Posted on February 24th, 2020
Cold and flu viruses do not live only in your body but can survive out of it as well and contaminate different surfaces in your home, including doorknobs, tables, faucets, sheets, etc. So, aside from healing and strengthening your body, you need to get rid of the germs lurking around your home and prevent them from making your sick again.
To do this properly, it’s best to hire professional house cleaning services. The top cleaning experts from Piedmont or the nearby area will germ-proof your entire home and help you keep it healthy during and after your sickness.
How long do viruses live on fabric?
How long viruses or bacteria will survive outside your body depends on the levels of humidity and the temperature in your home. However, it has been shown that cold and flu viruses survive the longest (up to 48 hours) on hard surfaces, like plastic, wood, and metal. Even though they cannot survive that long on fabric, most flu viruses can still live on your linens, towels, and clothes for up to 12 hours.
With this in mind, you should have your home regularly disinfected, especially when one of the household members is down with the flu. Make sure to communicate with your cleaning company, express your concerns and have them pay close attention to all those high-traffic areas which often harbor germs and viruses.
Should I change my sheets when sick?
Definitely! When you are sick, you’ll naturally spend the biggest portion of your day lying in your bed and breathing out germs and viruses all over your sheets and pillowcase. Since your warm and damp bedding is a perfect environment for cold and flu viruses to thrive undisturbed, you shouldn’t wait a whole week to change your sheets, but do it every other day.
If you feel too weak to do this, you can at least change your pillowcase, or hire professional maids to help you out. You don’t want to end up trapped in a vicious circle and keep getting sick over and over again just because of poor hygiene in your house.
How do you clean after the flu?
You had the flu and now you’re feeling much better. This is the perfect time for you to step up your house cleaning routine! Here is what you should do:
Disinfect!
The first step to eliminating cold and flu viruses from your home is disinfection. You can either purchase a disinfectant in spray or wipes. Just make sure to let the product work for a few minutes after you have sprayed it on the surface because any disinfectant will need at least two minutes to take effect.
You should stick to the products that meet the safety standards or try out some DIY, green options. For example, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with water and use it for wiping hard surfaces. However, before you start scrubbing hard, check if it won’t remove the color from the surface due to its strong bleaching powers. Another great alternative is vinegar, which has been shown to be an extremely effective disinfectant.
Use a steam cleaner
If you have never used a steam cleaner before, it’s high time you gave it a try! It is supper-effective at killing germs and dissolving dirt, which is exactly what you need in your flu-infested house. Your brand new steam cleaner will make your life easier and your cleaning routine significantly less stressful.
Address the highest-risk areas first
When cleaning your home after the sickness, you must focus on the high-risk areas first. Think about all the items that you have been frequently using and areas where you have been spending the greatest amount of time:
- Wash your bedding, blankets, and clothes in high temperatures
- Disinfect the sink, faucets, and toilet
- Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide, or buy a new one
- Clean every light switch, doorknob and any other surface that you have been frequently in contact with
- Wipe your kitchen countertops, refrigerator, and sink
- Disinfect your computer, cell phone or any other electronic device that you’ve been using recently
Of course, you should proceed to other areas as well once you have dealt with the most urgent ones. However, if you still feel worn down from your sickness, don’t hesitate to contact professionals, and take some time to unwind, go for a walk, or spend a pleasant afternoon in the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Try out essential oils
After you have disinfected the entire home, it’s time to introduce a fresh scent to it. It is enough to pour twenty to thirty drops of your favorite essential oil into a bottle of water and spray around. You can use a microfiber cloth to dry and polish the areas that you’ve sprayed. Enjoy the soothing fragrance and relax!
Book the best house cleaning services in Piedmont and beyond
If you’re looking for dependable cleaning professionals that you can fully rely on, HappyCleans of Oklahoma City is your best option. We work with top-notch cleaning experts who specialize in regular, deep and move-in/move-out cleaning.
With us, you won’t have to worry about getting your home ready for guests or keeping it clean during the party. And, if you get sick and need someone to disinfect your property, we will answer your call and work around your schedule to meet your needs. We are here to help you live a stress-free life.