Preparing Your Home for Company after having the Flu

    I wish I could say that keeping our home fairly neat and organized, eating wholesome food, and getting adequate rest prevents our family from the regular illnesses that go around.

    But I can't.

    And we sure had a doozy these last two weeks.  Wow.

    Elmer, my husband, got off easy.  Well, if you think working all day away from home and then arriving home to a house full of ill females is easy, then, okay.  He would probably disagree.  Especially after handwashing a counter full of dishes (the ones that don't go in the dishwasher).  His favorite task, to be sure.

    We cancelled all of our activities for the last two weeks, including celebrating our youngest's 13th birthday party.

    Boy, did that make me the most popular mom ever.  NOT.

    Our girls cancelled teaching violin and piano to their students; they cancelled their own music lessons with their own instructors. 

    I merely waited to see if I'd come down with it, which I did, despite taking elderberry extract and drinking lots of herbal tea.

    But now that we're feeling so much better, and preparing to have a houseful of guests this weekend, I thought it would be great timing to share some helpful tips about how to disinfect your home after having the flu virus or highly contagious cold or other virus.

    Did you know that people who have the flu - and many viruses - are generally contagious 24 hours before they even begin to show symptoms of being ill?

    I don't know about you, but that doesn't really seem fair!  People could unknowingly infect me with their virus that they don't even know they have yet!  Grrrr....and I could do likewise to them.  :(

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1.  Even if it's the middle of winter, consider opening a window in your home - just a crack.  Enough to bring in a steady supply of fresh air, to replace that stuffy, germ-laden air in your home.  If you're blessed with a sunny day and even some warmth, throw open the doors and windows and air out your home!

2.  Since you are ridding your home of the virus that made you so ill, use either disposable paper towels and throwaway cleaning supplies, or be prepared to sanitize and wash thoroughly those items you'll keep after cleaning the house.  If you prefer to use a sponge or brush to wash dishes, make sure to sanitize your dish brush or sponge in your dishwasher.

We keep our toothbrushes separate from others' toothbrushes. No sharing toothbrush holders!

3.  Either replace your toothbrush (and those of anyone who was ill) or clean it well by soaking it in peroxide.  What about that toothpaste that touches the toothbrush each time it's used?  Throw it away and get a fresh tube.  Better yet?  Make sure each person in your family has their own tube of toothpaste for their own personal use.

In our family, every person has their own hand towel hanging in the bathroom.

4.  Hopefully, you've been able to wash towels in hot water on a daily basis while being ill.  Now that you're feeling better, make sure to wash all towels and bedding - even blankets and comforters - in hot water or warm water/hot dryer.  Some pillows can be washed normally in the washer and dryer, and others might need to be dry cleaned or require other care.

Tip:  Provide guests with their own hand towels, set out next to the sink, for their own use.  Feel free to point out to children who are visiting that these guest towels are for them to use while visiting in your home.

5.  Wash stuffed animals in the washing machine, if possible.  If not, air dry in the sun and spray with a disinfectant, or have them dry cleaned.  Disinfect toys or place in the sun to disinfect.

 

6.  Use your favorite method of disinfecting hard surfaces:  disinfecting wipes, or vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or any other method you prefer.  Remember to disinfect your television remotes (yes, Dad, you need to give it up for 10 minutes), computer keyboards, game controls, cell phones, light switches, doorknobs, refrigerator and microwave handles, and the like.

7.  If a thermometer was used during the illness, sanitize it before putting it away.  Glass thermometers can be placed in a small glass of peroxide; other thermometers including digital thermometers may need to be wiped with alcohol wipes or the like.  See your thermometer's instructions on how to properly clean it.

8.  Any dishes used while you were ill need to be thoroughly washed in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher.  Make sure that someone who is not ill is emptying the cleaned dishes from the dishwasher and placing them in the cupboards.  Wash and disinfect your kitchen and bathroom counters and cupboard knobs and drawer pulls.

9.  Your car:  sanitize the steering wheel, seat belt fasteners, and door handles - and even the rearview mirror and radio dial, etc. if you were driving while ill or just before becoming ill.





  

10.  Disinfect sinks, showers, and toilets well.  If you own a steam mop, use it on smooth floors to kill germs.  Depending on the type of illness your family has had, you may even want to have the carpets cleaned. 

    I sincerely hope that your family will be able to avoid any serious or lengthy bouts of illness during this year's flu and cold season.

What are some of your own tips about ridding your home of virus germs and opening up your home to guests?

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