Germs can lurk in every corner of your home, particularly after someone has been sick. It’s essential to carry out a thorough cleaning routine to ensure the health and safety of all occupants. This post will outline various things you should clean after someone in your household has been ill. It will walk you through each area and item that needs special attention, providing practical advice to keep your home germ-free and safe.
Understanding The Spread Of Germs
Before delving into cleaning, it’s crucial to understand how germs spread in a living space. Microorganisms like bacteria and viruses can survive on surfaces for varying amounts of time, from a few hours to several days. Commonly touched objects and surfaces can act as a transmission route, spreading the illness to others in the household.
Knowing the life span of these germs on various surfaces can guide your cleaning process. For instance, some viruses can live on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for two to three days, making regular sanitization of these areas critical. Keep in mind, it’s not just about cleaning, but cleaning smart – targeting those areas that can serve as a hotspot for germ proliferation.
Personal Items
After an illness, personal items used by the sick individual should be thoroughly cleaned. These may include cell phones, remote controls, glasses, and even personal care items. Cleaning these items can be done using disinfectant wipes or a solution of water and bleach (following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage).
While cleaning, pay special attention to buttons and high-touch areas. Remember that effective sanitization involves not just wiping down but allowing the item to air dry to give the disinfectant time to work. It might seem tedious, but this attention to detail can significantly reduce the risk of germs spreading.
Bedroom Area
The sick person’s bedding, mattress, and pillows can harbor germs and must be cleaned thoroughly. Bedding and pillowcases should be washed in hot water if possible and dried on a high heat setting. Pillows can usually be cleaned in the washing machine, but always check the care label first.
Cleaning the bedroom area extends to furniture and fixtures too. Wipe down bedside tables, light switches, and door knobs with a disinfectant. Remember to let the surface stay wet for a few minutes to allow the disinfectant to do its job effectively.
Bathroom Cleaning
Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for germs, so it’s crucial to clean them effectively. Focus on high-touch areas such as faucet handles, toilet flush handles, and door knobs. These should be cleaned with a disinfectant spray or wipe, with surfaces left to air dry.
Other bathroom items like toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, and even the shower curtain can harbor germs and should be cleaned or replaced. A thorough bathroom cleaning not only eliminates germs but also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Kitchen Area
The kitchen is another area that needs attention. Utensils, cutting boards, and other kitchen equipment the sick person uses should be washed in hot soapy water or the dishwasher if safe. For items that you can’t wash in a machine, wash them by hand with hot soapy water, rinse, and then sanitize them with a bleach solution.
Clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces such as countertops, stove knobs, refrigerator handles, and cabinet handles. Again, allow the disinfectant to air dry on the surface. Remember also to clean and sanitize the sink and faucet handles, as they often come into contact with raw food and can be a hotspot for cross-contamination.
Living Room And Common Areas
The living room and other common areas should not be overlooked. High-touch surfaces like door knobs, light switches, and handrails should be wiped down with a disinfectant. Upholstery like sofas and chairs that cannot be laundered can be cleaned using a steam cleaner or with disinfectant sprays designed for fabric.
Regularly used electronics such as remote controls or gaming consoles should also be cleaned and disinfected. Remember to use products suitable for electronics to avoid damage. Don’t forget less obvious items like books, magazines, or board games that may have been touched or used while the person was ill.
