Caring for a sick family member or roommate is never easy. In addition to having to support the unlucky individual through their illness, you also have to prevent the infection from spreading to the other members of your household.
To make matters worse, just because the ailing individual has gotten better doesn’t mean that the disease has run its course. You still need to ensure indoor air quality is at optimal levels and that there are no pathogens left in your house.
So how do you restore a healthy home environment after someone in your household has been sick? Booking an Atlanta disinfectant fogging service is a great starting point, but it’s far from the only thing you can do. Keep reading to learn more.
How to disinfect a house after illness?
Whether the unfortunate family member has been sick with COVID-19 or some other viral disease, the basic approach remains the same: you need to sanitize any areas and items they’ve used while they were sick. While you’re at it, you should also take steps to remove any toxic materials from your living environment.
Here’s how to sanitize a home after illness:
Step #1: Stay safe
Make sure you’re wearing a face mask and disposable gloves before you get started. Don’t touch your face while cleaning (viruses can enter your system through your eyes, nose, and mouth) and carefully wash your hands after you’re done.
Step #2: Wash any fabrics the sick individual has used
All clothes, bedsheets, blankets, towels, pillows, pillow covers, and other fabric items the sick person has used should be washed at the hottest washer setting that won’t damage the material. These items can be safely washed together with the rest of your laundry.
Refrain from shaking dirty laundry, as this can result in germs being thrown into the air and getting into other parts of your home. After the washing is done, take the fabrics outside and let them dry out completely before using them again.
Step #3: Clean any areas the ailing family member has used
This usually includes the bedroom the sick individual was in, as well as the bathroom they used. Thoroughly air these areas out before giving them a standard cleaning.
A standard cleaning includes:
- Vacuuming floors, carpets, rugs, and fabric furniture
- Mopping floors
- Tidying up clutter
- Removing pet dander
- Throwing out trash
- Dusting
- Wiping down surfaces
- Washing dishes
- Cleaning the toilet bowl
- Cleaning the shower or bathtub
If these spaces hadn’t been deep cleaned during the last couple of months, consider deep cleaning them instead.
Step #4: Disinfect the contaminated areas and surfaces
Once you’re done cleaning, grab a household disinfectant that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and apply it as per manufacturer’s instructions. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces, as these are more likely to be contaminated.
The most frequently-touched surfaces include:
- Handles of all kinds
- Doorknobs
- Tables and desks
- Nightstands
- Game controllers
- Air conditioner remotes
- TV remotes
- Light switches
- Toilet seats
- Faucets
- Showerheads
- Bathtubs and showers
- Touchscreens
- Phone chargers
- Computer mice and keyboards
Where can I book a dependable Atlanta disinfectant fogging service?
Nurturing a sick loved one can be extremely stressful and tiring. The last thing you want is to also have to worry about proper cleaning and disinfection techniques. The good news is, you don’t have to do everything on your own!
At The Moxie Maids, we work with the top cleaning professionals in Atlanta who will happily use their expertise to give you a pristine and germ-free home. Book your cleaning today and use your newfound free time to relax at the Historic Fourth Ward Park while the experts take care of your cleaning needs.
