Top Tips To Make Your Bathroom Flu-Proof This Winter

When the flu strikes, remember that germs can survive on surfaces for 2 to 8 hours and spread to other family members. To keep illness (and sick days) at bay, high-traffic areas like the bathroom need a solid, flu-proof cleaning strategy.

Opt for disposable cleaning products: On cleaning day, swap the sponge and cleaning rags for disposable paper towels. Otherwise, you’ll end up pushing germs around on the surface.

Read the label: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cleaners that contain the following ingredients kill the flu: chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors and alcohol.

Keep disinfectant wipes handy: A few times a day, give frequently touched bathroom surfaces a quick rubdown with disinfectant wipes: toilet flush handles, faucets, sinks, doorknobs and light switches. As the disinfectant dries, it will have an opportunity to kill any germs that were deposited on these surfaces.

Swap out the towels: If possible, avoid sharing hand towels. On laundry day, use the hot water cycle. Water that’s above 167 degrees Fahrenheit kills the flu. Always wash hands after handling a sick family member's laundry.

Keep it humid: A humidifier can do more than bring physical relief to flu sufferers. Germs are less likely to survive in humid environments. During your shower, consider leaving the fan off or switch it off early.

Wash hands: Work that soap into a good lather, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. (To make sure you’re washing long enough, sing the ABC song.)

During flu season, a motion-activated, touch-free soap dispenser can help you make a clean getaway every time you wash your hands. Constructed from rust-proof stainless steel, the TOUCHLESS Soap Dispenser from Better Living is an attractive and practical addition to any bathroom vanity.