We’ve always dreaded flu season, but now with the looming risk of COVID, the winter months are calling for more attention when it comes to our cleaning regimens. However, there is more to cleaning than knowing what to clean; we all need to learn how to clean effectively to ensure everyone stays healthy and well. Here is a quick guide to cleaning during flu season to ensure your home and office are disinfected correctly.
What to Clean
Whether you’re focused on cleaning your home or your office, there are common areas where viruses love to hang. While bathrooms and kitchens are obvious areas of concern, there are other places that need your attention, especially when it comes to the winter months.
At home: think about places that people are constantly touching, and the places that we often touch but never clean, such as:
- Light switches and door handles
- Shared electronics: computers, iPads, remote controls, phones, key fobs, etc.
- Faucets in the bathroom and kitchen
- Kitchen appliances handles, doors, buttons, etc.
- Counters and play areas
- Decorative pillows/blankets/throws
- Toys and stuffed animals
In the office: think about areas where multiple people are working each day, especially the areas where items are being used regularly, such as:
- Shared items: keyboards, copy machines, staplers, iPads—anything that multiple people use in the office
- Light switches and door handles
- Shared appliances in the kitchen or breakroom: coffee makers, cabinet/appliance handles and buttons, water fountain, etc.
- Shared surfaces: desks, conference tables, waiting room chairs/items, etc.
- Bathroom counterspace
This is just a short list of places you may or may not overlook while cleaning which should be on your regular cleaning checklist, alongside your full bathroom, kitchen, living areas, and floor cleaning routines. Your list may have other items on it depending on your home or business layout, but these areas are commonly overlooked and or cleaned far less than they should be to prevent germ transfer. Make a list, check it, twice, and read on to learn some cleaning tips to figure out how to clean effectively during flu season.
How to Clean
There are a few things you need to make sure you have before you start cleaning, and when it comes to flu season, having the right cleaning products is key. While DIY is a great way to incorporate all-natural solutions into the mix, they may not be effective against viruses. Read the labels and take time to understand the ingredients in the bottles. If they can’t kill off viruses like the flu, they aren’t giving you a deep enough clean during the winter months. When using strong cleaning products, be sure to wear gloves and consider wearing a mask when cleaning for prolonged periods of time, especially in smaller areas with less air flow or poor ventilation.
Another thing to consider is what you’re using to clean. If you’re using reusable cloths or sponges, be sure to wash them regularly in hot water with a detergent that can also kill bacteria and germs. Using dirty rags and sponges can easily transfer germs and bacteria from one location to another. While we are all looking to save the planet and reduce waste, disposable wipes and paper towels are a sure way to remove germs for good. This is something to consider as we move into a post-COVID world.
Lastly, don’t worry about bleaching your entire home or office from top to bottom. This idea is unreasonable and unnecessary. Deep cleans should be on the to-do list, but typical weeks should focus on daily tasks, such as wiping down the kitchen and bathroom counters and wiping down electronics and light switches. These areas often go unnoticed and can house a world of icky things. Focus on a few areas each day, wash your hands, and you’ll be ready to tackle cold and flu season like a pro!
Keeping Everyone Safe and Healthy During Flu Season
Cold and flu season can feel daunting, especially if you have kids or work in an office with a lot of people entering and exiting each day. The trick is to make a list, check it twice, and ensure it’s getting taken care of each day. Leave disposable wipes in highly trafficked areas of the home and office, such as the living room, kitchens/breakrooms, common areas, and bathrooms for easy access. Get in the habit of wiping down electronics that leave the home and come back at the end of the day, and have your staff wipe down shared items after use. It’s also a great idea to remove shoes went entering your home so you don’t track anything in with you. Incorporating small changes and behaviors each day is a surefire way to keep your household and staff healthy.
If you don’t have the time to clean regularly, it’s not a problem, as there are trained professional cleaners in your area ready to help you tackle cold and flu season who know how to clean efficiently and effectively. Let someone else disinfect your home or office with the right tools and products to keep your family and staff safe and sound. If someone else is tackling the cleaning, you can focus on the other important aspects of life and business, especially during cold and flu season.
Cleaning can be a real pain, especially during cold and flu season. If you’re in the Algood or Cookeville areas, let the pros take care of it! At Advanced Cleaning, we guarantee our work and have years of experience to ensure your property is disinfected from top to bottom. Reach out today, and let us help you take care of your home or office.
