How to keep your home clean and safe during flu season

As flu season approaches, the importance of maintaining a clean and safe home environment cannot be overstated. The flu virus, like other contagious illnesses, can easily spread within our living spaces. Keeping your home clean during flu season not only helps prevent the virus from taking hold but also ensures the safety and well-being of your family and guests. That’s why, in this article, we will explore effective strategies to help you keep your home clean and safe during flu season; we’ll touch on the role of professional end of tenancy cleaning services in maintaining a clean place and discuss the importance of a healthy living environment at home.

Cleaning and hygiene

Hand Hygiene: The First Line of Defense

hand cleaning and disinfection

Hand hygiene is one of the most critical measures in preventing the spread of the flu virus at home. Not only did Covid-19 remind us of that, but it set it as a rule moving forward. 

Encourage everyone in your household to wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to focus on the fingertips, between the fingers, and under the nails. Hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol are a good alternative when soap and water are not available.

Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

During flu season, it’s essential to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces in your home. These include doorknobs, light switches, countertops, faucets, remote controls, and cell phones. Regularly disinfect and cleaning these areas with an appropriate disinfectant or a solution of water and bleach. A daily wipe-down of these surfaces can go a long way in preventing the spread of germs.

Maintain Good Ventilation

Proper ventilation can help reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Open windows and doors when possible to let fresh air circulate through your home. Additionally, ensure that your HVAC system has clean filters and is functioning optimally.

Launder Bedding and Linens

Flu viruses can linger on bedding and linens, so it’s crucial to maintain a regular laundry routine during flu season. Wash bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water, and don’t forget to launder stuffed animals or throw blankets that might carry germs. A hot dryer cycle is effective for killing any lingering viruses.

Regularly Clean and Disinfect Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a hotspot for germs, so be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting them regularly. Pay attention to toilet handles, faucets, sink surfaces, and shower handles. A bathroom-specific disinfectant can help keep these areas germ-free.

Kitchen Clean and Hygiene

The kitchen is another area of your home where flu viruses can lurk. Ensure that cutting boards, utensils, and kitchen surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Pay attention to refrigerator handles, as well as the handles of your oven and microwave. In addition, follow safe food handling practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Isolate Sick Family Members

If someone in your household comes down with the flu, it’s essential to isolate them from other family members to prevent the spread of the virus. Designate a specific room for the sick individual and provide them with a bathroom, if possible. Ensure they have their towels, bedding, and utensils to reduce contact with others.

Tissue Disposal

Teach your family members to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of their elbow when sneezing or coughing. Discourage the use of handkerchiefs, as they can harbour germs. Dispose of used tissues in a lined trash can and promptly wash hands afterwards.

Maintain Personal Items

Limit sharing of personal items like toothbrushes, razors, and drinking glasses, especially when someone in your household is ill. Regularly clean and disinfect these items to prevent cross-contamination.

Regular Cleaning of Toys and Play Areas

If you have young children, ensure that their toys and play areas are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Many plastic and washable toys can be cleaned with soap and water or disinfectant wipes. Soft toys can be machine-washed if possible.

The Importance of Professional Cleaning Services

Cleaning services during flu season

While following these guidelines can help you maintain a clean and safe home during flu season, there may be circumstances where professional cleaning services London can provide an added layer of protection. Here is when you need to contact experts:

Deep Cleaning:

Professional cleaning services can perform deep cleaning using industrial-grade equipment and specialised disinfectants to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens from your home.

Expertise:

Professional cleaners are trained in proper cleaning and disinfection techniques, ensuring a high level of thoroughness and effectiveness. They use specific detergents that disinfect your living space and clean it properly. 

Time and Convenience:

If you have a busy schedule, hiring professionals end of tenancy cleaners can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other responsibilities. You can leave everything to the experts and move on with your daily tasks. This way, you’ll ensure a clean and healthy home while also keeping your schedule untouched. 

Large or Complex Homes:

Homes with large living spaces or intricate architectural features may benefit from the expertise of professional cleaners who can efficiently cover every area. If you are worried that you might not be able to cover your whole home and keep it not only clean but sanitised, professional cleaners can help with that effortlessly. 

To sum up

As flu season arrives, keeping your home clean and safe becomes a top priority. By implementing the strategies mentioned in this article, you can significantly reduce the risk of flu transmission within your household. It’s important to keep in mind that maintaining a clean and safe environment at home will reduce the chances of spreading the flu.

However, there are situations where professional cleaning services can provide an extra level of protection and peace of mind, particularly in larger or high-risk households. A clean and safe home not only safeguards your family’s health but also creates a comfortable living environment where you can enjoy the winter season with confidence.