How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home for Flu Season
Flu season is upon us, and it’s more important than ever to make sure that our homes remain a sanctuary of health and well-being. Germs and viruses, including the flu, can linger on surfaces for hours or even days, making regular cleaning and disinfecting essential to minimize the spread of illness. In this blog, we’ll cover effective strategies to keep your home clean, safe, and flu-free, including the use of air filters to maintain indoor air quality. By following these steps, you can help protect yourself and your family from the flu and other contagious illness.
Develop a Regular Cleaning Routine
When it comes to keeping our families healthy during flu season, consistency is key. I know it can feel overwhelming to stay on top of all the cleaning, especially with everything else going on, but trust me, a little bit each day can make a big difference. Start by setting up a simple daily routine: wiping down those surfaces we all touch constantly - like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
Make sure to use a disinfectant that’s effective against viruses (look for one that’s EPA-registered, if you want to get fancy about it). I keep a bottle of disinfecting spray or a pack of wipes in the kitchen and bathrooms, so they’re always within easy reach. It doesn’t have to take long, but doing these quick cleans daily helps keep germs at bay. Remember, cleaning removes dirt, but disinfecting kills those sneaky germs we can’t see - both are important!
Focus on High-Touch Area
Let’s talk about those high-touch areas - you know, the places everyone’s hands seem to land a million times a day. Think remote controls, phones, keyboards, and even the fridge handle. These spots are hotspots for germs!
Take a few minutes every day (or at least every other day) to give these surfaces a good wipe-down with a disinfecting wipe or spray. I like to keep a container of wipes in the living room, so when I’m tidying up or just taking a quick break, I can grab one and wipe down the remotes, light switches, and even the TV buttons. Don’t forget the kid’s toys, too - especially if you have little ones who are always putting things in their mouths. It sounds like a lot, but once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature.
Just remember, there’s a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning gets rid of the dirt and crumbs, but disinfecting is what kills those flu germs we’re all trying to avoid. So, it’s worth taking the extra step.
Clean and Disinfect Fabrics and Linens
Now, let’s not forget about the fabrics in our homes. Soft surfaces like bed linens, curtains, and even those cozy blankets we snuggle under can harbor germs, too. During flu season, I try to make a habit of washing these items more frequently - once a week is a good rule of thumb. Use the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric, and add a laundry disinfectant to really make sure you’re knocking out those germs.
For items that can’t just be tossed in the washer, like upholstered furniture or decorative pillows, I like to use a fabric spray. Give them a good spritz and let them air dry. Don’t forget about the stuff we might overlook, like pet beds or those adorable stuffed animals our kids love. These things can collect germs just as much as anything else, so make sure they’re getting some extra attention too.
I know it might feel like you’re constantly washing and spraying, but think of it as another layer of protection for your family. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of crawling into freshly washed sheets - it’s like a little treat for all your hard work!
Use Air Filters to Clean the Air
Okay, so we’ve tackled surface and fabrics, but about the air we’re all breathing in? This is where air filters come into play. They can be a game changer during flu season, especially if you have little ones or anyone in the house with allergies or asthma. High-efficiency air filters, like pleated or pure carbon air filters, do an excellent job of capturing dust, pollen, and those tiny particles that can carry germs and viruses.
Think of it this way: every time someone coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets float around the air - and no one wants to breathe that in! By using a quality air filter, you can help catch those particles before they have a chance to settle on your furniture or make their way into your lungs.
Make sure to check and replace your air filters regularly - about every three months, or sooner if you’re running the heating or air conditioning a lot. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. It’s one of those little things that can help keep everyone healthy without a ton of extra effort. Plus, knowing the air in your home is cleaner gives you a little extra peace of mind, doesn’t it?
Practice Good Personal Hygiene and Encourage Family Members to Do the Same
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about personal hygiene - because, at the end of the day, keeping our homes clean is only half the battle. I always remind my family (yes, sometimes more than once!) to wash their hands frequently, especially after coming home from school, work, or the store. Good old-fashioned soap and water do the trick, but if you’re in a pinch, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a great backup.
I like to keep little bottles of hand sanitizer in different spots around the house - one in the entryway, one in the kitchen, and even a small one in each of our cars. This makes it easy to grab a quick squirt whenever we need it. And don’t forget to cover up those coughs and sneezes! Teach everyone to use tissues or their elbows to cover up and then toss the tissue right away.
Having tissues, hand sanitizers, and disinfecting wipes readily available in key spots makes it easier for everyone to do their part. It’s all about creating habits that help keep everyone safe and healthy. And hey, every little bit helps, right?
Conclusion
Keeping our homes clean and our families healthy during flu season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a regular cleaning routine, attention to high-touch areas, clean fabrics, effective air filters, and good personal hygiene habits, we can create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Remember, it’s the small, consistent efforts that make the biggest difference. Stay healthy, and take care of yourself and your family.
