How to Clean the Sick Room

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Caring for Someone Sick at Home

December 5, 2009, 6:00 AM ET

You'll want to clean the sick room each day.

Follow these tips:

Cleaning Hard Surfaces

• Clean surfaces that may have flu germs on them. These may include doorknobs, bedside tables, bathroom sinks, toilets, counters, phones, and toys.
• Clean these hard surfaces by using water and dish soap. Or use common household cleaners that kill germs.

Cleaning Bed Linens and Laundry

• Wash bed sheets and towels with normal laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot dryer setting. Hold all dirty laundry away from your face and body. Wash your hands right after touching dirty laundry.
• It's OK to wash the sick person's bedding or clothes with other people's laundry.

Cleaning Dishes

• Wash the sick person's dishes with normal dish soap or place in the dishwasher.