Simple Tips to Stop Germs from Spreading

The year may have just started, but cold and flu season is already here. No one wants to catch these illnesses at work or have children bring them home from school.

There’s no quick cure for colds or the flu, but prevention helps a lot. By keeping your home and workplace clean, you can reduce the chances of getting sick or spreading germs to others.

Clean High-Touch Areas

The first step is to clean places that people touch often. These areas collect the most germs. Common touch points include:

• Door knobs and handles

• Light switches

• Stair railings

• Faucet and toilet handles

• Refrigerator handles and stove knobs

• Remote controls

• Copiers and scanners

During cold and flu season, clean these surfaces more often. You can use disinfectant wipes or a handheld steamer if you have one. At work, you can ask the cleaning staff to pay extra attention to these areas.

Use Disinfectant the Right Way

Many people spray disinfectant and wipe it off immediately, but that doesn’t always kill germs. Follow these simple steps:

1. Clean the surface first using a regular household cleaner and a cloth.

2. Apply the disinfectant and let it sit for the time listed on the label.

3. Wipe or rinse the surface to remove any leftover residue.

Letting the disinfectant sit is important because it needs time to work.

Wash Your Cleaning Cloths

Cleaning cloths collect dirt and germs. If you keep using them without washing, you’ll just spread germs around.

To clean Microfiber cloths:

• Soak them in hot, soapy water for 2–3 minutes.

• Rinse with warm water until the soap is gone.

• Lay flat to dry or put them in the dryer.

Once dry, they’re ready to use again.

Be Careful with Shared Items at Home

If someone in your home gets sick, you can still prevent germs from spreading.

• Wash shared blankets weekly, or right away if someone is coughing or sneezing.

• Wash bedding daily until the sick person feels better.

• Don’t share bath or hand towels.

• Keep toothbrushes separate.

• Place tissues around the home for sneezing or coughing.

Teach Children Good Habits

Children can spread germs quickly, so it’s important to teach them healthy habits:

• Wash hands often for 20 seconds.

• Don’t share food or drinks.

• Avoid touching the face.

• Cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing.

• Stay away from people who are sick.

If your child becomes ill, keep them home from school. And if you’re sick, stay home as well to protect others.

No one enjoys dealing with a cold or the flu. Stay ahead of germs by following these simple cleaning habits. And if you don’t have time to clean while caring for your family, let Alexandria Cleaners Pro handle the work for you.