Hello, HnO Cleaning Services community! Winter is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded flu season. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to not just clean but also disinfect our homes to keep our families healthy. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through effective ways to sanitize your living spaces during flu season.
The Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning is the process of removing dirt and grime, while disinfecting involves killing germs, bacteria, and viruses. To truly keep your home flu-free, you’ll need to do both.
High-Touch Surfaces
Focus on areas that are touched frequently:
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Remote controls
- Kitchen and bathroom faucets
- Phones
Disinfecting Tip: Use a disinfectant spray or wipes on these surfaces. Make sure the surface stays wet for the time specified on the product’s label to ensure germs are killed.
The Living Room
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly.
- Wipe down all hard surfaces, like coffee tables and TV stands.
Disinfecting Tip: Use a fabric-safe spray for sofas and other upholstered furniture. For hard surfaces, a mixture of bleach and water can be effective.
The Kitchen
- Clean and disinfect countertops daily.
- Frequently wash hand towels or replace them with paper towels.
- Sanitize cutting boards and kitchen tools after use.
Disinfecting Tip: A solution of one part bleach to nine parts water can be used to disinfect countertops and sinks.
The Bathroom
- Regularly clean and disinfect all fixtures.
- Don’t forget light switches and doorknobs.
Disinfecting Tip: Toilet bowls can be a breeding ground for germs. Use a toilet cleaner with disinfectant properties and let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing.
The Bedroom
- Wash bed linens in hot water once a week.
- Disinfect nightstands, light switches, and other frequently touched surfaces.
Disinfecting Tip: Consider using mattress and pillow protectors, which can be easily removed and washed.
Beyond the Basics
- Don’t forget about personal items like toothbrushes, combs, and makeup tools.
- Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity at 40-60% to reduce virus survival rates.
Disinfecting Tip: Replace toothbrushes more frequently during flu season or after illness.
Conclusion
Disinfecting your home during flu season is essential for minimizing the spread of viruses. Remember that flu viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Regular disinfection, along with good hygiene practices, can go a long way in keeping you and your family healthy. For a thorough and professional cleaning service, don’t hesitate to contact HnO Cleaning Services. Our experts are trained in deep cleaning and disinfecting homes, providing you with peace of mind during flu season.
