5 Household Items You Should Clean First After Having a Cold
Catching a cold is never pleasant, but proper cleaning and disinfecting of household items can help prevent the spread of germs and protect the health of your family and loved ones. After recovering from a cold, it’s essential to prioritize cleaning specific items that come into frequent contact with hands and respiratory secretions. To help you stay healthy and germ-free, here are five household items you should clean first:
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Bedding and Linens
During illness, we spend a significant amount of time in bed, and bacteria and viruses can easily linger on bedding and linens. Start by washing your pillows, pillowcases, sheets, and blankets on a hot water cycle. This will help eliminate any residual germs and ensure a fresh and clean sleep environment.
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Personal Care Items
When you’re sick, personal care items like toothbrushes, combs, and hairbrushes are often overlooked. These items can harbor lingering germs, so it’s crucial to clean or replace them after a cold. Consider soaking your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash or boiling it for a few minutes to kill any remaining bacteria. Replace combs and hairbrushes or clean them thoroughly with warm soapy water.
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Kitchen Utensils
During a cold, we frequently use kitchen utensils and dishes. Ensure proper cleaning and sanitization of utensils such as spoons, forks, and knives, as well as plates, glasses, and bowls. Always wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water, and consider running them through a dishwasher cycle for an extra dose of hot water and heat-based disinfection.
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Electronic Devices
Our electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and remote controls, travel with us everywhere, including to bed when we are sick. These devices can harbor a vast number of germs. Use an alcohol-based disinfectant wipe to clean your electronic devices, paying special attention to touch screens, buttons, and surfaces touched frequently.
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Doorknobs and Light Switches
Doorknobs and light switches are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in our homes. Therefore, they are prime candidates for harboring bacteria and viruses. Wipe down all doorknobs, handles, and light switches using disinfectant wipes or a cloth soaked in a solution of water and household disinfectant. Regularly cleaning these high-touch areas is an effective way to minimize the spread of germs within your home.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after cleaning.
- Use disinfectants recommended by health authorities to ensure efficacy against common germs.
- Remember to clean other surfaces throughout your home, from countertops to remote controls, to maintain a healthy and germ-free environment.
Note: If your symptoms were severe or if you have a weakened immune system, consider seeking professional cleaning services to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning process.
When recovering from a cold, it’s essential to keep surfaces and household items clean to prevent re-infection. Below is a list of five items that should immediately be cleaned when recovering from a cold.
1. Toothbrush: Viruses can linger on toothbrushes long after a cold has subsided. It’s imperative to dispose of an old toothbrush and pick up a new one once you’ve recovered to prevent the virus from being reintroduced.
2. Linens: It’s likely you were taking care of yourself in bed while recovering from your cold, using sheets, pillowcases, and other linens. These items should be washed in hot water to kill any virus that may have come into contact with them.
3. Eating Utensils: Eating utensils come in contact with your mouth, transferring cold-forming viruses from your body. Wash all utensils thoroughly with hot, soapy water to eradicate any organism that may be lingering on them.
4. Remote Controls: Remote controls are used throughout the day and they are a hot spot for picking up viruses. Using a t-shirt or cloth, spray rubbing alcohol on the remote to disinfect it from germs.
5. Kitchen Counters: Kitchen counters are a common touchpoint for those recovering from a cold. Use a disinfectant to wipe down countertops to prevent re-infection.
It is important to stay hygienic when recovering from a cold to ensure full recovery and prevent further spreading. Make sure to follow this list and clean these items immediately after recovering from a cold.
🔍 Medical Disclaimer
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.
Last Reviewed: May 2026 by Dr. Sarah Mitchell (Medical Board)