How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home for Flu Season 

Last updated on December 7th, 2024 at 07:14 pm

Flu season is upon us, so 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 article, we’ll discuss some effective strategies that will keep your home clean, safe, and flu-free. By following a few simple steps, you can help protect yourself and your family from the flu and other contagious illnesses. 

Establish a Regular Cleaning Routine 

First up, it’s crucial to keep things clean, and when it comes to keeping our families healthy, consistency is key. I know it can feel overwhelming to stay on top of all the cleaning, especially with everything else we have to do, 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. Read labels, and look for one that’s EPA-registered. I keep a bottle of disinfecting spray or a container of wipes in the kitchen and bathrooms, so they’re always within easy reach.

Focus on High-Touch Areas 

Let’s talk more about those high-touch areas–you know, the places everyone’s hands seem to land a million times a day. We’ve mentioned doorknobs and light switches, but don’t forget remote controls, phones, keyboards, stair railings, microwave handles and buttons, and the fridge handle. These are all 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.

Consider keeping a container of disinfecting wipes in the living room, so as you’re tidying up or just taking a quick break, you 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 might sound like a lot, but once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature.

And, remember, there’s a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning gets rid of the dirt and crumbs, but disinfecting is what keeps those flu germs at bay. So, it’s worth taking that extra step. 

Clean and Disinfect Fabrics and Linens 

We can’t 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.

And, 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 like everything else, so make sure they’re getting some extra attention too. 

It might feel like you’re doing a lot of extra washing and spraying, but think of it as adding a layer of protection to keep your family healthy. 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 

We’ve tackled surfaces and fabrics, but what about the air we breathe? This is where your air filter comes into play. The right air filters are crucial 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. When shopping for filters, pay attention to the MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). Filters with a MERV rating of 8 to 13 are typically recommended for homes, as they can trap a wide range of particles, including allergens, pet dander, and bacteria and viruses. A higher MERV rating means the filter can capture even smaller particles, but keep in mind that filters rated 13 or higher can restrict airflow in some home HVAC systems.

Think of it this way: every time someone coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets float through 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. 

Just be 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. It really does make a difference! It’s one of those little things that can help keep everyone healthy without a ton of extra effort. 

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 every little bit helps. 

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, 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. Here’s to avoiding germs and staying healthy!

Also read:
Whole Family Health: 5 Easy Ways to Keep Illness at Bay This Winter
Print Your Free Basic Cleaning Checklist (+ 4 Reasons You Need One)
Immunity Booster Shot Recipe + Immunity Smoothie for Kids Recipe Variation

Look for MomsWhoSave on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  

Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe to MomsWhoSave’s newsletter.