In addition to the hundreds of natural remedies to prevent, heal, and help recover from illness, it is important that we remember the role that cleaning can play in the preventative process. We all learn that covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze and washing our hands frequently is important to help stop the spreading of germs, but there are other ways you can help keep sickness at bay.
Keeping your home clean and sanitized can help stop the spreading of germs and bacteria that can wreak havoc during this time of year. Also, remember that cleaning the surface area alone cannot protect you and your family members from germs. Deep cleaning is the need of the hour. For example, if you have HVAC systems like air conditioners at your place, then this might be the time for you to inspect them for any signs of mold infestation. Since mold spores can lead to allergy and aggravate the symptoms of flu, it would be a good idea to get your devices tuned up with the help of HVAC companies like Temperature Humidity Air Quality Solutions (if you are interested in contacting them, you can search for Air Conditioning Repair online). Remember that a clean HVAC system can decrease the chances of getting a cold.
A tissue box may become a staple in your home during cold and flu season, but germs don’t have to be. According to this germy info-graphic, buttons and handles are some of the most germ-infested places. Stopping the spread of germs can be as simple as making time to regularly wipe down and disinfect areas like the sink knobs, soap dispensers, microwave buttons, or refrigerator handles. It is good practice to disinfect common areas like these as often as possible, especially if someone in your home has been showing signs of illness. Also remember, if you have a furnace at your place, then its filter should be changed regularly. Depending on the type of filter you use, you can significantly reduce the number of particles or allergens entering your air. Additionally, by maintaining the furnace filters, it could be possible to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses throughout your home. So, if you are interested in a furnace inspection or maintenance service, you might want to check out companies like Buric Heating and Air.
Laundry seems like an obvious necessity, especially if bodily fluids have been involved in the illness. However, doing your best to launder things like stuffed animals, couch upholstery, or the mattress can sometimes be forgotten. Use your choice of disinfectant spray to wipe down furniture and mattresses and let them air dry before allowing others to use that space. Germs can hide in the fibers and spread easily. This is also why it’s a good idea to replace your mattress every now and then, besides, there are always better ones coming out on the market which is better for health and comfort, like this top rated sleep republic mattress for example! Using a mattress too long can be very unhygienic considering it is used for 8-12 odd hours every day.
We recommend this recipe for an all-natural antibacterial spray from One Good Thing:
- 1 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup White Vinegar
- 5 Drops Each of Wild Orange, Melaleuca, and Lavender essential oils
Jenn at Clean and Scentsible compiled a list of 10 Things to Clean After the Flu. Our favorite tip is #3. If at all possible, confining the sickness to one bathroom will make clean up much easier afterward. We also recommend her method for cleaning your toothbrush if you can’t just throw yours away. Simply soak it in hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria still lingering.
Being sick is miserable, but misery doesn’t have to have a company. Don’t allow sickness to spread in your home. Practice good hygiene and routinely disinfect to make sure it is a safe place for you and your loved ones this cold and flu season. You may also want to look into taking some supplements that can help during this time, elderberry has been said to prevent and ease symptoms of a cold as well as flu. You may want to try this and see if it works for you.