Just when it seems like it can’t get any worse, you’re suddenly the last woman standing, until you, too, are struck down by the dreaded illness. Keeping the offending bug contained and minimizing the risk of other family members becoming infected often becomes an all-consuming desire and a full-time effort during the illness and immediately afterward.
Of course, it doesn’t always have to be that bad. There are steps to control a household outbreak before the entire family is taken out. It’s simply a matter of following the proper precautions. And most of these preventive measures are even simpler than you could imagine.
Consider this decontamination 101. By following this guide, you should be able to remove the culprit from your living space successfully and move on with your life quickly, quietly and without incident. Your body will thank you.
How to Decontaminate after a Household Bug
The following tips and tricks can help you manage those nasty germs after an illness has invaded your house.
- Use cleaning products that are designed to disinfect. Make sure your cleaning products actually say “disinfectant” on the label or simply use bleach. Even if you are a die-hard advocate of chemical-free cleaning methods, this is a time when you want to kill that wicked bacteria or virus that lives in your abode.
- 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.
- Run the dishwasher on hot each day. Any used glasses, bowls, silverware or plates should be placed in the dishwasher or hand washed immediately. Run the dishwasher on hot for the longest cycle each day to ensure proper disinfection.
- Wash your hands until your skin bleeds. (OK, the bleeding part isn’t really necessary.) Just wash your hands with warm water and rub them together with soap for at least 25 seconds. Repeat this as many times per day as you feel is necessary but definitely any time you come into contact with the ill person, after eating or using the bathroom, or after cleaning.
- Quarantine your family after the illness subsides. To prevent the additional spread of germs to the general public, it is always a good idea to remain at home for a period of at least 24 hours after your symptoms have ended. All family members in the same household should consider doing the same thing. There’s no reason to share the "wealth."
Consider sleeping in separate quarters if your spouse or partner is ill. Although this may seem less comfortable, it might be preferable to sleep less soundly for a few days than to contract some nasty bug like the flu.
Taking some proactive and precautionary measures while you or a family member is ill, and in the period immediately following the illness, can greatly reduce the spread of contagious germs and help keep you and your community healthy. Make sure to follow these steps to de-germ your home and send that bug packing!