When illness strikes it can be through the spread of nasty bugs and bacteria, which can hang around undetected. Surfaces can be infected with flu like viruses which can survive and linger for 24 hours or more! Some viruses such as Norovirus can last even longer, sometimes for days and weeks. Knowing how to destroy these germs will help to stop the spread, and hopefully keep your family or work colleagues from succumbing to a bout of sickness.
Disinfect
Wiping down all surfaces and counter tops with hot soapy water will get rid of some of the germs that are breeding there, but not all of them. The sure fire way to blitz them is to use a disinfectant. You can buy these ready mixed or dilute your own in a spray bottle. Clean cloths are a must too!
Bleach
Stomach bugs are particularly strong, so the best thing to get rid of them is bleach, and lots of it! Wipe down all surfaces that the sick person has come into contact with. Of course, you need to be careful when applying bleach as it is a hazardous substance, but if you take care to dilute it, and use gloves, the only thing it will harm is those pesky germs!
Ditch the sponges
Germs love a moist hiding place, which makes kitchens and bathrooms perfect for incubation. Sponges are a haven for viruses to thrive and multiply, so it’s time to get rid of them if someone has come down with a bug. If you really don’t think you can manage your cleaning routines without one, then our tip is to wet it, then microwave it for 90 seconds – this will nuke any germs. Instant sterilisation!
Rubber Up!
Most of us keep a pair of rubber gloves under the kitchen sink to tackle those jobs where our hands could be exposed to either harsh chemicals, or hot temperature. When cleaning after or during illness, disposable latex type gloves are best. Try Unigloves any germs left on them will be thrown in the trash where they belong!
Open Doors and Windows
Experts on infectious diseases recommend opening up doors and windows to allow airflow and proper ventilation, especially after an illness. With the windows closed, infectious pathogens continue to thrive and hover within your home or workplace.
Opening the windows and doors allows good bacteria to enter and dilute harmful pathogens for a more relative humidity and airflow. Clean invisible dirt and smudges from knobs, handles, and windows regularly. Opt for window cleaning tools that can reach every corner and can remove dirts and smudges effectively.
The bathroom
When somebody is ill, the first place they’ll usually visit is the bathroom. Already the germiest place in our homes or workplaces, they’re even more of a viral hotspot after a bout of illness. Pay particular attention to light switches, toilet levers, taps, door handles and soap dispensers. Make sure you reduce the risk of cross contamination too – you could colour code your cloths for easier cleaning – blue for loo, pink for sink?
The kitchen
How many people pass through the kitchen every day? If you have a busy office or a large family, then most, if not all of them will be in the kitchen at some point during the day. If anyone is ill, don’t let them cook or handle foodstuffs until 48 hours after recovery. Disinfect all touchable surfaces such as drawer and cupboard handles, switches, microwave and fridge handles and the kettle and coffee machine.
Communal areas
If you find that one of your communal areas has been infected with vomit or fecal matter, then there is no time to waste in clearing it up. Soak up as much as you can with paper towels taking care to wear disposable gloves, then throw them away in a tied bag. Clean and disinfect the entire area. You may then wish to hire a carpet cleaning machine to clean soiled carpets, rugs and upholstery just to make sure that all traces are eradicated. If you don’t have time yourself to carry out a thorough clean, then you could employ a local cleaning contractor – they’re expert in all types of cleaning, and will supply their own equipment too.
