6 things to clean around the house after the flu

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21.2.2019

At some point over the cold and wet winter the flu bug will most definitely invade our homes – after weeks of feeling miserable you kick the bug but has your home? To stop those pesky germs from spreading or returning for a longer visit, here are 7 household objects that you really should clean after recovering.

Towels

Towels are the prime location for breeding bacteria, picking up germs as they come into contact with wet skin and breeding more as they hang in warm and humid bathrooms. Laundering your hand and bath towels at a high heat can reduce the spread of illness in your home.

To sanitize your towels, use ¾ cup of bleach for your white towels or ¾ cup of colour-safe bleach for coloured towels. If your washing machine doesn’t have a bleach dispenser, mix ¼ of water to the bleach, adding the mixture 5 minutes into your washing cycle, be careful as using too much bleach can damage your towels, leaving them yellow and brittle.

Clothing

Clothes as well as towels spread germs, when being washed bacteria can spread between items. Any items that have been worn during illness should be washed at 60C, using the high heat or sanitize setting on your tumble dryer is a great way to finish off the process.

All door handles

Frequently washing your hands is integral in limiting the spread of germs, but how clean are the objects you are handling around the house? To be on the safe side, use disinfecting wipes to clean every door handle in and outside your home.

Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes can be a breeding place for germs after an illness, if you use a disposable toothbrush it’s easier to throw it away and get a new one. For all other toothbrushes, soak in a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide for an hour and rinse thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean your toothbrush holder as well.

Hard surfaces

Hard surfaces need to be cleaned frequently during and after illness, this includes kitchen counters, units and household furniture. Don’t forget about other objects that you also touch on a regular basis including light switches, stair railings and cabinet handles – these all need to be wiped down with disinfectant to get rid of those nasty germs.

Bedding

Being ill means spending a lot of time in bed! So, when you’re starting to feel better it is important to take off all of the sheets, blankets and cushions, and throw them into the washing machine on a hot cycle. To freshen your mattress, start by vacuuming, spot-clean (if necessary) and spray with disinfectant. If possible, leave the mattress to air for 24 hours before putting the bedding back on.

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Read more

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