How to Sanitize a Home for a Sick Person

Sanitizing your home when a member of your family is sick is essential for keeping the rest of your family healthy. Use the sickness as motivation to give your house a thorough cleaning, getting into the nooks and crannies you might normally neglect. Chemicals including chlorine bleach, detergents and soaps, as well as household items such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are all effective against germs. Check the label before using to make sure your cleaning materials kill bacteria.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial cleaning products
• Laundry detergent
• Disposable cleaning supplies
• Trash bags

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Instructions

• 1

  Wipe down all surfaces that the sick person has touched with an anti-bacterial solution. Start with the major surfaces such as tables, desks, counter tops and the bathtub. Disinfect telephones, keyboards, light switches and other surfaces frequently touched by members of your household.

• 2

  Wash all linens and towels using your usual detergent. Give the sick individual his own towels to use and keep them separate from the rest of the household. His towels, clothing and bed linens should be washed frequently while he is sick.

• 3

  Throw away all tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person immediately after use. Take out your trash before it piles up and apply disinfectant spray between uses. Use disposable cleaning supplies and immediately throw them away after use.

• 4

  Wash all dishes immediately after use to avoid transferring germs to other surfaces. Use very hot water and scrub thoroughly or run the dishes through your dishwasher on the hottest setting.

• 5

  Sanitize your toothbrushes by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide immediately after use.

• 6

  Ventilate your home by opening windows and doors if the weather is suitable, to reduce the number of airborne pathogens.