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You have probably wondered many times why, despite the fact that you take medication, a cold or the flu, it lasts longer. In some cases, it may be because you are re-infecting with pathogens that you have not properly removed from your home. See what you must do after your illness to stay healthy. After an illness, the whole apartment should be cleaned thoroughly, but some places or items require special attention. See how to disarm your apartment with “biological bombs”.
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1/ 9 Remove germs from home and win against flu
2/ 9 Linen
Good cleaning should start with washing the bed linen. You must pay special attention to the fact that the program selector of the washing machine is set to high temperature, because washing at low temperatures does not remove germs. The blanket or bedspread as well as the protective mattress cover should also be washed. Ventilate the duvet and pillows well (if possible, leave them outside for the day). If you’re using a double-sided mattress, now’s a good time to flip it over. In the case of a one-sided mattress, leave it in a room with an open window all day to allow it to air out.
3/ 9 Clothes and towels
The same goes for the towels the sick person used and the clothes he wore. It is good practice to segregate them from the beginning of the disease. Throwing them into a common laundry basket along with the clothes of other household members means that all clothes should be washed at a particularly high temperature, and this can harm many fabrics. For this reason, it is best to wear a tracksuit when you are ill, which will not be damaged by aggressive washing.
4/ 9 Toothbrush
While many people remember about bedding and clothes, hardly anyone else about the toothbrush. Meanwhile, it is a real repository of pathogens. Remember that even healthy people should replace the toothbrush regularly every three months, and after an illness it is even necessary. If you wear an orthodontic appliance overnight, scald it. Other personal hygiene items, such as a sponge, should also be replaced.
5/ 9 Cosmetics
It is better to discontinue some of your favorite cosmetics during illness. This mainly affects women. If you wear lipstick while ill, it may become a source of secondary infection after you recover. It is similar with all kinds of lip glosses, especially those that are stored in containers and are applied with your fingertips. Also, creams in jars can “collect” our germs.
6/ 9 Toys
If your child was sick, the shelf with toys needs a thorough cleaning. All soft toys, as well as clothes, should be washed. Plastic toys should be washed with a strong detergent, remember to rinse them thoroughly after cleaning.
7/ 9 Critical surfaces
The patient does not leave pathogens only on personal belongings, but spreads them all over the apartment. To minimize the risk of germs catching up again, pay attention to frequently touched surfaces and common objects. Washing requires door handles and light switches. Also, the TV remote control should be cleaned. The same goes for a mobile phone as well as a computer keyboard and a mouse
8/ 9 Vacuum cleaner
The vacuum cleaner in theory collects any dirt and keeps it inside a container or disposable bag. Unfortunately, the reality is somewhat different. Vacuum cleaners often spray part of the collected dirt through the outlet. It is a small amount of dust, but pathogens collected earlier get into the air with it. That is why it is so important to immediately clean the container or replace the bag after a thorough cleaning up after an illness.
9/ 9 The key is… clean hands
Of course, wash your hands after thorough cleaning. This activity cannot be underestimated, because dirty hands are in many cases responsible for infections. It is not enough to rinse your hands with soap and water. Research shows that it is necessary to rub them vigorously in order to mechanically remove pathogens. It’s a good idea to make a habit and wash your hands this way.