How to Properly Clean and Disinfect Your Home After Being Sick: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’ve recovered from the flu, a cold, COVID-19, or a stomach bug, one essential step in protecting your family’s health is thoroughly cleaning your home after illness. Viruses and bacteria can linger on surfaces for hours—or even days—putting others at risk of infection. Knowing what to clean, how to disinfect properly, and which areas to prioritize can make a big difference in stopping the spread of germs.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning your home after being sick, from what products to use to which high-touch surfaces need the most attention.

Why Cleaning After Illness Is So Important

When you’re sick, your body sheds viruses or bacteria through coughing, sneezing, sweating, and even touching objects. Many pathogens can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, remote controls, and countertops for several days. If others touch those surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected.

Proper cleaning and disinfecting not only protect other household members but also reduce your chances of catching the illness again.

What’s the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting?

Before jumping in, it’s important to understand the difference:

Cleaning removes dirt, dust, and germs from surfaces using soap or detergent and water.
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces using chemical agents like bleach or EPA-registered disinfectants.

Pro tip: Always clean surfaces before you disinfect. Dirt and residue can reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants.

What to Clean After Being Sick: A Room-by-Room Checklist

Bedroom

If you’ve spent most of your recovery time in bed, your bedroom will need thorough attention.

Bedding: Wash sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers in hot water (at least 130°F/54°C) and dry on high heat.
Pillows: If machine washable, clean them according to manufacturer instructions. If not, sanitize with a disinfectant spray or let them air out in sunlight.
Nightstand: Wipe down with disinfecting wipes or a diluted bleach solution.
Light switches and doorknobs: Clean and disinfect thoroughly.

Bathroom

The bathroom is a high-risk area for germs, especially if you’ve had a stomach bug or respiratory illness.

Toilet: Use a disinfectant cleaner inside the bowl and on all outer surfaces, including the handle.
Sink and faucets: Disinfect with an antibacterial cleaner or bleach solution.
Shower and tub: Clean normally, but pay extra attention to any shared items like shampoo bottles or razors.
Toothbrushes: Replace your toothbrush or sanitize it in a hydrogen peroxide solution.
Towels and bath mats: Wash in hot water and dry on high heat.

Kitchen

While food is usually not a primary route of infection, kitchen surfaces can harbor germs if you’ve been eating or drinking while sick.

Countertops: Wipe with soapy water, then disinfect with a food-safe cleaner or diluted bleach.
Dishes and utensils: Wash with hot water and dish soap or use a dishwasher on the sanitizing cycle.
Appliance handles: Clean fridge, microwave, oven, and cabinet handles.
Trash cans: Disinfect lids and interior surfaces.

Living Room

Common areas where you’ve rested or interacted with others can be breeding grounds for germs.

Remote controls, game controllers: Wipe with alcohol-based disinfectant wipes.
Coffee tables, side tables: Clean and then disinfect.
Blankets and throw pillows: Wash if possible, or disinfect with sprays and let air out.
Upholstered furniture: Use fabric-safe disinfectant sprays and vacuum thoroughly.

Electronics and Devices

Phones, tablets, and laptops are notorious for harboring bacteria.

Phones and tablets: Use alcohol-based wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) or sprays designed for electronics.
Keyboards and mice: Unplug and clean with a soft cloth dampened with disinfectant.
TV remotes and light switches: Don’t forget these high-touch items—disinfect thoroughly.

Cleaning Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a basic cleaning supply list to sanitize your home effectively:

Disposable gloves (or reusable ones washed after use)
Microfiber cloths
Disinfectant wipes or sprays (EPA-approved)
Bleach or hydrogen peroxide
Bucket and mop
Laundry detergent
Trash bags

Natural Cleaning Alternatives

If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals, some natural products can still be effective:

White vinegar: Good for general cleaning, though not a disinfectant on its own.
Hydrogen peroxide (3%): An effective disinfectant for surfaces and toothbrushes.
Tea tree oil: Has antibacterial and antiviral properties, but test on surfaces first.

Note: Natural solutions may not be as effective as chemical disinfectants, especially against viruses like norovirus or influenza.

When to Clean After Illness

Timing matters. Here’s when you should clean:

During illness: Regularly clean high-touch surfaces like bathroom fixtures, light switches, and remotes.
Immediately after recovery: Do a full home clean and disinfect session.
One week later: Do a follow-up clean, especially for shared spaces.

How to Dispose of Contaminated Items

Tissues and masks: Throw away used tissues and disposable masks in a lined trash bin. Wash hands immediately after.
Gloves: Remove without touching the outside and dispose of safely.
Cleaning cloths: Wash reusable cloths on hot after each use or use disposable wipes.

Laundry Tips

Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
Dry thoroughly on high heat.
Don’t overload the washer—give items room to agitate.
Disinfect the washing machine by running a hot cycle with bleach once you’re done.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from illness is just the first step; ensuring your home is clean and germ-free is equally important. A thorough post-illness cleaning routine can protect your household, minimize the spread of germs, and give you peace of mind.

By following these cleaning tips and focusing on high-touch areas, you can create a safer, healthier environment for yourself and your loved ones. Stay well—and don’t forget to wash your hands!