Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › disinfecting

How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home After Someone Has the Flu

By Freedom251 Team · · 2 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

After someone at home has the flu, clean high-touch surfaces with soap or detergent and water, then disinfect suitable surfaces according to the product label. Wash clothes, towels, and bedding with ordinary detergent—separately washing them is not necessary—and dry them completely. Wash your hands after handling used tissues or laundry, and improve ventilation when practical.

What to clean and disinfect

Cleaning removes dirt and germs with soap or detergent, water, and scrubbing. In most situations, cleaning alone removes most germs from household surfaces. When someone is sick, the CDC recommends disinfecting appropriate surfaces as well. Clean first: dirt can interfere with a disinfectant’s ability to reach germs. See the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfecting guidance and home cleaning instructions.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Prioritize frequently touched surfaces

Clean and disinfect surfaces the sick person or others often touch, such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, and counters. Clean other surfaces when visibly dirty or as needed. Choose a product labeled for the surface you are treating; not every disinfectant is suitable for every material.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use disinfectant as directed

Follow the product label for application, dilution, protective equipment, ventilation, and surface compatibility. Keep the surface visibly wet for the full contact time stated on the label. If using a bleach solution, follow CDC directions for preparing and using it on an appropriate hard surface rather than guessing at a mixture.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Sanitizer, Crisp Linen, 19 oz, 2 Pack
  • LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria(1), including the Covid-19 virus, Hantavirus(5), Norovirus, and cold and flu(2). Perfect for any room, this Lysol spray will sanitize, disinfect, and deodorize your home.
  • DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This multipurpose spray can be used in the home and kitchen, to disinfect toys, couches, counters(3), bathrooms, and over 100 more surfaces.
  • ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This multi-purpose spray tackles germs in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, to protect loved ones from the spread of cold and flu viruses.
  • UPHOLSTERY DEODORIZER: Lysol kills 99.9% of odor causing bacteria(1) and helps kill and prevent mold and mildew. Suitable for households with pets and kids, effectively eliminate odors on fabric, with our rugs, couch, furniture, and shoe deodorizer.
  • HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and laundry sanitizers. The best protection is prevention

How to handle laundry and soft furnishings

Wash clothes, towels, and bedding with regular detergent

Wash the sick person’s clothes, towels, linens, and washable cloth toys with ordinary detergent at the recommended water temperature, then dry them completely. The CDC says it is safe to wash these items with other household laundry; a separate load or special “flu detergent” is not required. Clean the hamper as appropriate and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry. See CDC’s home cleaning instructions.

Clean rugs, carpets, and drapes appropriately

Use cleaners suitable for the material. Launder items that can be washed according to their manufacturer’s instructions, using the warmest appropriate water setting, and dry them completely. Vacuum carpets and rugs as appropriate.

Rank #2
Sale
Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Disinfectant, Lemon, 32oz | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer & Disinfectant Spray, Degreaser, Multi-Surface Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner, Cleaning Supplies
  • ALL PURPOSE CLEANER KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES and BACTERIA: Lysol All Purpose disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria including the COVID-19 virus to help keep your family protected
  • KILLS 99.9% OF GERMS FOR A DEEP CLEAN: This disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of germs, removes soap scum and cuts through tough grease and grime — a versatile, multipurpose cleaner you can count on
  • MULTI SURFACE CLEANER and DEGREASER: This cleaning spray can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces throughout your household including counters, sinks, stovetops, cabinets, appliance exteriors, high chairs, bathtubs and showers
  • 0% BLEACH: Lysol multipurpose cleaner spray provides powerful cleaning and disinfecting without the harshness of bleach
  • CONVENIENT LYSOL SPRAY: This all purpose cleaner has fast-acting sanitization, so you can kill 99.9% of bacteria in a flash

Protect yourself while cleaning

  • Use gloves or eye protection when the product label recommends them.
  • Ventilate the area by opening windows or using a fan when possible.
  • Use room-temperature water for dilution unless the label specifies otherwise.
  • Never mix cleaning chemicals. Do not ingest disinfectants or apply them to people or pets.
  • Keep products away from children, pets, food, and drink, and wash your hands after cleaning.

These precautions matter because disinfectants can be hazardous when misused. Follow the specific label rather than assuming products have the same directions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Include hand hygiene and cleaner air

Wash your hands after touching the sick person, used tissues, or laundry. CDC flu caregiving guidance also recommends cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and taking steps to improve indoor air. Options for cleaner air include bringing in fresh outdoor air, using exhaust fans, and using a portable HEPA air cleaner where appropriate. These measures complement surface cleaning; they do not replace it. See CDC’s Caring for Someone Sick guidance and Taking Steps for Cleaner Air.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Sanitizer, Crisp Linen, 19 oz, 2 Pack
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Sanitizer, Crisp Linen, 19 oz, 2 Pack
(5)Kills Hantavirus on hard, non-porous surfaces in 30 seconds
$13.47
SaleBestseller No. 3
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Sanitizer, Morning Breeze, 19 oz, 2 Pack
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Sanitizer, Morning Breeze, 19 oz, 2 Pack
(5)Kills Hantavirus on hard, non-porous surfaces in 30 seconds
$13.47
Bestseller No. 4
Amazon Basics Disinfectant Spray, Fresh Linen Scent, Kills 99.9% of Bacteria, 19 Oz, Pack of 6
Amazon Basics Disinfectant Spray, Fresh Linen Scent, Kills 99.9% of Bacteria, 19 Oz, Pack of 6
WARNINGS: Keep out of reach of children; SAFETY: For external use only
$35.25
Best Value
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Sanitizer, Deodorizer, Crisp Linen, 19 oz
  • LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including the Covid-19 virus and cold and flu. Perfect for any room, this Lysol spray will sanitize, disinfect, and deodorize your home.
  • DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This multipurpose spray can be used in the home and kitchen, to disinfect toys, couches, counters, bathrooms, and over 100 more surfaces.
  • ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This multi-purpose spray tackles germs in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, to protect loved ones from the spread of cold and flu viruses.
  • UPHOLSTERY DEODORIZER: Lysol kills 99.9% of odor causing bacteria and helps kill and prevent mold and mildew. Essential for households with pets and kids, effectively eliminate odors on fabric, with our rugs, couch, furniture, and shoe deodorizer.
  • HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS & CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and laundry sanitizers. The best protection is prevention!
Rank #4
Amazon Basics Disinfectant Spray, Fresh Linen Scent, Kills 99.9% of Bacteria, 19 Oz, Pack of 6
  • KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES* AND BACTERIA**: Powerful disinfectant spray eliminates harmful germs and pathogens on contact
  • CAN BE USED ON SOFT SURFACES***: Use to sanitize soft surfaces like clothing, couches, sofas,mattresses, pet beds, etc.
  • ELIMINATES ODORS: Fresh linen scent tackles unpleasant odors at the source while disinfecting
  • MULTI-PURPOSE HOUSEHOLD DISINFECTANT: Perfect for high-touch areas like light switches, doorknobs, and countertops
  • PREVENTS MOLD AND MILDEW: Inhibits mold and mildew growth on hard surfaces for up to 7 days after application
Rank #3
Sale
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Sanitizer, Morning Breeze, 19 oz, 2 Pack
  • LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria(1), including the Covid-19 virus, Hantavirus(5), Norovirus, and cold and flu(2). Perfect for any room, this Lysol spray will sanitize, disinfect, and deodorize your home.
  • DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This multipurpose spray can be used in the home and kitchen, to disinfect toys, couches, counters(3), bathrooms, and over 100 more surfaces.
  • ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This multi-purpose spray tackles germs in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, to protect loved ones from the spread of cold and flu viruses.
  • UPHOLSTERY DEODORIZER: Lysol kills 99.9% of odor causing bacteria(1) and helps kill and prevent mold and mildew. Suitable for households with pets and kids, effectively eliminate odors on fabric, with our rugs, couch, furniture, and shoe deodorizer.
  • HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and laundry sanitizers. The best protection is prevention

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

disinfectingfluHealthhome cleaninglaundry

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.