Cold and flu season can be a challenging time, making it more important than ever to keep your home clean and disinfected. Germs can linger on surfaces for hours or even days, increasing the risk of illness spreading among family members. Here’s how to effectively clean and disinfect your home to help keep you and your loved ones healthy.
1. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces
Regularly disinfect high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, remote controls, and faucet handles. These surfaces are touched frequently by multiple people and can be hotspots for virus transmission. Use a disinfectant approved to kill viruses, ensuring it remains on the surface long enough to be effective according to the product's instructions.
2. Wash Hands Regularly
Encourage all household members to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after returning from outside, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. Good hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs.
3. Use the Right Disinfectant
Not all cleaning products are effective against viruses. Look for products labelled as disinfectants that specifically list viruses as targets on their labels. Read and follow the instructions carefully, as some products need to remain wet on surfaces for a specific period to kill germs effectively.
4. Don’t Forget Soft Surfaces
Viruses can also live on soft surfaces like sofas, curtains, and bedding. Wash bedding regularly in hot water, and use a fabric-safe disinfectant for upholstery. Items that can't be washed frequently, such as pillows and soft toys, can be put in the dryer on a high heat setting for 30 minutes to help kill germs.
5. Keep the Air Clean
Increase ventilation by opening windows or using air purifiers with HEPA filters to help reduce the concentration of airborne germs. Regularly replace or clean HVAC filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Handle Laundry Correctly
Handle dirty laundry carefully to avoid shaking viral particles into the air. Use gloves if you're dealing with laundry from a sick person, and wash your hands immediately after handling. Wash items on the warmest appropriate water setting and dry thoroughly.
7. Safely Dispose of Disinfecting Wipes and Other Cleaning Materials
To prevent the spread of germs, dispose of disposable gloves, wipes, and other cleaning materials used to clean and disinfect immediately after use. Do not attempt to reuse disposable products.
8. Regularly Clean Electronic Devices
Phones, tablets, and computers are frequently used and can harbour viruses and bacteria. Use appropriate cleaners for electronic devices, typically wipes or solutions designed for electronics, to prevent damage.
9. Keep a Cleaning Schedule
Maintain a regular cleaning schedule during cold and flu season. This ensures that you regularly disinfect areas that might be overlooked during less rigorous cleaning times.
10. Educate Family Members
Ensure that all family members understand the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene during cold and flu season. Share tips on effective cleaning techniques and the importance of personal responsibility in preventing the spread of illness.
Conclusion
Keeping your home clean and disinfected during cold and flu season is crucial to prevent the spread of illness. By focusing on high-touch areas, using the right products, and maintaining good hygiene practices, you can help protect your family’s health during these challenging months.