This cold and flu season has been a rough one. It seems like everywhere we turn, someone we know is sick. If you’re lucky, you may have managed to avoid illness so far this year, but the cold and flu season isn’t over yet. Here are some cleaning tips to help keep those germs away.

Disinfect light switches and doorknobs.

This is something that should be done daily when anyone in your household is ill. Doorknobs and light switches are used multiple times a day by most people in the home, so be sure to pay special attention to those areas. Consider also disinfecting other objects that people touch often – the TV remote, faucet and toilet handles, the refrigerator handle and stove knobs, and cell phones and other personal electronic devices. When disinfecting, make sure the surface stays wet for at least 15 seconds to allow ample time to kill germs.

Wash bedding and linens.

Even if the sick person is confined mostly to one room, now is a good time to pay extra attention to all the bedding and linens in your home. Wash sheets and pillowcases at least once a week, and more frequently when someone in your home is sick. If your comforters or quilts aren’t machine washable at home, now is the time to take them to a dry cleaner or laundromat. And don’t forget afghans and throw blankets. Those commonly shared blankets should be washed often during sickness. 

Be sure to change bath and hand towels daily during sickness, and consider having the sick person use disposable towels until they are well again. You can also use this time to wash stuffed animals and plush toys, which can carry germs and typically don’t get washed often. They can usually go right in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.

Replace toothbrushes.

The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months. But during cold and flu season, you’ll want to replace everyone’s toothbrushes after someone in your household has been sick. Consider buying an economy pack or two and keeping them on hand for situations like these. If you use an electric toothbrush, discard the old brush head and replace it with a new one. (Tip: you can often get large packs of off-brand brush heads on Amazon that will fit most electric toothbrushes and are much cheaper than the name-brand.)

Change your furnace filter.

Depending on the type of furnace filter you have, you should replace them every 3-6 months. If your filter is visibly dirty or you notice extra dust or strange smells in your home, those are signs that your air filter needs replaced. Flu season typically comes to an end by April, so add this to your spring cleaning checklist and get a fresh new air filter in as we head into spring.

In addition to keeping your home clean and disinfected, it’s important that you wash your hands frequently and properly. The CDC recommends that you should scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds to kill germs. Help toddlers and small children learn proper hand-washing techniques and remind them to wash after using the restroom, after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose, and before handling food.