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.
Keeping your home clean and sanitized can help stop the spreading of germs and bacteria that can wreak havoc during this time of year. 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.
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.
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.
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 the misery doesn’t have to have 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 you loved ones this cold and flu season.
