in your weekly cleaning routine to help prevent the spread of harmful germs.
How to get rid of a virus?
To get rid of a virus, you need to finish each surface you clean with a disinfectant for the full contact time —that’s the amount of time the product needs to stay on the surface in order to be effective (your cleaning products should specify this on their label; or, you can look it up online). If you aren’t sure if your cleaning products are EPA-registered household disinfectants, you can search the EPA’s website to confirm that your products will kill any harmful germs. No matter which product you use, always, always, always:
How to air out a mattress?
Completely strip the mattress and launder all bedding—sheets, pillowcases, duvet, and mattress pad—in your washing machine on the hot water setting with sanitizing laundry soap. This will also give your mattress time to air out. Wash any dirty clothes you or someone in your household wore while sick in the same way.
How to make a room clean faster?
In all rooms that you clean, hit every hard surface with a good disinfectant and let it do its work. A disinfectant spray makes it easy to get into hard to reach places, and disinfecting wipes can help make cleaning quick.
What to do when you're done cleaning?
When you’re done cleaning, open the windows in every room for a while to let any lingering cleaning product smell out and to let fresh air in. It’s a simple step, but it’ll make your house feel like it has a fresh, clean start.
How to sanitize a kitchen?
Clear any dishes from the room and add straight to the dishwasher to sanitize, or hand wash with hot water and dish soap, or a food-grade sanitizer.
How to make your hands germ free?
Tip: A great way to contribute to a germ-free common area is to wash your hands frequently so that you aren’t spreading any sickness. Lather up with soap and warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds as is recommended by the CDC.
How to wash clothes after flu?
If your machine ( regular or HE) has a bleach dispenser, just fill it to the MAX line and you’re good to go. If there’s no bleach dispenser, add 2/3 cup of bleach for a regular machine or 1/3 cup bleach for an HE machine to the wash water as the cycle is running.
How to get rid of germs in the house?
Make sure there’s a waste basket in the bedrooms to catch all those used tissues and wipes, and put a plastic bag in the waste basket before throwing anything away. That way you can easily switch out the bag and get those germs out of your house and into the trash.
How to disinfect a bathroom?
Definitely make sure you wipe down all of the hard surfaces in the bathroom with a disinfectant spray or disinfectant wipe. Or you can make your own disinfect ant solution with 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Apply the bleach solution to the surface and let it stand for at least five minutes, then rinse thoroughly and air dry.
How to sanitize plastic toys?
To sanitize hard, non-porous items like plastic toys, dishes, sippy cups, teething rings, etc. first wash the items with soap and water and rinse, then soak them in a solution of 2 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water for at least 2 minutes. After two minutes, drain the water and let the items air dry ( no rinsing necessary according to Clorox’s website!) Or if you really need to disinfect stuff and not just sanitize it, you can follow these instructions on how to disinfect bath toys using a stronger bleach solution.
How long should you wash your hands after the flu?
Keeping your hands clean is just as important as keeping your house clean, especially during flu season. Be sure you wash with warm water and soap for at least 30 seconds ( you can sing “Row Row Row Your Boat” twice) after using the bathroom, before eating, before touching your nose, mouth, or eyes, after being outside, and after being in contact with a sick person.
How to get your clothes clean?
Washing to wels, sheets, and other bedding in the laundry is a great way to get it clean, but don’t let yourself catch those germs as you’re doing laundry! Don’t “hug” dirty laundry to your body while carrying it; use a basket or hamper to take it to the laundry room, and be sure to wash your hands after you load the washer.
Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?
You can also wash pillows in your washing machine to get those clean along with your pillowcases.
How long does the flu stay on surfaces?
“The flu virus can live on surfaces for 48 hours —potentially infecting anyone who comes in contact with the germs, according to the CDC” – staywell.walgreens.com.
What to use when someone is sick?
Sheets, blankets and towels. Wash Cloths. Clothing. Robes. Stuffed Animals. Dishes. Hand Towels. It is best to avoid using hand towels when someone in the home is sick. A paper towel is a much better option to prevent the spread of the illness.
How to keep hands away from face?
The number one way to accomplish this goal is to wash your hands. Use soap, warm water and wash for about 20 seconds . The next tip is to keep your hands away from your face; especially your eyes, nose and mouth. If you need to touch one of these areas wash your hands before and after. In fact, that is a good rule to follow whether someone is sick ...
What is the least toxic disinfectant?
Rinse the surface with clean water. If you are worried about using bleach, vinegar and alcohol wipes are the least toxic and most biodegradable when it comes to disinfectants. Use disinfecting wipes on electronic items that are touched often, such as phones and computers.
Can you spray disinfectant on a mattress?
Furniture and Throw Pillows. If they have removable covers it is best to wash them, however you can also spray them with a fabric safe disinfectant. Garbage cans.
Can you wash cashmere sweaters in hot water?
Of course you want to check the label on each item for washing instructions, but you will kill the most germs by washing in hot water and drying on a hot cycle. Just don’t throw in your cashmere sweater 😉. It is best to avoid using hand towels when someone in the home is sick.
1. Strip your bed of all linens
Wash your sheets, blankets and mattress covers in the hottest water recommended on their care labels. If your washer has a sanitize cycle, use it. Follow the how to sanitize laundry instructions to use OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer along with your detergent to remove stains, odors and 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* when used as directed.
2. Wash your pillows and any stuffed animals
Plushies and pillows can also harbor dirt and germs. Launder any removable pillowcases, wash any machine-washable pillows or stuffies (read the labels before washing for care instructions), and surface clean those that cannot go in the washer with OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer.
3. Wipe down hard surfaces
Don’t forget your bedframe, door handles and any other hard, non-porous surfaces around your room. Use OxiClean™ Daily Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant to remove everyday stains and kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19.**
4. Thoroughly vacuum the floor and deep clean
Use OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer as directed to spot sanitize carpet or to disinfect tile. Consider renting a steam machine or hiring a carpet cleaner – now is a good time for your annual deep cleaning!
5. Sanitize your mattress and upholstered headboard
After you’ve removed your linens and mattress covers, spot sanitize the mattress itself with OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer. Follow the directions on the package.
6. Disinfect frequently touched areas
Look around the room for areas that are high-touch such as switchplates, door knobs, furniture handles and lamps. Follow label directions to disinfect using OxiClean™ 3 in 1 Deep Clean Multi-Purpose Disinfectant .***
7. Disinfect toys made of plastic, metal, or other non-porous surfaces
Building bricks, playhouses, trucks, dolls and other toys also need a thorough cleaning and disinfecting after someone has been sick. Use a multi-purpose disinfectant to remove dirt, grime, bacteria and viruses.
How to clean the house after the flu?
How to clean the house after the flu without cleaning products: As with a lot of cleaning questions, an alternative solution to cleaning products is a vinegar solution, as its acidic properties act on the germs and help disinfect after the flu . Hydrogen peroxide products will be even more effective at killing germs.
How to disinfect after the flu?
How to disinfect after the flu: Use a disinfectant-based product like Domestos to go over all areas, including doorknobs, light switches and fridge and cupboard doors, as well as worktops, sinks and washbasins, toilet and bath, as well as hard and tiled floors.
What to do after the flu?
After the flu, it's important to rid your home from any remaining germs to prevent further illness. Find out how to clean after the flu with these flu cleaning tips. From the couch to bedding, here, you'll learn what to disinfect after the flu.
How to disinfect bed sheets?
Give them a machine wash, using your standard laundry detergent, at a high-temperature setting to help disinfect bedding. The same applies for pyjamas or nightwear and for used towels. Always follow the garment care labels. For tips on washing bedsheets and bed hygiene, read this simple guide.
How long does the flu last in the house?
Flu germs can live up to three days on hard surfaces and so it’s important to know how to disinfect after the flu to avoid further illness for you or the people you live with.
Why is it important to clean after the flu?
After the flu, it's important to rid your home from any remaining germs to prevent further illness. Find out how to clean after the flu with these flu cleaning tips.
How to get rid of germs in a room?
Also, open your windows! It may be chilly out, but the clean, fresh air will also help clear the room. And if it is sunny outside, the sun’s properties will also kill germs.
What to use to clean a house with the flu?
While the flu’s in your home, use disposable paper towels or germ-grabbing microfiber cloths for cleaning. Just remember to wash microfiber cloths daily.
How long does the flu stay in the house?
2. Disinfect surfaces. Since the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours , it's important to clean the house after the flu has been detected.
How to disinfect a wastebasket?
To disinfect it, rinse the wastebasket well then wipe the inside and outside with a solution of 1/2 cup bleach and 3/4 gallon of water. Allow two minutes for disinfecting then rinse with warm water and air dry.
How to sanitize a child's toys?
To sanitize kiddie items such as non-electric plastic/metal toys, sippy cups, teething rings, bottle nipples and dishes, wash items first then soak them for two minutes in a solution of 2 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water. Rinse in warm water then air dry. 3.
How to disinfect hard surfaces?
Another option is to disinfect hard surfaces by wiping or mopping with a solution of 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Allow the solution to be in contact with the surface for at least five minutes. Rinse and air-dry. Take care not to spread germs unintentionally.
How to sanitize laundry?
(Be sure to follow fabric care instructions on label.) Add 2/3 cup of bleach (1/3 cup for HE machines) to the dispenser or wash water. Add clothes and start to wash, making sure the laundry is in contact with the bleach solution for ten minutes , says Altmann.
How to wash bed sheets after a sick family member?
After washing the bed sheets, clothes and towels of a sick family member, take time to wash your washing machine. The moist environment in the washer is a breeding ground for germs. Run an empty cycle of hot water and add bleach to the dispenser, then run an additional cycle to ensure the bleach is gone. 6.
Can you be exposed to the flu and not get sick?
Yes, it is possible, especially if your immune system is strong enough. A certain study showed that people who had more antioxidants in their system and had a difference in their genes are more likely to get sick less.
How do I know when my cold is no longer contagious?
The actual number of days can depend on many factors, such as the patient’s age and the weather lately. It can be difficult to tell because you can’t really see bacteria and viruses with the naked eye.
Conclusion
Summing it up, disinfecting a room after the flu is important if you don’t want to share the virus to others, especially if you have kids and elderly people around the house. Aside from regular cleaning and hygiene habits, air purifiers can also have a good effect to disinfect the indoor air.
How to help a sick person?
If possible, dedicate one bedroom and bathroom for the sick person to use and make sure everyone else uses others. While the person is sick, have them clean the rooms they use if they are well enough to do so. If they are not able, caregivers should wait as long as possible to clean and disinfect the rooms.
How to clean soft surfaces?
To clean soft surfaces, such as carpets, rugs and drapes, follow the directions for those specific materials. If appropriate, wash them in you laundry using the warmest water temperature allowed for that item . Linens, clothing and other soft items that go in the laundry can still be cleaned that way.
What devices should be cleaned first?
With electronic devices, such as cellphones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls and keyboards, first remove visible dirt and other contaminants. Then follow the manufacturer's instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products, the CDC advises.
What does cleaning do?
Cleaning means removing germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but reduces the number of them on surfaces.
Can you quarantine someone with a virus?
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that someone with symptoms should go into quarantine and use as few rooms as possible, to prevent spreading the virus to others in the household.
Can you use Lysol to disinfect?
Once clean, hard surfaces can be disinfected using EPA-approved products such as Lysol or Clorox. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially on how long your should leave the product on the surface before wiping it off. "Read the label to see how long the surface needs to stay wet.
