Minimize Winter Illnesses with These Home Cleaning Tips
'Tis the season for rampant illness. An increased amount of indoor activity goes hand-in-hand with an increase in the chances of getting sick during the winter season. You can reduce the chances of spending half of the winter sick if you are diligent about keeping your home as clean as possible. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Commit to a Regular Disinfecting Routine
When it comes to keeping your home clean, you also need to sanitize and disinfect it. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Cleaning with water and soap will remove most germs and dirt; however, it is not as thorough as sanitizing. This process uses diluted bleach or specialized sanitizing products to remove germs from surfaces. Disinfecting is even stronger, using more intense chemical solutions to provide a deeper clean.
It is a good practice to sanitize and disinfect the home's most touched surfaces regularly. These surfaces include appliance handles, countertops, doorknobs, and light switches. Clean and sanitize these surfaces the most frequently to keep germs at bay. It is also smart to sanitize and disinfect these surfaces extra carefully when someone in the home is sick.
If this process seems overwhelming, consider keeping a checklist to stay organized. Whether you choose a paper or digital version, a detailed list will keep you on track so that surfaces are not forgotten.
Stay on Top of Washing Bedding and Linens
Even the cleanest people often neglect to wash their bedding and linens regularly. The body sheds skin cells all day and night, landing on soft surfaces such as pillows, towels, blankets, and bedsheets. A good goal is to wash your sheets once weekly to prevent bacteria from building up. Individuals with skin issues such as eczema may need to wash their bedding more frequently.
Not only does washing these soft surfaces kill germs and bacteria, but this chore will also target common allergens that tend to hide out. Be sure to use hot water when washing these soft surfaces. Knock out the germs further by drying them on a high heat setting. Purchasing a second set of sheets for each bed makes this task more manageable.
Declutter Each Night
There is nothing worse than waking up to a busy morning with a cluttered house. Taking a few minutes each night to perform a quick declutter will help to relieve stress and keep your cleaning goals on track. Removing clutter also makes it easier to perform your scheduled disinfecting and sanitizing tasks.
Start decluttering by stowing away loose items that are cluttering countertops, sinktops, and entryways. Making sure everything has a dedicated resting place will ensure that these clutter-prone areas do not become overwhelmed. Many people find success in keeping a basket designed to collect loose items and regularly dumping the contents when they have a spare minute or two.
Pay Attention to HVAC Filters and Humidity Levels
A dirty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a recipe for disaster. It is important to regularly change the HVAC filters to keep the air circulating in the home as clean as possible. Filters that are dirty are more likely to trap allergens and release harmful bacteria. In general, thicker air filters last longer and do a better job at reducing harmful particles. Installing an air purifier will also help to improve the air quality in the home.
Maintaining an ideal humidity level in the home has also been shown to reduce the chances of viral transmissions, as it makes it more difficult for virus particles to survive. Homes that are too dry may also exacerbate allergy symptoms. Conversely, too much humidity in the home can amplify other types of allergens, including mold growth. The ideal humidity level inside the home should hit between 30% and 50%.
Reorganize the Entryway
The entryway of a home is a common dumping ground. It is easy to be tempted to offload shoes, bags, and other items when walking into the house. As such, it makes sense that this tiny area of the home is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. This is particularly true during the winter season.
Taking steps to organize your entryway will naturally minimize the clutter. Start by getting in the habit of removing your shoes once you enter the home. Creating a specific spot for shoes will reduce the temptation to track dirt and grime into the home.
Keeping a basket in the entryway for people to drop miscellaneous items is another good idea. You will just need to be intentional about regularly emptying it. Lastly, keeping a stash of cleaning supplies handy in this area will inspire you to maintain its cleanliness.
Being purposeful about reducing the germs in your home can go a long way in keeping you healthier during the depths of winter.
Looking for stories that inform and engage? From breaking headlines to fresh perspectives, WaveNewsToday has more to explore. Ride the wave of what’s next.