Whether it’s a common cold, the flu, or even COVID-19, it’s majorly important that you thoroughly disinfect your home after you or another family member has been sick. We know that our minds have been a little foggy in the midst of all this madness, so we put together a checklist to make sure that nothing gets left behind.

The Linens

First and foremost, wash all bedding and linens! Toss sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and bath and hand towels in the wash at the hottest setting possible. Is your mini a cuddler? Make sure to throw any stuffed animals or comfort objects into the mix as well—Teddy could use a bath, too.

Tip: If your mini’s stuffed animal is fragile, throw it in a pillowcase and tie a strong knot to keep it protected while it runs through the wash.

Next Up: Clothes

Rinse and repeat! Once you’ve done the linen load, time to throw in the sick wardrobe. Remember: hottest setting possible to make sure all of those germs are burned off for good. Make sure to separate colors from whites when using hot water.

Disinfect, Disinfect, Disinfect

Trust us, all frequently touched surfaces have become home to those dreaded sick germs. Grab a pair of durable rubber gloves to protect yourself from germs as you embark on the process of disinfecting your home. According to Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Dan Allan, a bleach cleaner is the way to go: “I would definitely recommend a bleach-based cleaner. There are certain infections, like Norovirus, which are not killed by normal mechanisms.” When cleaning, be sure to avoid using reusable sponges and rags that hold onto dirt and germs—reach for single use wipes or paper towels instead.

Your targets? Doorknobs, cabinets, light switches, table tops, bathroom sinks, toilets, TV remotes, phones, computers—all those things you touch multiple times a day. Dr. Allan says that, “cell phones can have more germs than a toilet seat. It’s amazing what is on a cell phone. You definitely want to clean those routinely.” Oh and of course, all your mini’s fave toys, these can be yet another place for germs to cozy up.

Time For A New Toothbrush

These bad boys go in our mouth twice a day (hopefully) so we need to make sure it’s actually helping, not hurting. Invest in a new toothbrush or clean the current one by soaking it in a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide or running it through the dishwasher.

Reset

After this process is over, open up the windows to breathe life into your stale apartment or home, this helps to flush out old air and press the reset button on your living space. If you can, replace your furnace’s air filter as well.

Wash. Your. Hands.

We know that you know, but a friendly reminder never hurts. Get in the habit of washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Like, all the time.

Even when you aren’t sick, it doesn’t hurt to do a little spring cleaning! Especially since your home has become your office…and daycare…and favorite restaurant—let’s make sure it’s clean AF.