These 8 Things You Should Clean After an Illness
When we have finally overcome a nasty illness, we should definitely clean some things in our household. These 9 things are real germ traps!
Whether it’s a stomach bug or a cold: Once we have survived a nasty illness, we don’t want to lie flat so quickly anymore. To prevent germs, bacteria and co. from making us ill again, we should clean some things in our household properly after the illness.
What you should definitely clean after an illness
1. Remote control
People who are ill often lie on the sofa and zap through various television channels. This is how the germs get onto our remote control. It is best to wipe it off with a disinfectant wipe after an illness and otherwise in everyday life about once a week.
2. Mobile phone, tablet and the like
Quickly ordering something to eat again because you feel too tired to cook for yourself – and the viruses and bacteria that make you ill are already on mobile phones, tablets or computer keyboards. The best thing to do here is to use a microfibre cloth to clean the display or the surface. Alternatively, you can also use a damp cloth to clean glasses. The following applies to mobile phones and the like: the back of the device should also be cleaned with a dry cloth.
3. Door handles and light switches
Basically, our hands are our biggest germ-slingers: With them, we touch everything without thinking about it. We close the bedroom door so that we have peace and quiet when our headaches are throbbing, and then we turn off the light. Nevertheless, many people forget to clean door handles and light switches thoroughly with a disinfecting cloth after an illness. Not only do they risk getting sick again, but they also risk infecting others.
4. Trashcan
When we have a cold, we are often plagued by colds and consume tons of handkerchiefs, which then end up in the trash can in a crumpled state (tip: household remedies for colds help to get rid of complaints quickly). When the bag is full, it is disposed of – and a new one is put in the bin. This should also be properly disinfected, because many germs get stuck on the bin when the bin liner is removed.
5. Textiles
Viruses and bacteria are immensely resistant – they are often only killed at a wash cycle of at least 60, or even better 90 degrees. Therefore all textiles you have been in contact with belong in the washing machine after an illness. If, for example, a cold lasts longer, bedding, pyjamas, towels etc. should be changed every week.
6. Toys
The immune system of children is still developing – therefore they are very susceptible to germs, which they also get from toys and stuffed animals through their hands. Toys made of plastic or wood can be easily cleaned with a disinfecting cloth, and stuffed animals belong in the washing machine, just like textiles.
7. Toothbrushes and tooth mugs
From the mouth to the mouth: When we brush our teeth, viruses and bacteria get onto the toothbrush and directly back into the mouth the next time we brush our teeth. That’s why the toothbrush cup should be washed in the dishwasher and the toothbrush (or the toothbrush head in the case of electrical appliances) should be replaced after an illness.
8. Wipes and cloths
If the whole apartment is shiny after the cleaning treatment, it is best to dispose of used wipes and cloths directly. Although it is possible to boil them out and reuse them, the effort is usually greater than simply buying new ones.