Key Areas to Focus Your Cleaning Efforts

Not all surfaces are created equal in the eyes of the flu virus. It has its favorites—those high-touch areas we interact with multiple times a day. We’re talking about doorknobs, light switches, faucets, and even our smartphones. Focus your cleaning efforts on these high-traffic zones, and you’re hitting the flu where it hurts the most. It’s like having a targeted approach to cleaning, ensuring you’re disrupting the flu virus’s favorite hangout spots.

Doorknobs

These are the gatekeepers to every room—constantly turned by hands that have been who knows where. Regular disinfection can curb the spread of germs from person to person.

Light Switches

It’s a flick of a switch multiple times a day, by everyone in the house, often without a second thought. Cleaning these can disrupt a very common transmission route for viruses.

Faucets

Whether it’s for a glass of water or a handwash, faucets are touched frequently and can serve as a reservoir for flu viruses, making them a top priority for cleaning.

Smartphones

Our constant companions that go everywhere with us—from the bathroom to the dining table, smartphones are high-touch devices that can harbor more germs than a toilet seat.

Countertops

As the stage for meal prep and the catch-all for keys, mail, and more, countertops encounter a multitude of items and are a crossroads for germs, necessitating regular disinfection.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Supplies for Flu Fighting

Now that we know where to clean, let’s talk about how to clean. Your choice of cleaning supplies is crucial in ensuring the elimination of the flu virus. While there’s a multitude of products out there, they’re not all created equal when it comes to killing germs. It’s worth investing in EPA-registered disinfectants, which are proven to be effective against influenza viruses. For those who prefer a more natural route, options like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based cleaners can also pack a punch against germs. Remember, reading and following the instructions on cleaning products is key to ensuring their effectiveness. Here’s a quick rundown on some ingredients to look out for:

Isopropyl Alcohol

A potent germicide, isopropyl alcohol is great for sanitizing surfaces and is particularly effective against the flu virus when used in concentrations of 70% or higher.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This household staple not only cleans but also disinfects. It’s a safer alternative to harsher chemicals and works by producing free radicals that destroy the flu virus.

Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

When diluted properly, bleach is a disinfection champion, capable of killing the flu virus on hard, nonporous surfaces within minutes. Just be careful with it. Spill this on your carpet and you’ll have a bigger headache than the one a flu can give you.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Commonly found in disinfectant wipes and sprays, “quats” are effective against a variety of pathogens, including the flu virus, and offer a more pleasant smell and less corrosive quality compared to bleach.

Soap

Simple yet effective, soap doesn’t kill the flu virus but is incredibly effective at removing it from hands and surfaces by breaking down the oils that the virus can cling to.

Dwelling Time is Key To Killing the Flu Virus

When it comes to effectively using cleaning products, time is of the essence—specifically, the dwelling time, or the amount of time a disinfectant needs to remain wet on a surface to kill pathogens effectively. I was guilty of this before starting CompanyClean. “I sprayed it, it must be clean!” Wrong. 

It’s not just a quick wipe; it’s about letting the product do its germ-killing job. Each product has a specific recommended dwell time, which can range from 30 seconds to several minutes. Adhering to this time ensures that the active ingredients maintain contact with the flu virus long enough to destroy it. Ignoring dwell time can result in a surface that looks clean but hasn’t been properly disinfected, leaving behind germs that could continue to pose a risk. So, always check the label and give your chosen cleaner the time it needs to fully work its antimicrobial magic.

Creating a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Consistency is your ally in the fight against the flu. Establishing a regular cleaning schedule is like setting up a routine patrol against germ invasion. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming chore; breaking it down into manageable daily, weekly, and monthly tasks can make the endeavor less daunting. For instance, daily wiping of high-touch surfaces and a more thorough cleaning over the weekend can be a good rhythm. And hey, why not make it a family affair? Sharing the load can lighten the burden and teach everyone the importance of a clean, healthy living environment. It’s a great education moment about the Flu as well.

Personal Hygiene Practices

Beyond the mop and the vacuum, your hands are powerful tools in preventing flu transmission. Regular handwashing with soap and warm water is a simple yet effective defense against germs. And for those times when soap and water aren’t within arm’s reach, having alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy can be a lifesaver. It’s also wise to adopt a few etiquette practices like covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. These simple gestures can go a long way in keeping the flu at bay, both for yourself and the people around you.

And remember, wash your hands for a full 20 seconds or more. There’s a reason these signs are posted in all the restaurant restrooms. It’s critical because it ensures that soap molecules or hand sanitizer have ample time to interact with the oils and microbes on your skin. The physical action of scrubbing combined with the duration helps to lift and suspend viruses and bacteria away from the skin, which are then rinsed off with water. This 20-second rule is backed by health organizations as the sweet spot for disrupting the flu virus’s ability to infect you and spread to others. 

Educating Family Members

Knowledge is power, as they say. Educating your family on why and how to maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene is crucial. It’s about fostering a culture of health within your home. Children can be great ambassadors of healthy practices when they understand the ‘why’ behind them. My toddler tries to clean behind me just from watching me do it.

Consider creating a fun and engaging learning environment, perhaps with treats or friendly competitions to see who can uphold the best hygiene practices. It’s about making health and cleanliness engaging and a natural part of your family’s daily routine.

Flu Prevention Tips

Prevention is a broad spectrum that goes beyond keeping our living spaces spic and span. While a clean home lays a solid foundation, integrating additional preventative measures can fortify our defense against the flu. Getting your yearly flu vaccine is a proven step towards personal protection and community immunity. And let’s not forget the humble mask—it’s not just for COVID. The 3M Aura is our go-to mask here at CompanyClean. It’s secure, breathable, and offers outstanding protection.

Have you heard of the Corsi-Rosenthal box, often called the Corsi cube? It’s a DIY air filtration system that’s been making rounds on the internet for its effectiveness in improving indoor air quality while being dirt cheap. It’s like having a bouncer at the door, keeping unwanted airborne guests at bay.