PublishedSep 23, 2019 10:45 AM EDT
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One sneeze. That’s all it takes. Then suddenly your living room looks like a flu ward and everyone’s fighting over the good tissues. Cold and flu season is no joke, but the right habits can stop germs from turning your home into their personal convention center. You’re already washing your hands and tidying up, but doctors say a few extra moves can keep your space from becoming Ground Zero.
First, the basics: eat like an adult, sleep like you mean it, get your flu shot, and maybe keep some vitamin C on standby for the first sniffle. You still might get sick—germs are persistent little jerks—so we asked doctors how to keep your home from becoming a petri dish, even when someone’s already coughing on the couch.
Your cleaning products might be staging a rebellion. Used incorrectly, some heavy-duty sprays can irritate you now and later. If you’re going synthetic, check the Environmental Working Group’s approved list and proceed with caution.
“Never mix ammonia and bleach,” warns Dr. Gene Conti of Halifax Regional Medical Center. “They create chloramine vapors, which are extremely toxic.” In other words, nausea, headaches, and possibly a very dramatic trip to the ER. Keep them apart like two exes at a wedding.
You’re out here scrubbing surfaces, but when was the last time your sponge had a spa day? “People forget that rags, washcloths, and sponges are basically germ hotels,” says Dr. Robert Segal of Labfinder.com. “Clean them often or toss them before they start their own civilization.”
The good news: it doesn’t take long. “Wash your cleaning gear in hot soapy water with a drop or two of bleach,” says Conti. “And nuke your damp sponge in the microwave for one minute on high to evict the bugs.” Just maybe do it when no one’s watching.
Obvious surfaces are just the beginning. “Flu viruses can survive two to eight hours on hard surfaces,” Conti says. So attack doorknobs, railings, light switches, and especially the TV remote—because everyone touches it and no one admits it. Use antiviral wipes, or spray a clean towel with white vinegar and dry with a paper towel. Don’t forget stovetops, cutting boards, sinks, and faucets; wipe them daily and run cutting boards through the dishwasher’s sanitize cycle.
Fresh sheets are always a win, but they’re essential when someone’s sick. “Changing bedding—especially pillowcases—cuts down on contagious particles,” says Dr. Dyan Hes of Gramercy Pediatrics. Consider it a load of laundry with superpowers.
Floors are sneakier than they look. “Flu viruses can camp out in mud, dirt, and debris,” Conti says. Put a doormat at every entrance, actually use it, and if you’re feeling fancy, scrub the bottoms of your shoes during flu season. Your floors will thank you. Probably silently.
If you want your kitchen to fight germs and look expensive doing it, listen up. “A copper sink is a solid investment,” Conti suggests. “The EPA says copper and copper alloys, including brass and bronze, knock out bacteria and may tackle viruses too.” Bonus: it gives your kitchen that modern farmhouse vibe Chip and Joanna would definitely nod at.
Breathing feels better when your air isn’t plotting against you. A good air purifier can filter out the junk that makes you sick. “Go for one with a HEPA filter that traps particles as small as 0.3 microns,” says Hes. “That should catch flu particles floating around your living room.”
Even better? Grab an air purifier that also humidifies. “Keep humidity between 40% and 50% to slow flu spread,” Hes adds. “A cool-mist humidifier keeps your nasal passages happy too.” Think of it as a two-for-one wellness machine.
A little prevention goes a long way during cold and flu season, and a clean home is your backup plan if someone still gets sick. Wipe, rest, hydrate, and try not to touch your face every five seconds.
Want more wellness wisdom? Try these: Science Says Nature Buffs May Be Mentally Healthier Later in Life. This Is What Actually Happens When You Drink Enough Water. The One Breakfast a Wellness Pro Swears By for All-Day Energy.
Rebecca is most often found digging through troves of vintage treasures, both in-person and online. Ask her to recommend a good book to read or an obscure Instagram account to follow, and you won’t be disappointed.
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