Cleaning Your Home After Illness
Whether you've had a household member through a viral illness, a bout of stomach flu, or any other transmissible illness that involves shared spaces, a thorough clean after recovery reduces the chance of transmission to other household members and removes the general feeling of contamination that lingers in a home that's been through illness.
Priority Surfaces
Viruses and bacteria concentrate on high-touch surfaces — the vectors of transmission in household spread. These are the priority areas:
- Bathroom: Toilet handle, faucet handles, door handles, light switch, sink basin — all need disinfection
- Kitchen: All faucet handles, fridge handle, microwave handle, and any surfaces the ill person used
- Bedroom: Door handles, light switch, phone, remote controls — all high-touch surfaces
- Common areas: Couch surfaces, remote controls, door handles throughout the home
Bedding and Soft Surfaces
Wash all bedding from the ill person's room — sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover — in the hottest water the fabric tolerates. Dry fully. If pillows or duvets are machine-washable, include them. Upholstered furniture should be vacuumed and, if possible, treated with a fabric-safe disinfectant spray.
The Right Products
Health Canada-approved disinfectants (check the Drug Identification Number on the label) are appropriate for hard surfaces. For fabrics, a hot water wash is more effective than sprays. Avoid mixing bleach with any other products — use bleach solutions only in well-ventilated spaces.
Professional Post-Illness Cleaning
For severe illness or for households with immunocompromised members, a professional disinfecting clean provides thorough coverage of all surfaces. Ask the cleaning service about disinfection products and Health Canada registration.