How to Disinfect Your Home After an Illness
Disinfecting after an illness — particularly a contagious respiratory illness (cold, flu, COVID-19) or gastrointestinal illness (norovirus, food poisoning) — requires targeting the surfaces most likely to harbour viral particles. The key distinction is between cleaning (removing dirt and debris) and disinfecting (killing pathogens) — you need to do both.
Products That Actually Disinfect
- Lysol Disinfecting Spray: Effective against most viruses and bacteria on hard surfaces
- Bleach solution: 1 tablespoon bleach per 4 cups water — very effective against norovirus and most pathogens; do not use on metals or fabrics
- 70% isopropyl alcohol: Effective against enveloped viruses (flu, COVID-19) but less effective than bleach against norovirus
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%): Effective with appropriate dwell time (1 minute)
High-Touch Surfaces to Prioritize
- Door handles and light switches throughout the home
- Bathroom: toilet handle, toilet seat, sink taps, cabinet handles
- Kitchen: sink taps, refrigerator handle, countertop
- Remote controls, phone, keyboard, mouse
- Stair railings
Disinfection Method
- Clean the surface first if visibly dirty — disinfectants don't penetrate through soil
- Apply the disinfectant and allow it to stay wet on the surface for the full dwell time (typically 30 seconds to 1 minute — read the label)
- Wipe dry or allow to air dry — the dwell time is the critical factor most people skip
Soft Surfaces
Wash bedding, towels, and clothing used by the ill person in the warmest water safe for the fabric — heat helps kill pathogens. Dry on high heat. For upholstery, a Lysol Fabric Spray is appropriate. Pillows and mattresses can be sprayed with Lysol and allowed to air dry.
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