How to disinfect a house after being sick?

Author: Khalil Larkin DVM  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 30, 2025

To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution. Clean the surface with soap and water first. Always read the label of disinfecting products to make sure the products can be used on the type of surface you are disinfecting (such as a hard or soft surface).

How to sanitize a house after sickness?

How to Clean & Sanitize Your House after a Cold or Flu
  1. Strip your bed of all linens. ...
  2. Wash your pillows and any stuffed animals. ...
  3. Wipe down hard surfaces. ...
  4. Thoroughly vacuum the floor and deep clean. ...
  5. Sanitize your mattress and upholstered headboard. ...
  6. Disinfect frequently touched areas.

How long do sick germs last in a house?

Cold germs can live on surfaces for up to one week, but they lose effectiveness after the first 24 hours. Cold germs on your hands can live for up to one hour. The influenza (flu) virus can live for up to 24 to 48 hours on hard surfaces. The coronavirus can live from a few hours to a few days.

How do I disinfect my whole house?

Clean surfaces with soap and water or a household cleaner, using paper towels or rags. Next, completely wet cleaned surfaces with a disinfectant solution, spray, or wipes. Find a list of EPA-registered products at epa.gov. Leave surface wet for the time listed by the manufacturer on the label.

Should you wash your bed sheets after being sick?

It's always definitely super important to clean your bed sheets after you're sick. Especially if there was fever involved or anytime you have night sweats or anything like that.

WHAT TO CLEAN AFTER BEING SICK 🤒 | 13 MUST DO'S AFTER A SICKNESS 🤢 | CLEAN WITH ME 2024

How to clean your house after RSV?

Surface Cleaning and Disinfecting: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, using an EPA-registered disinfectant. Follow the instructions carefully, including allowing the surface stay wet for the entire contact time indicated on the product label.

How to not get sick when someone in your house is?

Here are tips you can use to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs while sharing a home with someone who's sick.
  1. Avoid sharing common spaces and personal items. ...
  2. Wash your hands. ...
  3. Avoid touching your face. ...
  4. Disinfect commonly touched surfaces. ...
  5. Do laundry. ...
  6. Avoid having guests. ...
  7. Be the designated errand-runner.

How to sanitize the air in your home?

Simple things you can do to improve your indoor air quality include: Reduce dust by vacuuming regularly and using a microfiber or damp cloth for dusting. Reduce humidity to avoid mold and mildew buildup and change appliance filters regularly. And make sure to test your home for dangerous gases like radon.

What is the most effective natural disinfectant?

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most powerful natural cleaning and disinfecting agents. Health professionals trust it against harmful bacteria, antigens, and viruses. It's used for a variety of disinfecting jobs, including cleaning cuts, removing earwax, and promoting dental hygiene.

How to disinfect a couch after illness?

To kill viruses and bacteria on your couch effectively, use a disinfectant spray that contains at least 90% alcohol content. Alternatively, you may consider disinfectants with low hydrogen peroxide content. Let the disinfection solution stand for 10 minutes before using the disinfected sofa.

How do I get the cold virus out of my house?

Clean surfaces: Cold, flu and other germs can thrive on hard surfaces for days or even weeks at a time. To kill them quickly, use bleach-based wipes on surfaces family members touch frequently. Kitchen and bathroom countertops and other surfaces tend to be a cesspool of bacteria and germs.

Where are the most bacteria found in a house?

Drews says that the bathroom and kitchen are the most germ-infested areas, in part because they include many of the frequently touched surfaces that can be loaded with germs. “There are less obvious things to think about like high-touch items, handheld electronics and, yes, your smartphone,” adds Dr.

What's the difference between sanitize and disinfect?

Sanitizing kills bacteria on surfaces using chemicals. It is not intended to kill viruses. Yes, EPA registers products that sanitize. Disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces using chemicals.

How to cure a sick house?

Do
  1. open windows to improve ventilation, if you can.
  2. set the temperature at about 19C and do not change it lots of times during the day.
  3. try to reduce stress.
  4. take regular screen breaks if you use a computer.
  5. go outside for some fresh air during lunchtime and other breaks.

How long do cold germs live on bedding?

Germs can live on bedding for just a few hours and are able to survive on different types of bedding fabric for different amounts of time. When it comes to health and the risk of getting sick, the less chance of germs surviving, the better. Therefore, the best bedding is the most absorbent bedding.

What is the best thing to disinfect your house with?

To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution. Clean the surface with soap and water first. Always read the label of disinfecting products to make sure the products can be used on the type of surface you are disinfecting (such as a hard or soft surface).

What disinfects better, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide?

In general, vinegar is used to clean surfaces, whereas peroxide can be used to clean and disinfect. Vinegar is also less hazardous to children and pets. Peroxide is a more powerful cleaner than vinegar and can be used to remove more difficult stains.

What are the two natural disinfectants?

The two most effective natural disinfectants are vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. White vinegar found on most store shelves is a five per cent concentration of acetic acid. It kills about 80 per cent of germs. ... On their own, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are strong germ killers.

How can I detox the air in my home?

12 effective ways to improve indoor air quality
  1. Buy an air purifier. ...
  2. Change filters regularly. ...
  3. Clean bedding regularly. ...
  4. Avoid burning anything in your home. ...
  5. Don't smoke indoors. ...
  6. Vacuum often. ...
  7. Check outdoor air quality. ...
  8. Open your windows on good AQI days.

How long do germs stay in the air indoors?

Particles from an infected person can move throughout an entire room or indoor space. The particles can also linger in the air after a person has left the room – they can remain airborne for hours in some cases.

What are the symptoms of bad air quality in a house?

Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.

How to avoid getting the flu if you live with someone who has it?

Wash your hands often, especially after touching the sick person or their tissues or laundry. Wearing a mask is an additional prevention strategy that you can choose to further protect yourself and others. People who experience emergency warning signs of flu complications should obtain medical care right away.

How long do germs live on surfaces?

“It's estimated viruses can live anywhere from one to seven days on non-porous surfaces, but they quickly lose their ability to cause infection.”

How do I know if my house is making my family sick?

You might notice symptoms, like everyone constantly feeling a little like they have a cold, or maybe the symptoms are more intense, like allergies. Sick-building syndrome is the umbrella term for situations where water damage, mold, and bad indoor air quality affect your health.

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