It won’t be long before the cold and flu season is in full swing. Between kids back to school and co-workers sharing their nasty germs at the office, how can you minimize your chances of getting sick? While you may not be able to totally avoid catching one of these bugs, you can certainly minimize your risks and keep germs from spreading in your home.

  • The first thing you might want to consider is washing your hands as soon as you get home from work, and same for the kids after school. During the cold and flu season, wipe down surfaces the are often touched but you may not think of during regular housecleaning, such as light switches, door knobs, light switches, faucet and toilet handles, refrigerator and cupboard handles, stove knobs, remote controls, cell phones and computer keyboards and scanners. These contact points are touched by multiple people every day and one of the ways germs can easily be passed from person to person. You can clean these surfaces using disinfectant wipes as long as you take care to follow directions. Unless used properly, germs may linger on surfaces. If you use microfiber clothes, may sure you clean them often. Dirty wipes just spread the germs around.
  • Other items to think about cleaning often during the cold and flu season include shared throws, blankets and afghans and pajamas or other clothes. This is especially true if someone in your house is already sick or showing signs of the flu. Bedding should also be cleaned daily for anyone suffering from sickness or fever, and remember to use the hottest water possible. It’s also a good idea to avoid sharing bath towels and to make sure toothbrushes don’t come in contact with one another. Replacing or sanitizing toothbrushes after and illness is a good practice to follow.
  • Encourage members of your family to cover their mouths and noses when couching or sneezing. Keeping plenty of tissues around the house will make this easier.
  • Open the window, air out the house and let some sun shine in. We tend to get sick in the winter because we are all closed up sharing the same stale air. Give the house a good airing out, even in the winter.
  • Stuffed animals can be thrown in the washing machine and other toys should be wiped down and disinfected often.
  • Garbage bins come in contact with a lot of germs and when its time to empty the garbage, sanitize the bin itself.

Nobody wants to be sick with the misery a cold or flu can bring. By following just a few simple steps during the cold and flu season, your family may be able to avoid catching one of these nasty bugs.

Reflections Extreme is an eco-friendly housekeeping company that can lend a hand when it comes to keeping your home or office germ free. Call us at 248-295-1261 to get a free no-obligation quote.

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