10 Things You Should Clean After Having A Cold

My husband is sick at the moment and every time he coughs and sneezes, I cringe about the germs he could be spreading around the home.

Luckily, I found some great ways to ensure the home (and the rest of the family) stay healthy.

Here is what you should do after you or someone else at home has been hit with a cold.

Why Clean After a Cold?

Cold and flu viruses can linger on surfaces and fabrics for hours, sometimes days. A quick clean-up helps reset your home and protect your family.

Here are key benefits:

• Stop the spread – lowers the risk of reinfection or passing germs to others.

• Freshen the home – removes that musty, “sick room” smell.

• Restore comfort – a clean space helps you feel better mentally as well as physically.

• Boost overall hygiene – reinforces healthy habits that keep the household well year-round.

1. Wash Bedding and Towels

When you’re unwell, high temperatures mean you may sweat more than usual while sleeping. And that’s before you consider any lingering germs from sneezing or coughing throughout the night. Even though you may wash your bedding weekly, we recommend an extra wash using a hot water cycle after someone has been sick to target persistent germs.

I personally replace pillowcases every day when someone is unwell; for some reason, we have an abundance of spare pillowcases in our linen cupboard and this is the only time I use them all.

While you’re at it, put all towels, hand towels and face washers through the washing machine. It is a great idea to assign anyone unwell at home with a separate hand towel.

2. Sanitise Your Lounge

The lounge becomes your makeshift bed when you’re sick so it makes sense it will need a clean once you’re feeling well again.

You can use a cleaning product designed specifically for your lounge or you can create your own using some vinegar and water (1:1 mix ratio) in a spray bottle. Mist it lightly on the sofa and let it air dry. Make sure you test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the lounge before proceeding to ensure it won’t fade or discolour the fabric.

Spray some of the solution onto a white cloth and gently wipe down the lounge – open windows or turn on a fan nearby to help the lounge dry.

You can also sprinkle some baking soda on the lounge, leave it for 20 minutes and then vacuum up – baking soda does a great job of absorbing odours.

Don’t forget to wash cushion covers and blankets, too.

3. Freshen Up the Air

This is an easy one. Open up the doors and windows and let some fresh air and UV light in. Fresh air will help remove the mustiness and stale smell that can hang around after illness has struck your house, while UV light can target bacteria on your fabrics.

4. Target Your Touchpoints

Each day, grab an antibacterial wipe and go through each room of the house, wiping down all of the common touchpoints.

That includes things like door handles, the remote, fridge handles, stair rails, computer keyboards and anything else that you can think of that gets touched regularly.

Remember your devices too; wipe down your tablets and phone while you’ve hot a wipe or two handy.

5. Spruce Up the Bathroom

Giving your bathroom a thorough clean is really important once an illness has passed, especially if it was stomach related.

Use an antibacterial wipe daily on your taps, surfaces and touchpoints. If it is a stomach bug, use a spray like Glen 20 regularly and once the illness is over, give your toilet a thorough clean and disinfecting.

6. Replace Your Toothbrush

A toothbrush can hold onto germs long after you’re feeling better, increasing the risk of reinfection.

Here’s how to stay on top of oral hygiene after illness:

• Swap to a new toothbrush once you’ve recovered.

• If you can’t replace it immediately, disinfect by soaking in mouthwash or boiling water.

• Note: Children’s toothbrushes should always be replaced after illness.

7. Wash Drink Bottles and Cups

Reusable bottles, cups and lunchboxes are handled constantly and can easily harbour cold viruses.

Follow these quick steps to ensure they’re germ-free:

• Wash thoroughly in hot, soapy water.

• Run through the dishwasher if safe for the material.

• Don’t forget straws and lids, which trap moisture and germs.

8. Clean Children’s Toys

Toys often end up in little hands and mouths, making them prime carriers for germs during and after sickness.

Keep playtime safe with these cleaning tips:

• Wipe down hard plastic toys with disinfectant wipes.

• Machine-wash soft toys if safe, or air them in direct sunlight.

• Rotate toys so freshly cleaned ones get used first.

9. Disinfect Car Touchpoints

Your car is an extension of your home and can spread germs if not cleaned after illness.

Focus on high-touch areas with these steps:

• Wipe steering wheel, gear stick, indicators and controls.

• Clean seatbelt buckles and interior door handles.

• Use a disinfectant wipe or spray safe for your car’s surfaces.

10. Refresh Soft Furnishings

Cushions, doonas, rugs and curtains can trap stale air and bacteria, leaving the home smelling musty.

Give them a proper reset by doing the following:

• Wash cushion covers, throws and doonas if machine-washable.

• Air out rugs and curtains in direct sunlight.

• Sprinkle bicarb soda on carpets or upholstery, leave 20 minutes, then vacuum.

How to Reclaim Your Home After an Illness

Following through the above steps will definitely help but sickness in the home (particularly if several members of the family have been unwell), can make your space feel less than inviting and lacking in the cosiness you want in your own home.

Here are some ideas.

• Declutter your space. If you’re feeling up to it, now is a good time to declutter your loungeroom, getting rid of any items you no longer need. Having a cluttered home can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety – you’d be surprised the difference a little decluttering can make.
• It’s a simple one but invest in candles for your home. Avoid anything overly sweet smelling; natural scents like wood or floral will last longer and work with the atmosphere, not just mask other smells.
• Look for some indoor plants to beautify your home – some have health benefits too.
• Instead of air fresheners, use a few drops of essential oils in a diffuser for a natural, chemical free scent.
• There is nothing like a hearty meal after you’ve been unwell. Cook up a comforting roast for the family or do a little baking.