- Open windows to air out germs and freshen the space after illness
- Wash all bedding and towels in hot water and sanitize laundry bins
- Disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, remotes, and light switches
- Sanitize personal items like phones, glasses, and thermometers
- Hire a maid service in Eagle River for deep cleaning and peace of mind
After someone in your home has been sick, the last thing you want is for those lingering germs to stick around. Whether it was a cold, the flu, or something more serious, a thorough post-illness clean is essential for keeping everyone else healthy and your space feeling fresh again. If you’re short on time or energy, hiring a maid service in Eagle River can help you restore your home quickly and professionally. But if you’re doing it yourself, here’s exactly where to start.
How do I clean my house after someone’s been sick?
Cleaning after illness isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about disinfecting and creating a healthier environment. The key is to be thorough but efficient, focusing on the most-used spaces and high-touch surfaces.
1. Start with fresh air
Before you start, open windows if possible. Fresh air helps remove lingering odors and reduces indoor germs. It also boosts your mood and gives the space a much-needed refresh.
2. Wash all bedding and linens
Strip the sick person’s bed and wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and towels in hot water. Don’t forget to sanitize the laundry basket or hamper afterward. If possible, use a sanitizing laundry additive for extra protection.
3. Disinfect high-touch areas
Use a disinfectant approved to kill viruses and bacteria. Focus on doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, remotes, fridge doors, and drawer pulls, anything that hands regularly touch. Be sure to let the disinfectant sit for the recommended dwell time before wiping.
4. Sanitize personal items
Don’t forget items like phones, tablets, glasses, and thermometers. Wipe them down carefully with disinfecting wipes or sprays safe for electronics and delicate surfaces. These objects are easy to overlook but often harbor the most germs.
5. Empty and clean trash bins
Toss used tissues, medicine packaging, and any food or drink containers from the sick room. Scrub down the trash can with soap and disinfectant before putting in a new liner. Don’t forget to sanitize the lid and handles, too.
What should I clean after a cold or flu?
Even if the illness wasn’t severe, viruses like the flu or a bad cold can linger on surfaces for hours or even days. Targeting the right areas helps prevent reinfection and keeps the rest of the household safe.
1. Bedroom and rest areas
After illness, focus on where the sick person spent most of their time resting. Deal with bedside tables, lamp switches, phone chargers, and any items they regularly touched. A quick vacuum and dusting can also help remove allergens and stale air.
2. Bathroom surfaces
Disinfect toilet handles, sink faucets, shower knobs, and counters. If medication was stored there, wipe down the outside of the containers, too. Swap out sponges or cloths afterward to avoid spreading germs.
3. Kitchen and common spaces
Even if meals were served to the sick person separately, take care of common areas like kitchen counters, drawer handles, microwave buttons, and fridge doors. These are often overlooked but touched frequently. Run any reusable water bottles or dishes through a sanitizing dishwasher cycle if available.
4. Soft surfaces
Vacuum upholstered furniture and sanitize any throw pillows or blankets used. If washable, launder them in hot water. Use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray for non-washable items like cushions or rugs.
5. Kids’ and pets’ areas
If kids or pets were around the sick person, give their toys, beds, and play areas a once-over with disinfectant or soap and water, depending on the material. Be sure to rinse or wipe off any cleaning residue from toys before use.
Can I book a reliable maid service near me in Eagle River?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want an extra layer of protection, White Lilac Cleaning can give your home the deep clean it needs. From high-touch surfaces to hidden corners, pros know where to focus to help your household bounce back faster. Whether you’re trying to balance work-from-home life with household responsibilities, need help disinfecting shared family spaces, or want to clean sentimental items without damaging them, our expert team is ready to help with care and precision.
Whether you live right here in Eagle River or nearby in Palmer, we’re here to help. Don’t wait until your home feels cluttered or unsafe. Schedule your appointment today and enjoy a fresher, healthier living space with zero stress!