Housecleaning for Health: Prevent the
Flu from Spreading in Homes

Flu season is no joke. The muscle aches, fever, chills and fatigue that accompany the virus affect five to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year and hospitalize hundreds of thousands, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

How To Keep The Flu From Spreading At Home

Don’t worry, your nearby expert house cleaners at The Maids have some tips to stop the flu virus from invading your home.

Wash Your Hands Regularly in Warm Soapy Water

For quick clean-up, use antibacterial hand sanitizer. Make an effort not to touch your mouth or nose without first washing your hands.

Wear Rubber Gloves When Cleaning Household Items

By wearing gloves, you will be less likely to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, which are havens for the flu virus.

Use Disinfecting Cleaning Products

Wipe toys, doorknobs, appliance handles, keyboards, remote controls, light switches, phones and facial tissue box covers. Viruses can live up to 48 hours on hard surfaces.

Wash Towels and Bedding in Hot Water with Soap

Especially if someone has been sick in the home. Don’t share these items until they are thoroughly cleaned.

Change Vacuum Bags at Least Monthly

This gets rid of germs and contaminants you’ve picked up while cleaning.

Clean Toothbrushes

Boil for one minute in water and vinegar, run through a dishwasher cycle or purchase new brushes.

Disinfect Your Workspace

Use antibacterial wipes on your keyboard, phone and pens to avoid spreading germs at work.

Clean Frequently-Used Areas

Wash telephones, cabinet handles, doorknobs, light switches and refrigerator door handles using a slightly dampened cloth with a cleaning solution of mild detergent and warm water.

Wash Your Mops

Wash mop heads in a solution of ¼ cup bleach and one gallon water, dry thoroughly, then store. Not only will mop heads pick up germs and dirt, but they also can also grow mold and mildew if they don’t dry out completely.

When Cleaning, Focus on the Bathroom and Kitchen

The kitchen and bathroom are the most used rooms in the home and possibly the most contaminated. Clean the bathroom and kitchen, especially the faucet and toilet handles, daily using disinfecting cleaning supplies.

If you’re worried about the flu virus showing up uninvited, give The Maids a call to schedule a cleaning. Visit www.maids.com/services to find a location near you.