How does a clean home help you stay healthier? A clean home prevents the spread of allergies and germs!

In addition to the general housecleaning that we write about in our blog, here are extra tips to kick germs to the curb this cold and flu season. Before we get into the advice, it’s worth knowing that there are a lot of antibacterial products out there that are great for being able to kill germs upon contact. An antimicrobial copper phone case is an example of this and may definitely be worth investing in if you’re looking to kill as many germs as possible.

#1 Clean your communal blankets and pillows

Cold winter days mean lots of family togetherness on the couch, snacking, and watching movies. With the heat turned up and various bodies sharing blankets, pillows, and cushions, remember to clean that cozy spot. Wash shared blankets twice a month using your washer’s hot cycle. Wash pillowcases at least biweekly, also in the hot cycle. We love this homemade laundry detergent recipe:

All-in-One Laundry Bombs by Sarah Lipoff on PopSugar

Ingredients:

• Small mixing bowl
• Grater
• 1 1/2 cup washing soda
• 1/2 cup grated Fels-Naptha
• 2 tablespoons Epsom salts
• 3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 15-20 drops essential oil
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper
• Measuring spoons

There are a few steps to this fantastic recipe and we recommend that you check out Sarah’s original post so that you don’t miss any of the details – she’s even included photos with each step! These laundry bombs need to set for eight hours before using, so plan accordingly!

#2 Wash your hands!

Hand washing involves five simple and effective steps (think Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry). Germs can be passed from person to person or indirectly by touching surfaces. Washing your hands regularly will help prevent germs spreading in the home, keeping your family healthy strong.

Check out this DIY antibacterial & moisturizing all-natural foaming hand soap by Nadia at Body Unburdened

What you need:

• 1 and 1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerine
• 3 teaspoons sweet almond oil or coconut oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops red thyme essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oi

Add the ingredients in the order listed. Stir the mixture gently, mixing everything together. Put the mixture into your foaming hand soap dispenser and now you have an all-natural, antibacterial and moisturizing foaming hand soap.

#3 Sterilize your kitchen sponges

Kitchen sponges are the No. 1 source of germs in the whole house. Why? The moist, micro-crevices that make a sponge such an effective cleaning device also make it a cozy home for germs and more difficult to disinfect.

Did you know that you can clean and even restore your used sponges? Well, you can and we researched the best advice and found How to clean and restore your kitchen sponges by The Fun Times Guide to Household Tips:

1. Put your kitchen sponge in the microwave
2. Put your kitchen sponge in the dishwasher
3. Soak your kitchen sponge in bleach
4. Soak your kitchen sponge in vinegar

Using the kitchen sponge to clean the table, the dirty counter, and possibly the stains on the floor can add bacteria to the surface you are trying to clean. Even sponges that appear clean contain 10million of bacteria per square inch! To avoid harboring germs, yeast, and spores in your sponges, clean them at least every three to four days.

#4 Clean your cleaning tools

While you wash and scrub, the mops, sponges, and appliances you use are equally busy harboring and spreading germs. Learn how to give that bacteria the brush-off and keep your house spotless, sparkling, and hygienic.

Check out how to clean your tools by Melissa Maker at Clean My Space

Tools to clean:

• Scrub brushes
• Cleaning toothbrushes
• toilet bowl brushes
• Cloths
• Mops & brooms
• Vacuum
• Feather & lambswool dusters

In addition to laundering blankets, washing hands, sterilizing sponges,and cleaning your cleaning supplies, we know there are lots of ways to clean your home to help you stay healthy. We’d love to hear your ideas!