How to disinfect your home from flu and cold viruses

Allison Janse, co-author of ‘The Germ Freak’s Guide To Outwitting Colds and Flu’, starts with advising people to throw disposable paper towels – use throw-away cleaning tools exclusively while there are sick people at home. If you do use a sponge or brush to wash dishes, clean these items in your dishwasher every day.

Scrub the bathroom sink – this area is a flu and cold hotspot, so make sure to disinfect it well. Clean out the bowl, faucet and knobs with a disinfectant on a daily basis. And make sure to pay careful attention to a communal toothbrush holder, the Huffington Post reported.

In fact, it’s best not to store your family’s toothbrushes together so there is no cross-contamination, and don’t share the toothpaste either. It goes without saying to replace your toothbrush or boil it in the microwave after your sickness as well. Lastly, don’t forget to wipe the bathroom’s light switch and doorknob.

Make sure your products disinfect – to wipe up your home, use cleaners that specifically say “disinfectant” on the label so you aren’t just pushing around germs. Clorox products work great, says Janse, and she especially loves the disposable

... contd.