The body is recovering, the fever is gone and you can finally breathe normally. The flu is gone. But have you ever thought about what remains in the home after an illness? Even though you are already healthy, bacteria and viruses can survive on the surfaces around you. And if you don’t remove them properly, you risk the disease coming back.
Imagine the situation. You are lying on the sofa where you have spent the whole week with a fever. Handkerchiefs, tea, TV remote control at hand. Now everything looks fine at first glance, but the sofa, the pillows or even the remote control can literally be full of bacteria and viruses. It is not enough to simply take a duster or wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth. Cleaning and disinfection are two different things and both need to be included in the plan.
Watch the video from the YT creation of the channel Město Ždírec nad Doubravou – How do you get rid of colds and flu?
Source: Youtube
Cleaning means removing dirt and grime from surfaces, which is normally done with soap or cleaning products. But disinfection is another step. It eliminates bacteria and viruses that have remained on the surface. If you skip cleaning and go straight to disinfection, the dirt creates a barrier that the disinfectant may not break through. That’s why it’s important to get it right.
Start with textiles. Put bed linen, blankets, pillowcases or seat covers in the washing machine at the highest temperature that the material can withstand. Add some laundry detergent. Keep in mind that bacteria and viruses can also hide in fabric fibers. If you had tissues or towels by your bed, definitely wash them or throw them away.
The next step is the surfaces you touch most often. Kitchen appliances, handles, switches, remote controls, mobile phones or even computer keyboards. Use a cleaner to remove dust and grease, then apply a disinfectant. Leave it on for a sufficient amount of time according to the instructions on the package. A quick wipe is not enough, viruses need time to be completely neutralized.
Don’t forget the air. Bacteria and viruses can also survive in the air, especially if you kept the windows closed and only minimal ventilation at home. Open all windows wide and ventilate for at least half an hour. If you have an air purifier, now is the time to turn it on. Some models are designed to capture even the smallest particles of viruses and bacteria.
In the bathroom, focus on the sink, bathtub or shower and toilet. It is here that bacteria from drops of water or other bodily fluids often settle. Use a stronger detergent, ideally with chlorine, and pay extra attention to details such as faucets or the flush.
It may sound tedious, but the time and effort invested will save you additional weeks in bed and protect your loved ones. Keeping your home clean and safe after an illness isn’t just about removing visible clutter. It’s about creating an environment where bacteria and viruses can’t spread further.
Source: healthline.com, oxiclean.com
