How to disinfect the house after someone has been sick

Colds, flus and viruses sneak into our homes and we don't even know they're there. 
  
Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Dan Allan says that once your home has been infected with a bug, you're going to want to break out gloves and bleach.  

"I would definitely recommend a bleach-based cleaner. There are certain infections, like Norovirus, which are not killed by normal mechanisms - even hand sanitizer will not work on that particular illness," he says.

Dr. Allan says that it's important to clean thoroughly after everyone in the house is healthy.  

He recommends starting with things that are frequently touched, like counters, doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls and especially cell phones.  

Pay close attention to the kitchen, not only because it's a place where many folks gather and touch things, but also because its where food and drink are being prepared. Dr. Allan says that bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces for a while, sometimes days or even weeks.  

You can also wipe down other objects that can't be easily washed and use a bleach-based cleaner, if possible.  

Dr. Allan says that one way to try to stop the spread of illness is to change our habits.

"One of the key things that's hard for people is to not touch their face. We touch our faces so many times a day, and half the time we don't even realize it. Rub your eye; rub your nose; scratch your face; lean on your hand - that is probably one of the biggest habits to prevent sickness is to stop touching your face."

Don't forget about bedsheets, hand towels and your favorite sweatshirt or PJs you wear when sick. That all needs to be washed in hot water. Your toothbrush can also get soaked in hydrogen peroxide for about 30 minutes. And some experts even suggest disinfecting the washing machine, too, with a hot water bleach cycle.