How to Naturally Disinfect Your Home After Sickness: Safe & Effective Tips

Table of Contents hide

This post contains affiliate links. You can read our full disclosure here.

1. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces

2. Launder Bedding and Linens

3. Clean and Sanitize the Bathroom

4. Change Out Toothbrushes

5. Clean the Air with Essential Oils

6. Wipe Down Electronics with Care

7. Disinfect Floors with a Natural Mop Solution

8. Freshen the Air and Prevent Future Illness

9. Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Conclusion

Other Posts You Might Enjoy from The Organic Beehive

Pin It For Later

This post contains affiliate links. You can read our full disclosure here.

When someone in your home is sick, whether it’s with the flu, a cold, or a stomach bug, it’s important to take steps to disinfect your living space. Viruses and bacteria can linger on surfaces, making it easier for others in the household to catch the illness. Fortunately, you don’t need harsh chemicals to effectively disinfect your home. Natural cleaning solutions can do the job just as well while keeping your home safe, healthy, and toxin-free.

This month my family and I were plagued with the flu. Add a planned event involving out-of-town visitors and we had no choice but to keep these plans. So, when I was feeling functional enough, I used two days before the guests’ arrival to disinfect our house.

I’m happy to report that NO ONE got sick.

Here’s a simple guide to how I naturally disinfected my home after sickness to help prevent the spread of germs.

1. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces

When disinfecting after an illness, it’s important to target high-touch areas. These are places where germs are most likely to be transferred from one person to another. Common high-touch areas include:

Doorknobs
Light switches
Remote controls
Faucet handles
Phones and tablets
Countertops

Natural disinfecting tip: Use a mixture of white vinegar and water (equal parts) in a spray bottle. Vinegar has natural antibacterial properties and will help sanitize surfaces without any harsh chemicals. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil, both of which have antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

2. Launder Bedding and Linens

Your bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and towels can harbor germs, especially after an illness. Washing these items in hot water will help kill bacteria and viruses, preventing them from lingering and potentially causing further spread.

Natural disinfecting tip: Wash bedding in the hottest water setting that the fabric can handle (at least 130°F or 54°C). Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash to boost disinfecting power and help remove any lingering odors.

Why it works: Hot water kills most germs, and vinegar is known for its ability to break down dirt and bacteria.

3. Clean and Sanitize the Bathroom

Bathrooms are often a hotspot for germs, especially after someone has been sick. The toilet, sink, and shower can harbor bacteria and viruses, so it’s crucial to disinfect them thoroughly.

4. Change Out Toothbrushes

While many people focus on cleaning surfaces after a sickness, one often-overlooked item is your toothbrush. Germs can live on toothbrushes, and using a contaminated brush may lead to reinfection or transmission of the virus to others. Bacteria and viruses can linger on toothbrushes for days after illness. For this reason, it’s important to replace toothbrushes after you or someone in your household has been sick.

After recovering from illness, discard any toothbrushes that were used during the sickness period.
If you prefer to sanitize rather than replace, you can soak the brush in a hydrogen peroxide solution for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly before use.
Consider storing toothbrushes in a dry, ventilated area to prevent bacteria buildup in the future.

5. Clean the Air with Essential Oils

After sickness, it’s a good idea to refresh the air in your home to kill any lingering germs and improve indoor air quality. Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, lemon, and lavender, have antimicrobial properties and can help purify the air.

Natural disinfecting tip: Use a diffuser to disperse essential oils like eucalyptus, which has been shown to have antiviral properties, or tea tree oil. You can also make a natural room spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.

Truth be told, I’m not a huge essential oil user, but I do feel safe to use them through a diffuser.

Why it works: Essential oils have been proven to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

6. Wipe Down Electronics with Care

Electronics like phones, tablets, and remote controls can harbor germs, especially when we are sick and tend to touch these devices frequently. However, cleaning electronics requires extra care since harsh chemicals can damage screens and internal components.

Natural disinfecting tip: Dampen a microfiber cloth with a solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol (use 70% isopropyl alcohol or higher). Gently wipe down the surfaces of your devices, including screens and buttons. Alcohol kills viruses and bacteria while drying quickly, leaving no residue behind.

Why it works: Isopropyl alcohol is highly effective at killing viruses and bacteria on surfaces.

7. Disinfect Floors with a Natural Mop Solution

Germs can linger on the floors, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and hallways. Using a natural mop solution will help ensure that your floors are disinfected without introducing harmful chemicals.

Natural disinfecting tip: Mix one gallon of warm water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar and a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or tea tree oil). Use this mixture to mop your floors. The vinegar acts as a disinfectant, while the essential oils add extra antimicrobial power.

Why it works: Vinegar has natural disinfecting properties, and research supports its ability to kill common household bacteria and viruses. Combining it with essential oils enhances its effectiveness while leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.

8. Freshen the Air and Prevent Future Illness

After a bout of sickness, it’s important to help boost your immunity and maintain a healthy environment. Fresh air, regular cleaning, and preventive measures can make a big difference.

Natural disinfecting tip: Open the windows whenever possible to allow fresh air to circulate. You can also add houseplants, which help purify the air. Plants like aloe vera, peace lilies, and spider plants naturally absorb toxins and can help create a healthier indoor atmosphere.

Why it works: Fresh air can help reduce the concentration of airborne viruses and bacteria in your home.

9. Boost Your Immune System Naturally

While disinfecting your home is essential, it’s equally important to support your immune system, especially after a period of sickness. Consuming immune-boosting foods, such as citrus fruits, garlic, and ginger, can help your body recover and stay strong.

Natural disinfecting tip: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas (like ginger or chamomile), and eat foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, bell peppers, and leafy greens. These nutrients can help strengthen your immune system and keep future illnesses at bay.

Conclusion

After someone in your household has been sick, it’s essential to disinfect your home to prevent the spread of germs and help everyone recover faster. Using natural disinfectants like vinegar, essential oils, and baking soda can effectively clean your home without relying on harmful chemicals. By focusing on high-touch surfaces, washing bedding, and using natural air purifiers, you can create a healthier environment for you and your loved ones as you move forward.

Taking a few simple steps can ensure your home remains safe, fresh, and clean while supporting both physical and emotional well-being after illness.