Healthy Living, Home Care

Keep All Parts of Your Home Clean to Prevent Winter Illness

Although winter has some very wonderful attributes (holidays, hot cocoa, soup, fireplaces, fashionable coats, warm pajamas, and desserts galore!) but there are also some HUGE negatives (cold, having to defrost the car in the morning, dry skin, sickness, and did I mention cold?)

It seems like the minute you turn the heater on your throat starts to get scratchy and all of a sudden you have a cold or even worse, the flu. Usually, the minute I start to get sick I always think of a million little things I could have done to prevent it–as if it would make a difference. So today I’m going to tell you all the best ways to PREVENT illnesses before they start with the good ol’ fashioned power of cleanliness.

The truth is that in order to truly have a healthy, sanitary home at all times you’re going to have to clean just a little bit every single day. I know it may sound like a commitment, but the next time your throat starts to get a little scratchy, you’ll be wishing you could’ve done more!

-In order to prevent illnesses in your home, you need to wipe down the bathroom and kitchen sinks every single day with a disinfectant. If you use a microfiber towel or washcloth, make sure the cloth or sponge is completely sanitary. (Helpful hint: after you use a sponge to clean, put in a bot of boiling water for five minutes or place in a dishwasher heat cycle. This will kill germs and eliminate any odors.)

-Even though it’s not very “green,” on the onset of illness, you should try to use some  disposables. Paper plates and napkins work better because you don’t have to get someone to clean germy dishes or wash germy linens.

-If you have a cat, be sure to clean the litter box out daily. This is a prime location for germs to spread. (Unless you’re pregnant. If you’re pregnant, NEVER clean out the litter box.)

-Take a few minutes out of each day to disinfect every door handle with a disinfectant spray or wipe.

-Wash cutting boards before and after each time you use it. Bacteria from meat or seafood can take up to a few days to completely die off.

-Wash all your bedding the minute you get over an illness. Make sure you get the mattress cover, the pillowcases, and every single throw that’s been near a sick person. Try to wash bedding at least once a week, even if you’re healthy.

-Don’t overstuff your refridgerator. I know this may sound strange. But the more you stuff in your refridgerator, the less the cool air circulates and the more contaminated your food can become.

-Lastly, make sure you brush your animals often. The less pet hair flying around, the better your health will be. Also, make sure that all your animals come from an animal shelter or a reputable pet store. Mystery animals can spread some pretty nasty diseases that are hard to get rid of.

I hope these tips will help you as we trudge on through cold and flu season. Don’t forget to wash your hands often!