January can feel like everyone is ill and full of cold. One family member can catch a cough and suddenly the whole house is coughing too. While we can’t avoid germs completely, cleaning to avoid the flu is one of the simplest ways to slow down how quickly illness spreads at home.
During the colder months, we spend more time indoors, windows are closed, and surfaces are shared constantly. That makes our homes the perfect place for germs to spread.
Why cleaning to avoid the flu actually works
Germs are very quick to spread. Some bacteria can multiply every 20 minutes, meaning a single germ can turn into millions in just a few hours. On top of that, it’s estimated that around 80% of infectious illnesses are passed on through touch.
Think about how often we touch door handles, phones, kitchen surfaces and our faces throughout the day. Without regular cleaning, those germs are easily passed from person to person.
Cold and flu viruses can also survive on hard surfaces for up to nine hours or longer, while some bacteria can last even longer. This is why cleaning to avoid the flu isn’t about one big clean, it’s about regular attention to the right areas.
High-touch hotspots you should focus on
You don’t need to clean every corner of your home every day. Target the areas that get touched the most.
These include:
- Door handles and door knobs
- Light switches
- Bannisters and stair rails
- TV remotes
- Phones, tablets and game controllers
- Kitchen worktops and cupboard handles
- Fridge doors
- Toilet flushes and taps
Your smartphone alone can carry more germs than a toilet seat, simply because it goes everywhere with you. Wiping these surfaces down regularly with a disinfectant can massively reduce the spread of germs.
The kitchen: a major flu-spreading zone
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house and one of the most important when it comes to cleaning. Everyone touches the same surfaces throughout the day, often while food is being prepared. Worktops, handles, kettles, microwaves and cutlery drawers should be wiped down daily as a part of cleaning to avoid the flu.
Kids, school and winter germs
Children naturally pick up germs at school, on buses and in playgrounds. Bringing them home is pretty unavoidable. Encouraging simple habits like washing hands as soon as they get home, taking shoes off at the door, and wiping down phones or tablets can make a big difference.
Bathrooms need extra care
Bathrooms are another key area when cleaning to avoid the flu. Germs can spread easily through shared spaces, especially if someone in the household is already unwell. Regularly disinfect toilet handles, taps, sink areas and light switches.
Towels, bedding and soft surfaces
It’s easy to forget that germs don’t just live on hard surfaces. Towels, pillowcases and blankets can hold onto bacteria and viruses too.
- Change hand towels daily
- Wash bedding more frequently
- Keep towels separate if someone is ill
Need help keeping on top of it all?
The start of the year can be busy and overwhelming – and staying on top of cleaning isn’t always easy. A regular, professional clean can help reduce germs and keep your home feeling fresher and healthier.
If you’d like a helping hand keeping your home clean this winter, get in touch with Magnificent Cleaners today – we’re always happy to help.