03/09/2020
WHAT TO CLEAN WHEN KIDS GET SICK
🧹Sickness in the form of influenza made its way . While sometimes it seems pretty much impossible to stop, I thought I’d share a couple things that I do as soon as possible when someone gets sick in our house.
🧹Please Note: I am not talking about the sniffles or a little cold, I am talking fever, stomach flu, viruses, influenza, etc. I hope it goes without saying that I take care of my children before doing the things on this list. Usually I complete these when said sick child is sleeping or on the couch watching a movie. I believe that a whole foods diet with plenty of hydration and rest is the best way to keep your immune system strong, but sometimes you still get sick.
🧹 Open a window
Even if it’s just to crack open for 15 minutes, it’s so important to get fresh air in the house. Last week when I was feeling better I opened a window, threw the bedding in the washer and gathered up towels. When I switched the bedding to the dryer I closed the window.
🧹Change hand towels. Continue to change hand towels daily ( I do this as part of my routine, especially during cold and flu season)
🧹Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Remind kiddos about the importance of hand washing – 30 seconds, sing happy birthday, wash past the wrist, etc. Practice what you preach and wash your hands frequently too.
🧹Contain the tissues. Give kids a small paper or plastic bag (ages 4+ only for safety) for tissues – keep on the couch or wherever they are camped out so tissues aren’t strewn all over.
🧹Clean the bathrooms. If you only have a couple minutes, wipe down the sink handles and toilets. Here’s HOW I CLEAN ALL MY BATHROOMS IN 15 MINUTES – a great method anytime but especially effective when everyone comes down with something. When everyone is well, do a thorough cleaning of the bathrooms.
🧹Wipe down most-touched surfaces. Use a cleaning cloth or cotton pad with rubbing alcohol or a cleaning wipe, cleaning vinegar, and wipe ANY REMOTES, PHONES, GAME CONTROLLERS, switches and switch plates, door handles, and the refrigerator handle. Change frequently as you’re cleaning, don’t use the same wipe.
🧹Wash bedding. I usually change pillowcases while the kids are sick and leave the actual bedding until the sick child(ren) is/are better. Don’t forget to WASH PILLOWS, COMFORTERS, quilts, and throw blankets on the couch too.
🧹Clean toothbrushes. Soak toothbrushes in HYDROGEN PEROXIDE for 15-30 minutes and rinse thoroughly in water. Replace toothbrushes when illness is over, especially if there’s strep throat involved.
