One of the worst parts of feeling under the weather is that you don’t have the energy for everyday chores. When you’re sick, however, the last thing you want to do is let germs linger on household surfaces. Is it realistic to clean while sick?
Is It Realistic to Clean While Sick?
We’ve all been there: You wake up with a headache, a stuffy nose, stomach pains, or another common malady. You’re tired and achy, and the last thing you want to do is scrub, vacuum, wipe, and wash. While you can let a few things go, it’s best for your health and the health of your family to try and stay on top of some of those chores. Why?
Germs Can Linger and Spread
If one person in a household is sick, everyone is at risk. Viruses and bacteria that make us ill are most commonly spread via transmission on household surfaces. Without a little cleaning, the high-traffic areas in your home can accidentally become germ hot zones! Think about the places in your home that people use often, such as the kitchen or the bathroom, as well as inside your vehicle. The flu and other illnesses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. If you clean while sick, you can knock those germs out before they spread.
A Dirty House Can Make You Sicker
Nobody likes to clean while sick, but nobody likes to live in a dirty house either. There’s a real health risk in neglecting to clean your living space for too long. That sink full of dirty dishes isn’t just gross – it’s also a breeding ground for food poisoning. Dust mites and mold can also trigger allergic reactions and make you sicker. A dirty home is even bad for your mental health. Living in a mess can lead to feelings of depression, shame, and anxiety. Even if it’s tough to get things done, you’ll be happier and healthier if you’re recovering from your illness in a clean space.
Tips for Cleaning When You’re Sick
Cleaning while sick isn’t ideal, but you can make it manageable with a little planning. With the right tools and the right mindset, you can keep things clean enough until you recover.
Be Kind to Yourself
If your goal is to clean while sick, remember that you will not be cleaning up to your usual sparkling standards, and that’s okay! Remind yourself that your illness is temporary, and your goal right now is just to get your living space as sanitary as possible. Try cleaning in five-minute bursts spread throughout your day, and see what you manage to get done. Don’t force yourself to do more than you feel capable of, and don’t judge yourself harshly. Celebrate any progress and stay positive!
Focus on Essential Tasks
Since your goal is to maximize your impact and minimize your effort, focus on the areas where germs are most likely to be. The bathroom and the kitchen are often ground zero for germs, so putting your effort into cleaning frequently touched surfaces in those rooms will pay off. Likewise, laundry and linens can be hiding places for germs, so change them frequently and wash them in hot water. Toss out garbage as well, to get rid of germs and prevent flies and other pests. Finally, quickly clean other surfaces that you touch frequently, like doorknobs and remote controls.
If you have any energy left after that, you can tackle other items on your to-do list, but don’t overexert yourself.
Quickly Clean and Disinfect with SafeSpace
When you’re sick, simply cleaning a space often isn’t enough. While soapy water can clean a surface, your goal should be to disinfect that surface, or kill any lingering germs completely. If you’re attempting to do this while sick, we recommend a product that will be as effective and easy to use as possible. Our SafeSpace Disinfecting and Deodorizing Misting System is the right tool for the job. It kills 99.9 percent of household germs, and one 16.5-ounce can treats approximately 1,200 square feet, which is about the size of an average home. It comes with an Easy Misting Handle that attaches to the top of the can, allowing you to lightly squeeze the full-grip handle to release the mist. This handle is comfortable for all users, even those with arthritis or grip issues, and you don’t need to wipe the area after application.
The D&D Misting System is a simple, quick, and foolproof way to make sure germs don’t stick around. However, keep in mind that it should not be used in place of cleaning. Apply it after cleaning – it’s the perfect way to finish your cleaning routine.
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Is it realistic to clean while sick? With the right tools, absolutely! Check out SafeSpace’s new D&D Misting System to disinfect quickly and easily so that you can get back to recuperating.
The SafeSpace Company is a family-owned small business proudly selling American-made products to keep your family safe and healthy. For more information about SafeSpace, visit our website or contact us online.
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