How to Sanitize Your Home During Cold and Flu Season: A Guide to Staying Healthy

With colder months upon us, cold and flu season is here. Our homes, which provide warmth and comfort, can also harbor germs that put our health at risk. Keeping your home properly sanitized is essential to reducing illness and ensuring a safe space for everyone. At Squeaky’s Cleaning Services, we believe that a truly clean home means more than just polished surfaces—it means a healthier, safer environment. Here’s your essential guide to sanitizing your home during cold and flu season, filled with easy, effective tips to help you stay healthy.

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Why Sanitizing is Key During Cold and Flu Season

Germs Spread Faster Indoors: When windows stay closed and air circulates within the home, viruses and bacteria have more opportunities to linger on surfaces and spread. Studies have shown that the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours, while some bacteria can thrive for several days!

Health Benefits of a Sanitized Home:

• Reduces Sick Days: By killing germs on frequently touched surfaces, you significantly reduce the risk of illness, helping you and your loved ones miss fewer days of school, work, and other activities.

• Improves Air Quality: Dusting and sanitizing removes airborne particles that carry viruses and bacteria, helping to clear up indoor air and ease respiratory health.

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is germ-free offers a huge peace of mind, especially for families with young children or elderly members who are more susceptible to illness.

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Key Areas to Focus on for Sanitizing

When it comes to effectively sanitizing your home, focusing on high-touch areas is essential. Here are some critical spots to prioritize:

1. Doorknobs and Light SwitchesHands come into contact with these surfaces throughout the day. Use a disinfectant wipe or a spray to clean them every day to keep germs at bay.

2. Remote Controls and ElectronicsElectronics are often overlooked but are magnets for germs. Use a soft cloth and disinfectant suitable for electronics to wipe these down frequently.

3. Kitchen SurfacesCountertops, refrigerator handles, and faucets are touched constantly, especially during food prep. Clean these areas with an EPA-registered disinfectant to keep them safe from bacteria and viruses.

4. Bathroom FixturesThe bathroom is one of the most important areas to keep sanitized during flu season. Regularly disinfect sink handles, toilet flush levers, and shower surfaces to keep them germ-free.

5. Bedding and LinensGerms can survive on soft surfaces, too. Washing your linens weekly in hot water can eliminate viruses and bacteria that may linger in your bedding.

   
   

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Effective Sanitizing Techniques for a Healthier Home

Follow these practical techniques to ensure your sanitizing efforts are thorough and effective.

1. Use the Right Products

Not all cleaning products are created equal. For sanitizing, look for EPA-approved disinfectants, which are proven to kill bacteria and viruses effectively. Common household items like diluted bleach (1:10 ratio with water) or 70% isopropyl alcohol are also highly effective at disinfecting surfaces.

2. Follow Contact Times

Many disinfectants need time to work. Make sure to read product labels for contact time instructions. Most disinfectants require surfaces to stay wet for several minutes to kill all germs effectively. For best results, avoid wiping or rinsing the surface immediately after applying the product.

3. Don’t Forget Soft Surfaces

Soft surfaces like carpets, upholstery, and curtains can hold onto germs. Use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray or steam cleaner on these areas. Washing your blankets and pillows regularly will also help reduce the risk of germs accumulating in these cozy areas.

4. Wash Hands Frequently

Hand-washing is essential to prevent the spread of germs. Encourage family members to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or returning home.

5. Sanitize Cell Phones and Personal Items

Cell phones, wallets, and purses carry countless germs from outside. Wipe down these items with a microfiber cloth and a gentle disinfectant solution, being careful with electronics to prevent damage.

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Expert Tips from Squeaky’s Cleaning Services

• Opt for Professional Deep Cleaning: Regular professional cleanings help reduce built-up germs, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. At Squeaky’s Cleaning Services, we offer deep cleaning and sanitizing services to tackle every inch of your home, leaving it fresh and hygienic.

• Stick to a Routine: Setting a weekly sanitizing schedule can help you maintain a cleaner, healthier home throughout the season.

• Keep Sanitizing Supplies Handy: Stock your home with disinfectant wipes, sprays, and hand sanitizers. Keeping them in high-traffic areas encourages family members to stay vigilant about cleanliness.

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The Bottom Line: Prevent Illness and Protect Your Home

While there’s no surefire way to prevent illness, regular sanitizing can greatly reduce your risk. Investing time in these cleaning and sanitizing steps will not only give you peace of mind but also make a tangible difference in the health of your household. Plus, a sanitized home is a welcoming, comfortable space, which is especially important as you spend more time indoors.

If the task of keeping up with sanitizing seems overwhelming, let Squeaky’s Cleaning Services lend a helping hand. Our team is well-versed in thorough cleaning practices and uses high-quality disinfectants to ensure your home remains as safe and germ-free as possible. Contact us today to schedule your deep clean and enjoy a healthier, happier home this cold and flu season!

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With the right knowledge and tools, you can make your home a fortress against germs. Here’s to a healthy, worry-free season!