The flu virus can spread easily through contact with contaminated surfaces. Taking steps to disinfect your home and belongings can help reduce the spread of the virus and keep your family healthy. Here are some useful tips and tricks for effectively disinfecting against the flu virus:
Clean and Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces
The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Focus on disinfecting frequently handled objects and surfaces to help cut down on the spread of the virus.
High Touch Surfaces
High touch surfaces that should be disinfected regularly include:
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Door and cabinet handles – Disinfect door handles and knobs, especially entry doors that are used often. Also disinfect handles on cabinets, drawers, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.
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Light switches – Light switches can easly spread germs from fingers, so wipe them down often.
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Remote controls – TV remotes, garage door openers and other frequently handled remotes should be disinfected often.
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Tables and desks – Clean and disinfect table tops, desks and counter tops regularly.
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Keyboards and mice – Disinfect keyboards, mice and other electronics to prevent spread of viruses.
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Phones – Phones harbor a lot of bacteria and viruses. Disinfect home and cell phones.
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Faucet handles – Disinfect handles on bathroom and kitchen sinks.
Disinfecting Process
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First, clean surfaces with soap and water to remove dirt and debris.
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Then, disinfect using an EPA approved disinfectant or bleach solution. Spray or wipe on disinfectant and allow proper contact time to kill germs.
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For electronics, use disinfectant wipes specifically made for use on electronics.
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Allow surfaces to fully air dry after disinfecting.
Disinfect Personal Items
Personal items like phones, glasses, keys, wallets, purses and bags can also harbor flu virus particles. Make sure to regularly disinfect:
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Phones – Phones should be disinfected daily. Use disinfectant wipes made specifically for electronics. Avoid moisture in phone ports.
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Glasses – Disinfect frames and lenses of eyeglasses. Be careful with coatings.
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Keys and key fobs – Disinfect house keys, car keys and key fobs regularly.
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Wallets and purses – Carefully wipe down wallets, purses and bags, especially if taken to public places.
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Handbags – Disinfect outside and inside of handbags. Take extra care with leather bags.
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Fitness trackers – Bands and screens of fitness trackers have a lot of contact with skin and surfaces. Disinfect fitness trackers thoroughly.
Use Disinfectant Wipes While Out
When running errands or using public transportation, carry disinfectant wipes in your bag or car and use them to wipe down surfaces before and after you touch them.
Great surfaces to wipe down include:
- Grocery cart and basket handles
- Gas station pumps
- ATM machines
- Public transit handles and poles
- Public bathroom surfaces
Wiping these down before and after touching can help protect you from picking up germs while out.
Wash Hands Frequently
Hand hygiene is also key. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
When to wash hands:
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
- Before eating or preparing food
- After contact with high touch surfaces
- After using the bathroom
- When returning home from a public place
- After contact with someone who is sick
Proper hand hygiene helps remove germs and prevent ingestion of the flu virus.
Use Disinfectants Properly
Not all disinfectants are effective against the flu virus. Be sure to use an EPA registered household disinfectant specifically labeled as a flu virus killer.
Follow Product Instructions
Carefully read and follow all directions on disinfectant products. Pay attention to:
- Application method – some are sprays, some wipes
- Contact time needed to kill flu virus – often 3-10 minutes
- Precautions for use on electronics vs other surfaces
Not following instructions can lead to disinfectants not working properly.
Ventilate While Using Products
Be sure to open windows or turn on fans when disinfecting. Many products have strong fumes that require proper ventilation. Never mix cleaning products together, as toxic gases can result.
Use Bleach Solutions
Regular, unexpired household bleach can also be diluted and used as an effective disinfectant against the flu virus.
Mixing Bleach Solutions
To make an effective bleach-based disinfectant:
- Use regular, unscented bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite
- Dilute to a 1:10 ratio – 1 part bleach, 9 parts water
- Make fresh batches daily for best results
This ratio provides effective disinfection against the flu virus.
Precautions When Using Bleach
Take precautions when using bleach solutions:
- Use in well ventilated areas
- Avoid mixing bleach with other cleansers
- Can damage fabrics, metals and surfaces – spot test first
- Corrosive to eyes and skin – wear gloves and eye protection
Bleach solutions, when properly diluted, offer an affordable disinfecting option.
Disinfect Correctly for Flu Virus
Not all disinfecting methods work to kill the flu virus. Focus on using disinfectants correctly:
- Use EPA approved disinfectants labeled for flu virus
- Allow proper contact time for disinfectant to work
Avoid these ineffective methods:
- Wiping down with water alone
- Using vinegar solutions
- Soap and water does not disinfect
Proper disinfecting techniques help reduce the spread of the contagious flu virus.
Maintain Cleaning Efforts
Disinfecting for the flu virus takes regular effort and diligence.
- Make disinfecting high touch surfaces a daily habit
- Carry disinfecting wipes when running errands
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
- Continue cleaning efforts throughout flu season
Consistent disinfecting habits at home, work and while traveling can help protect you and your family from the flu virus.
By focusing cleaning efforts on frequently handled objects and high traffic areas, using EPA approved disinfectants according to instructions, and reinforcing proper hand hygiene, you can help reduce the spread of the flu virus. Following these tips and tricks can help keep you and your family stay healthy.
