After someone in the home has had the flu, a focused cleaning routine can help reduce germs on surfaces, though no routine removes all risk. This guide follows the general approach recommended by public health agencies such as the CDC: clean first, then disinfect the surfaces people touch most. For medical questions, talk to a healthcare professional.
Short answer
Clean high-touch hard surfaces with soap and water, apply a disinfectant registered for the purpose (in the US, EPA-registered) and keep the surface wet for the contact time on the label, wash bedding and linens on the warmest setting the fabric allows, and ventilate the home. You do not need to do all of it at once or scrub everything in the house.
Safety first
- Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other acids. The combinations can release toxic gases. Do not combine bleach with rubbing alcohol either.
- Do not combine different disinfectants or cleaners. Use one product at a time and rinse between products.
- Read the label. It lists the contact time, what surfaces are suitable, and whether rinsing is needed, particularly for food-contact surfaces and kids’ items.
- Ventilate by opening windows or using a fan while you clean.
- Wear gloves, and wash your hands afterward.
- Keep children and pets away from wet surfaces and cleaning products. Some disinfectants are harmful if licked or swallowed, so do not use them on pet bowls, toys, or children’s toys that go in mouths without checking the label and rinsing.
- Do not spray disinfectants on or near people or pets.
- If someone breathes in fumes and feels unwell, move to fresh air and contact poison control or emergency services.
Clean first, then disinfect
Cleaning means removing dirt and germs with soap or detergent and water. Disinfecting uses a chemical product to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfectants work best on surfaces that have already been cleaned, because dirt can reduce their effectiveness. Wipe first, then apply the disinfectant, and let it sit wet for the time on the label. This is often several minutes, though it varies by product.
Avoid dry dusting or dry sweeping in the sick person’s room, which can stir up particles. Use damp cloths or a damp mop.
High-touch surfaces
Focus on the items most people touch:
- Doorknobs and handles, including the refrigerator
- Light switches
- Faucet handles
- Remote controls
- Phones, tablets, and keyboards (see electronics below)
- Countertops, tables, and chair backs
- Cabinet pulls
- Toys, if shared
Wear gloves, work from cleaner areas toward dirtier ones, and use disposable towels or a cloth you will wash right away.
Bathroom and kitchen
- Clean and disinfect the toilet, sink, faucet handles, and counters. Use a separate cloth for the toilet.
- Wash and dry cups and utensils the sick person used as you normally would. Dishwashers and hot, soapy water are generally effective.
- Wipe kitchen counters and food prep surfaces with soap and water, and use a food-safe sanitizer if you choose to sanitize. Rinse if the label requires it.
- Replace sponges or dishcloths used during the illness, or launder them on a hot cycle.
- Replace the toothbrush of the person who was sick when they recover, and keep toothbrushes separate while ill.
Laundry, bedding, and soft items
- Wear gloves and avoid shaking dirty laundry, which can spread particles.
- Wash sheets, pillowcases, towels, pajamas, and blankets in the warmest water setting the care label allows, then dry them completely.
- Wash plush toys the same way if the label permits; see how to clean plushies.
- Clean and dry the hamper, or use a washable liner.
- Wash your hands after handling laundry.
For pillowcases in particular, see cleaning pillowcases, and for general washing settings see tips for doing laundry. For a larger bedroom refresh, see the whole-house deep clean guide.
Electronics
Follow the device maker’s cleaning instructions. Many recommend a soft cloth slightly dampened with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe for phones, tablets, and keyboards. Do not spray liquid directly onto devices, do not let moisture get into ports, and do not use bleach. A wipe-friendly cover can make future cleaning easier.
Floors, carpets, and upholstery
- Hard floors: Mop with your usual floor cleaner. Disinfecting floors is rarely necessary unless there is a spill of bodily fluids.
- Carpet and rugs: Vacuum, and spot clean any soiled areas by following the product’s directions. For vomit on carpet, see how to clean vomit off carpet.
- Upholstery: Vacuum and spot clean (see how to spot clean upholstery); use a product labeled safe for fabrics. If a spill involved vomit or other fluid, remove solids with disposable towels, then clean with soap and water.
Air and ventilation
Opening windows and running fans for a while can increase fresh air in the home. Some sources suggest around 15 to 20 minutes at a time; there is no single required duration. Humidifiers and air filters may be useful in some homes, but they should be cleaned and maintained as the manufacturer instructs.
When to clean and when to wait
You can start cleaning high-touch surfaces during an illness, ideally with the sick person in a separate room if possible. A deeper clean of the whole house is often done when they are feeling better. If anyone in the home is still showing symptoms, keep up with wiping shared surfaces and hand washing.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or worsen, if someone has trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or a high fever that persists, or if the person is a young child, pregnant, older, or has a chronic condition. This article is not medical advice; your healthcare provider or local health authority can tell you what applies.
Frequently asked questions
What are the CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting?
The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces with soap and water first, then disinfecting high-touch surfaces with an appropriate product, following the label’s instructions on contact time and safety. Check the CDC website for current guidance.
Do I need to disinfect everything?
No. Concentrate on high-touch hard surfaces and shared items. Soft items can usually be washed.
Is vinegar a disinfectant?
Vinegar is not generally registered as a disinfectant, and it should never be mixed with bleach. Use a product labeled as a disinfectant if you want to disinfect.