What to Clean When Kids Get Sick? When kids get sick, it’s important to clean and disinfect various surfaces and items to prevent the spread of illness.

Here’s a checklist of what to clean:

1. Bedding: Wash bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and stuffed animals, in hot water and dry them on high heat.
2. Clothing: Launder clothes worn by the sick child, especially those contaminated with bodily fluids, using hot water and detergent.
3. Toys: Disinfect toys that the sick child has been in contact with using a mild detergent or a disinfectant solution appropriate for the material. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
4. Surfaces: Wipe down frequently-touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and tabletops with a disinfectant cleaner or a solution of bleach diluted in water.
5. Electronic devices: Clean and disinfect electronic devices like tablets, phones, remote controls, and gaming controllers using disinfectant wipes or alcohol wipes.
6. High-touch areas: Don’t forget to clean other high-touch areas such as stair rails, toilet handles, faucets, and cabinet handles.
7. Bathroom: Disinfect the bathroom thoroughly, including the toilet, sink, and bathtub/shower surfaces.
8. Personal hygiene items: Replace toothbrushes, washcloths, and towels used by the sick child to prevent the spread of germs.
9. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the house.
10. Trash: Dispose of used tissues, wipes, and other disposable items in a lined trash can, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
11. Air purification: Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help remove airborne germs and allergens from the indoor environment.