Post-Illness Cleaning: Essential Tips for a Germ-Free Home

The recovery process after an illness is a crucial period, as it allows the body to fully repair and strengthen its immunity system. Unfortunately, lethal germs and bacteria can linger around your home post illness, creating potential risks for re-infection and cross-transmission, especially if you have children and older family members at home.

As a responsible homemaker, ensure you get sickness out of your living space and create a healthy indoor environment for your loved ones. According to renowned microbiologists in Queensland, Staphylococcus aureus can survive for days to months on surface while Clostridium difficile can linger for months if not treated properly. Thus, it is essential to thoroughly clean and disinfect every nook and cranny to kill lingering disease-causing pathogens.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a germ-free home post-illness. Ensure you use proper tools and products to boost the cleaning effectiveness and efficiency. This can prevent reinfection while promoting a healthy and hygienic home environment.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Cleaning Vs. Disinfecting: Understand the Difference

Before getting into the process, it is imperative to understand the basic difference between cleaning and disinfecting to generate desired results. Do not interchange cleaning with disinfection, especially when cleaning a home post illness. Here is a key difference:

Cleaning is the first process of removing visible dust, debris, dirt, stains, grime, grease and other debris from surfaces using solvents and water. It won’t kill lingering germs but reduce the risk of infection transmission.

After tackling visible dirt and grime, focus on disinfecting surfaces to kill lingering germs from contaminated surfaces. You’ll need proven products and chemicals that can effectively banish pathogens without causing any damage to the surface.

Tip: Both steps are essential when sanitising your home post-illness.

2. Stock Up on Necessary Supplies

The post-illness cleaning process doesn’t have to be challenging. You can target hidden germs and grime effectively with the right set of supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A Vacuum Cleaner with a HEPA filter
• Microfiber cloths
• Laundry Detergent
• White vinegar
• Scrub Brushes
• White Vinegar
• Hot Water
• Rubbing Alcohol or Disinfecting Spray and Solution
• A microfiber mop
• Tea Tree Essential Oil
• Baking Soda

You can also hire the best bond cleaners Sunshine Coast for a quality bond cleaning if you are at the end of your tenancy. They bring their own products and tools to reduce your cleaning stress. With their assistance, you can secure full bond money without getting into a dispute.

3. Begin With High-Touch Spots

There are certain hotspots for lethal germs and bacteria that can transmit illness from one to another. Ensure you clean and disinfect the high-tough surfaces around your home to create a healthy home environment. These high-touch spots include:

• Doorknobs
• Light Switches
• Countertops
• Remote Controls and Electronics
• Faucets
• Toilet Flush Levers
• Counters and Sinks

How to Clean and Disinfect?

You can either use store-bought disinfecting wipes or prepare a DIY solution using rubbing alcohol. It can effectively kill lurking germs that are waiting to cause harm, especially if you have a weak immunity system. Let the solution sit for 2 minutes or until you wipe down with a clean cloth.

4. Wash Bed Linens, Towels and Clothes

Believe it or not! Fabrics are prone to trap dust mites and disease-causing bacteria, making cleaning and disinfecting them thoroughly post-illness essential. Wash the bed sheets, towels and clothes worn during infection or illness. According to bond cleaning Sunshine Coast Professionals, use the hottest water to wash your bed linens like bed sheets, quilts, bed covers, towels and clothing. Adding a dishwashing detergent and white vinegar can help you banish lingering germs.

Tip: Add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil in hot soapy water when washing your bed linens and clothes.

5. Deep Clean Soft Furnishings and Floorings

Soft and delicate surfaces, including carpets, rugs, couch and sofa can also harbour germs for months after flu. Start by vacuuming the surface to eliminate embedded dust particles, grime, germs and debris. Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to trap 99.97 per cent allergens and germs from the fabric.

After that, spot-clean the area using white vinegar solution. Blot the surface with a damp cloth and spray a disinfectant to sanitise the material. If you understand the importance of cleanliness for health, prefer using eco-friendly options for household cleaning. Baking soda is a great alternative to disinfect your soft furnishings without releasing toxic fumes behind. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda to banish germs and bacteria post illness. Leave it for a few hours before you vacuum clean it.

Tip: Allow the soft surfaces dry completely to prevent moisture buildup and mould infestation.

6. Thoroughly Clean and Disinfect Bathrooms

Bathroom fixtures and fittings often witness the most pathogen exposure during flu. Thus, deep clean and disinfect your bathroom, covering every nook and cranny like a pro. Use vinegar to scrub shower and bathtub, disinfect sink and countertops using rubbing alcohol. Do not forget to scrub the toilet bowl, seat and lid using all-natural solution.

Tip: Wipe down the tiles to remove soap scum and invisible germs using hydrogen peroxide solution to generate outstanding results.

7. Sanitise Kitchen Appliances and Surfaces

The kitchen is also a hotspot for germs and bacteria, especially if food is cooked during the illness. Deep clean your oven, door handles, and microwave inside and outside. Also, clean the refrigerator, dishwasher, stovetop, and rangehood filters. It is good to replace cleaning tools like dishcloths and sponges to prevent cross-contamination.

8. Disinfect or Replace Personal Items

After the illness, disinfect or replace certain personal items to prevent germ infestation. Replace toothbrushes, clean makeup brushes and applicators using hot water and vinegar. Also, wipe down cell phones, computer keyboards and phones using a disinfectant wipe or rubbing alcohol solution.

9. Sweep and Mop Floors

Make sure you sweep the hard floors using a broom or  a vacuum cleaner. It can help you remove loose dirt and debris effectively. Also, clean and disinfect the floors using soapy water and vinegar solution. However, it is always good to do a patch test before applying any product to prevent damage.

If you are at the end of your tenancy, book experts for a thorough bond cleaning Sunshine Coast and achieve clean and germ-free results before the final rental inspection.

How to Clean and Disinfect a House Post Illness?

Wrapping up

These are some of the most effective tips to help you create a healthy, hygienic and harmonious home environment post-illness. You can use natural cleaning products, disinfect contaminated spots and wash bed linens and cloths to maintain a hygiene standard in a home.