How do you clean a house from viruses?

Follow two steps. First, clean surfaces with soap and water to remove dirt and organic matter. Second, apply an approved disinfectant and let it sit for the label’s contact time to effectively kill germs.

How do you eliminate viruses at home?

Combine daily ventilation to disperse airborne particles, regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and rigorous textile hygiene by washing clothes and linens at temperatures that inactivate germs.

How long can a virus survive at home?

Survival varies by virus and surface. Flu viruses can last 24–48 hours on hard surfaces like metal or plastic but much less on porous fabrics. Regular disinfection is your best defense.

How to Get Rid of Viruses at Home: Cleaning & Disinfection Guide

Person wearing gloves disinfecting a door handle with a spray and cloth

When someone at home comes down with a cold or flu, your house can quickly turn into a hotspot for transmission. Viruses spread through the air and settle on surfaces, waiting for their next host. With the right cleaning and disinfection strategy, you can break the chain of infection. Knowing how to get rid of viruses at home is essential to protect your family’s health.

This guide explains the three pillars for a low-risk home: ventilation, surface disinfection, and textile hygiene. Let’s build a healthier environment.

The 3 Pillars of a Virus-Safer Home

Target these three areas for an effective plan of attack.

1) Ventilation: Fresh Air Is Your Best Ally

Respiratory viruses (like flu) travel in tiny droplets we expel when coughing, sneezing, or talking. In closed rooms, these particles can linger. The fix is simple—and free:

Open windows daily: Air out every room for at least 10–15 minutes—even in winter—to renew air and disperse accumulated germs.
Create cross-ventilation: If possible, open windows on opposite sides of the home for more effective airflow.

2) Cleaning vs. Disinfection: They’re Not the Same

Cleaning with soap and water removes dirt and lowers the number of germs. Disinfection uses chemicals to kill remaining germs. Do both:

First, clean: Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove dust and grime.
Then, disinfect: Apply a suitable disinfectant. Use wipes, a commercial spray, or a diluted bleach solution (4 teaspoons bleach per liter of water) on non-porous surfaces. Respect the product’s contact time before drying.

3) Textile Hygiene: Clothes and Bedding Are Key

Clothing, towels, and especially bedding can harbor viruses for hours. Handling laundry properly is essential when someone is ill.

Professional cleaner wearing rubber gloves wiping a floor with a cleaning cloth

What to Disinfect—and How

With the principles in mind, focus on the highest-risk zones.

High-Touch Surfaces

Disinfect daily if someone is sick:

Doorknobs and light switches
Remote controls, smartphones, keyboards
Bathroom and kitchen faucets
Cabinet pulls, fridge, microwave
Tables and countertops

Bathroom and Kitchen

Give special attention to the toilet, sink, and shower. In the kitchen, focus on counters, the sink, and any food prep surfaces.

Laundry During Illness

When illness hits, your washer becomes a public-health tool. It’s vital to know how to disinfect clothes in the washing machine to cut transmission. If possible, handle the sick person’s laundry with gloves and wash separately at the highest temperature the label allows—ideally above 60°C/140°F.

Solid overall hygiene also helps keep other problems at bay, like humidity mites, which can affect respiratory health too.

Home Disinfection FAQ

How can I eliminate the flu virus at home?

Ventilate daily, disinfect high-touch surfaces with alcohol-based or diluted bleach products, and wash bedding and towels on hot cycles.

How do I clean a house from viruses?

Clean first (soap and water), then disinfect with an approved product, respecting the contact time.

How do I eliminate a virus at home?

Combine ventilation, surface disinfection, and proper textile hygiene at suitable temperatures.

How long does a virus last at home?

It depends on the virus and the surface. Flu can persist 24–48 hours on hard, non-porous materials and less on fabrics—regular disinfection is key.

By applying these simple habits regularly—especially during cold and flu season—you’ll turn your home into a fortress against viruses.

Need Professional-Level Textile Disinfection?

Washing sheets, duvets, and large loads at high temperatures at home can be tricky and expensive. At LaColada Self-Service Laundry Ponferrada, our industrial washers reach the temperatures required for effective disinfection, and our large-capacity dryers ensure everything is perfectly dry—eliminating any trace of germs. Your family’s health starts with impeccable laundry.

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