- Use disposable paper towels and cleaning tools for everything. Again, this is not exactly environmentally sound advice, but it is hopefully something you will only need to do on very rare occasions. Use paper towels to clean up messes and disinfect, and if you need to use a sponge or brush for cleaning dishes or surfaces, make sure you wash them thoroughly by running them through the dishwasher daily. Disinfectant wipes are also a great tool for wiping up spills or disinfecting counters. The more you can throw cleaning products into the trash and remove it from the house, the more effective your decontamination work will be. Keeping germ-infested rags at the sink or in the laundry hamper only prolongs their residence and likelihood that someone else will be infected.
- Pay close attention to cleaning the bathroom sink. This is a hotbed of germ activity. Everyone brushes their teeth there, washes their hands there and there are so many other possible ways that germs can find their way into the sink. Be sure to disinfect the sink at least once per day -- more if possible. Use a disinfectant cleaner and disposable paper towels or wipes to clean the counter surface, sink bowl, knobs and faucet. Clean all items that sit on the sink’s counter with disinfectant, including any type of communally used cup or toothbrush holder. Wipe down light switches or doorknobs.
- Keep commonly used items in your house germ-free. Wipe down or use a disinfectant spray like Lysol to de-germ tools like the television remote, cell phones, computer keyboards or gaming controllers. Do this several times per day or any time someone uses each item for maximum germ removal.
- Wash linens, blankets and bedding using hot water. This is another critical step in decontaminating your house during and after an outbreak. These items are rife with bacteria or virus germs, especially if the sick person used them. Wash all items in the longest wash cycle using hot water, and wash them daily if possible. It is especially important to wash them after the illness has left the house for one final disinfectant push.
- Empty the trash frequently. It is necessary to remove germs from the interior of your home and place them outside in the trash as often as possible throughout each day. Place any used tissues, diapers, paper towels or other cleaning products in the trash immediately after using them.
- Boil toothbrushes daily. This is a critical step because toothbrushes (especially when stored near each other) will carry germs, and if co-mingled, will spread the illness. Boil toothbrushes each day for at least 10 minutes, and if possible, throw them away and purchase new ones after all signs of the bug are gone.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dermatology Appointment
Got a suspicious-looking mole? How about adult-ons...
Adult Coloring Books-The Story Behind the Therapeutic Trend
Are you a child at heart? If so, you’re definitely...
5 Ways to Transform Yourself into a Morning Person
Are you a morning person or a night owl?If you’re...
4 Things Your Body Language Says -- About You and Others
We often think about how words impact our lives. B...
7 Unconventional Relaxation Trends Worth Giving a Try
Are you tired of conventional relaxation treatment...
Super Lice? Here’s How to Avoid and Treat Lice
Your child comes home from school scratching his h...
Could You Save a Life? The Truth About Bone Marrow Donation
Did you know that a bone marrow transplant can sav...
All-Natural Cleaning Products You Should Use – and Ones to Skip
Are you going green?According to The Nature Conser...
5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Annual Doctor Visit
Is it time for your annual physical?When it comes...
How to Decontaminate after a Household Bug
May 06, 2024
How to Decontaminate after a Household Bug
