How to Clean the Flu Away the Right Way

17 Jan How to Clean the Flu Away the Right Way

By Greg Macchia, Clean Conscience, LLC

Most of our customers might be ok as long as their home looks clean and smells clean. However, many of us know that it is very possible that there is still so much harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants present and, if left unchecked, can multiply and spread infectious diseases.

One very common virus that’s spread through contact with infected surfaces is the flu. While the flu may not be that scary, just imagine what else can be transmitted from a seemingly clean surface. And besides, even if it isn’t fatal, the flu can take you down just enough to make you miss on things that you should be doing, like work, travel, parties, etc. Worse yet, you can’t take any antibiotics to make it better, you can only rest to make your immune system strong enough to take care of your flu.

Aside from resting, getting meds, and going to the doctor, what you can do prevent flu from getting worse is to stay in a clean environment that inhibits the spreading of germs and viruses. But how exactly do you achieve this proper kind of clean?

Clean Conscience put together this infographic because it is not enough to clean; you also have to Disinfect and Sanitize. Here are a few more expert tips from them on how to properly clean your house of the flu virus:

1. When cleaning for the flu season, get a flu shot before you start.
2. When cleaning, always follow these 3 steps: Clean > Disinfect > Sanitize
   1. Clean – remove dirt and other contaminants from the surface physically by wiping, washing etc
   2. Disinfect – kill the bacteria and viruses, neutralize contaminants using disinfectant chemicals.
   3. Sanitize – bring down the level of bacteria, viruses, and contaminants to a level recommended by public health standards by cleaning and disinfecting again

3. Identify and clean points of contact – here are some frequently touched things that you’ll need to clean using the 3 step process:

• Knobs and handles
• Switches and buttons
• Keyboards
• Soap pumps
• Desks
• Countertops
• Phones
• Children’s toys
• Rails

Aside from these, you should also make a note of what other things are frequently touched around the house.

4. When doing laundry, always separate clothing items used and worn by the person with the flu. Do them last and use an antibacterial/antiviral detergent and conditioner. Use the hottest setting on the dryer whenever possible.

5. Proper ventilation is very important – the quality of air plays a big role on the health of the people inside the house since the flu can also be transmitted via an airborne route. Allow the air to circulate and let a good amount of fresh air to get into the space. If possible, get an air purifier and replace AC filters regularly.

6. Dispose of waste properly – the trash and waste that your house will create will be infected with the flu. Make sure to wear a mask and gloves when handling trash. Seal the garbage bags properly and spray with disinfectant after. Place the garbage bins in an area where the wind won’t blow on it and into the house.

These tips are explained in greater detail in the infographic Cleaning The Flu Away: A Visual Guide On Making Your Home Flu Free.

Greg Macchia earned an undergraduate degree in business from The University of Notre Dame as well as a MBA from the University of Colorado. He founded Clean Conscience in 2007 and it now has over 35 employees with offices in Boulder and Denver, Colorado. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife, 3 children and a yellow lab named Huckleberry.