Wash Up
The CDC says hand-washing is like a do-it-yourself vaccine. It’s one of the best ways to stop germs in their tracks so you (and others) don’t get sick. Wash often and well. Follow these five steps: Wet your hands with running water, lather with soap, then scrub, rinse, and dry. Spend at least 20 seconds at the sink for each session. That’s about as long as it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song all the way through two times.
Keep Sanitizer Close By
When soap and water aren’t an option, hand sanitizer is the next best thing. Keep bottles around the house for a quick fix after you tend to a sick family member or change a diaper. Choose one that’s at least 60% alcohol. Those with less won’t kill as many types of germs. They may only stop some of them from growing.
Wipe It All Down
Clean any surface in your house that can take a scrub, like counters, door and cabinet handles, tables, and light switches. The goal isn’t just to remove germs, but to destroy them. To do that, choose a cleaner that says “disinfectant” and has an EPA registration number on the label.
Make Time for the Toys
When sickness hits your little ones, it’s time to round up of all their favorite playthings and get them clean. Put hard, battery- and electronics-free toys in the dishwasher to get sanitized. Toss plush playthings into the washing machine and run them through a cycle.
Change Diapers With Care
It’s never a good idea to do it near where you eat, play, or hang out. That’s especially true when there’s sickness in the house. Give the changing table extra time when you clean, and disinfect it often. Wear latex gloves during changing sessions, and don’t leave dirty diapers hanging around. Toss them into the trash as soon as you get the clean one on.
Keep Your Food Germ-Free
If you’re under the weather, let someone else cook. In fact, you shouldn’t prep meals for others for 48 hours after your symptoms stop, just to be safe. Don’t let others grab your grub, either — sharing snacks and sips is a quick way to pick up other people’s germs.
Scour Your Bathroom
If there’s one room that needs extra disinfection when a family member is down for the count, it’s the loo. Step up your cleaning efforts on all surfaces, like the sink, toilet, and floor, if you’re dealing with stomach illness, cold, or flu.
Get Germs Off Cleaning Cloths
After you wipe germs off, they can still hang around on the sponge or cloth you used. Wash your cleaning cloths with hot water often. Or use disposable disinfecting cloths or paper towels, and toss them when you’re done.
Toss Your Toothbrush
Most germs die pretty quickly as your toothbrush dries, but switching out for a new one once you get well is a quick and easy way to start fresh. Take stock of where you store your toothbrush, too. Don’t keep family brushes in one container where they could touch.
