Introduction
The spread of illness in a home can be alarming. When someone in the household gets sick, it is important to take steps to sanitize and disinfect the home to prevent the illness from spreading to others. Disinfecting with harsh chemicals is the most common approach, but there are also many effective natural ways to sanitize the home without exposing the family to toxins. In this article, I will share how to safely sanitize and disinfect the home after illness using natural ingredients.
Symptoms That Signal a Need for Sanitization
It is important to be on the lookout for symptoms that may indicate illness has entered the home. Here are some key symptoms that signal the need for thorough sanitization:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If multiple members of the household experience these symptoms, it is very likely that an illness is spreading through the home. When illness strikes, swift and thorough sanitization measures can help halt the spread.
How Germs Spread in the Home
To sanitize effectively, it is helpful to understand how germs spread in a home:
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Through the air: Germs can spread through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets carry viruses and bacteria that can infect others.
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By touch: Germs live on surfaces like doorknobs, faucet handles, kitchen counters, sheets, and towels. When we touch these items, the germs can get onto our hands and enter our bodies when we touch our face.
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Through food and water: Germs that cause vomiting and diarrhea can spread through contaminated food and water.
With this in mind, it is essential to sanitize both surfaces and the air.
Natural Sanitizers and Disinfectants
There are many plant-based ingredients that have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make them excellent natural sanitizers. Here are some of the best options:
Vinegar
White vinegar effectively kills bacteria, viruses, mold, and germs. Mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water and use it to wipe down surfaces. For air sanitation, boil 1 cup vinegar in 1 cup water and allow to cool and diffuse through the home. The acetic acid in vinegar kills germs and bacteria.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide at 3% concentration is an effective natural disinfectant. Use it undiluted to wipe down counters, doorknobs, sinks, and other surfaces. It kills germs by destroying their cell walls.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful antimicrobial and antiviral essential oil. Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle filled with 2 cups water. Shake well and use to sanitize surfaces. It is safe for counters but test on delicate surfaces first.
Lemons
Lemons have antibacterial properties that make them useful sanitizers. Mix the juice from 1 lemon with 1 cup water. Use this solution to wipe down surfaces and mop floors. The citric acid kills bacteria and viruses.
Sunlight
When weather permits, open blinds and curtains and allow natural sunlight to flood the home. The UV rays in sunlight kill germs. Allow items like sheets, towels and stuffed toys to sit in direct sunlight.
Baking Soda
Baking soda dissolves grease and kills odors. Sprinkle baking soda on upholstered furniture like couches, mattresses and stuffed toys. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming. It absorbs germs and odors.
Essential Oils
Oils like clove, eucalyptus, thyme, and oregano have antibacterial and antiviral benefits. Diffuse these oils through the home or make a sanitizing spray by adding 10 drops to a spray bottle diluted with water.
Key Areas of the Home to Sanitize
It is important to sanitize all frequently touched surfaces in the home as well as soft surfaces like carpets, couches, and bedspreads where germs easily collect. Here are key areas to focus sanitizing efforts:
- Doorknobs and light switches
- Remote controls, phones, tablets
- Kitchen and bathroom counters
- Faucets and appliance handles
- Flooring and entryways
- Children’s toys
- Bedding and sheets
- Furniture and carpeting
Preventing the Spread of Illness
In addition to thorough sanitization, there are other important steps to take to prevent the spread of illness through the home:
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Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing items like towels and utensils when sick.
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Clean linens: Use hot water to wash bedding, towels and clothes used by an ill person. Avoid shaking dirty laundry which can disperse germs.
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Limit visitors: Avoid having guests over when someone is ill to minimize exposure.
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Disinfect inbound items: Packages, groceries and bags that enter the home could carry germs. Disinfect these items before bringing them inside.
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Clean HVAC system: Germs circulate through heating and cooling vents. Change filters frequently and consider disinfecting ductwork.
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Empty trash: Promptly remove tissues, masks and other waste that may contain germs.
Maintaining Cleanliness Long Term
Even after everyone recovers, it is wise to maintain increased cleaning regimens for the long term to prevent reinfection and lower risks. Some habits to continue include:
- Disinfecting high-touch surfaces daily or weekly
- Using natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and essential oils
- Letting fresh air circulate by opening windows
- Washing hands frequently and teaching children good hygiene
- Doing laundry with hot water and drying completely
- Limiting clutter and deep cleaning carpets occasionally
- Checking HVAC filters monthly
With the right sanitizing techniques and hygiene habits, we can create homes that naturally resist the growth and spread of illness-causing germs.
Conclusion
When illness strikes a household, acting quickly to sanitize the home naturally can greatly inhibit germs from spreading to more family members. Focus on disinfecting surfaces touched frequently, soft furnishings like bedding, and increasing natural ventilation. Sustainable sanitizers like vinegar, tea tree oil and hydrogen peroxide effectively kill viruses and bacteria without adding harsh toxins. Coupled with good hygiene habits, these measures help create a clean home environment that resists illness naturally.
