15 Areas You Didn’t Know You MUST Clean After Someone Gets The Flu

darren - March 3, 2026

Flu viruses can survive on hard, nonporous surfaces for up to 48 hours, making it crucial to clean and disinfect areas that are frequently touched. (healthline.com) By focusing on these often-overlooked spots, you can effectively reduce the risk of reinfection and protect the health of everyone in your household.

1. Light Switches — Image Source: Pexels.

Light switches are high-touch points frequently overlooked. Studies reveal that viruses can survive on plastic and metal for hours to days. When someone is sick, every time they flip a switch, germs are transferred. Disinfect these surfaces with EPA-approved cleaners to minimize flu transmission. (stacks.cdc.gov)

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2. Remote Controls

Remotes are handled constantly, especially when someone is bedridden. Buttons, crevices, and plastic casings can harbor contagious droplets and skin oils. Clean remotes using antibacterial wipes or alcohol-based cleaners and let them air dry. Research highlights remotes as one of the dirtiest items in homes and hospitals. (goodhousekeeping.com)

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3. Door Handles and Knobs

Handles and knobs are constantly touched throughout the day, making them prime locations for germ spread. Metal and plastic surfaces can retain flu viruses, so scrub and disinfect all door hardware—especially bathroom and bedroom doors. (healthline.com)

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4. Bedding and Pillowcases

Sweat, saliva, and nasal secretions can contaminate sheets and pillowcases, turning bedding into reservoirs for flu germs. Launder these items in hot water with detergent and dry thoroughly, as heat kills most viruses. Studies suggest virus particles can persist on fabrics for up to 8-12 hours. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

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5. Toothbrush Holders

Toothbrush holders often have hidden residue and moisture, perfect for harboring bacteria and viruses. Wash with hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher if possible. This prevents reintroducing the flu or spreading it to others. See guidance from the American Dental Association.

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6. Phones and Tablets

Phones and tablets are extensions of our hands, and when someone is sick, germs move easily to screens and cases. These items are often touched then placed near the face, facilitating virus transmission. Use electronics-safe disinfecting wipes and avoid excessive moisture. (healthline.com)

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7. Bathroom Faucets and Handles

Faucet handles are touched before and after hand washing. If not cleaned, they can recontaminate clean hands. Wipe all faucet handles with a disinfecting solution daily during and after illness. (healthline.com)

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8. Toilet Flush Levers

Flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces like flush levers for up to 48 hours. Use disinfectant spray or wipes on the toilet handle, as it often comes into contact with unwashed hands. (healthline.com)

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9. Refrigerator Handles

The kitchen can be a contamination zone, especially fridge handles touched throughout the day. Clean these surfaces daily during illness with antibacterial sprays or wipes, as cold temperatures do not kill flu viruses. (fda.gov)

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10. TV and Game Console Controllers

Controllers are shared in multi-person households and rarely cleaned. Sweat, respiratory droplets, and hand oils accumulate on their textured surfaces, enabling virus survival. Disinfect with wipes safe for electronics and avoid letting sick individuals use communal devices until soon after recovery. (cleaninginstitute.org)

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11. Bedside Tables and Alarm Clocks

Water glasses, tissues, and personal items rest on nightstands, making them magnets for droplets and hand contact. Dust surfaces and wipe with disinfectant, paying close attention to buttons or clock faces. (marthastewart.com)

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12. Shared Computer Keyboards and Mouse

Keyboards and mouse devices collect germs from coughs, sneezes, and unwashed hands. Use compressed air to dislodge debris and clean with alcohol-based wipes. Shared computers in homes or workplaces are frequent sources of cross-infection. (oswego.edu)

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13. Sink Drain Stoppers

Drain stoppers, particularly in the bathroom, touch mucus and saliva when rinsing and brushing teeth. Wash these with hot, soapy water periodically and disinfect with bleach solutions. (thisoldhouse.com)

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14. Couch Arms and Throw Pillows

Soft surfaces like couch arms and throw pillows can harbor germs through touching, coughing, and sneezing. Wash removable pillow covers and vacuum fabric surfaces, then use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray. Studies show viruses may persist on soft furnishings for hours. (marthastewart.com)

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15. Car Steering Wheel and Gear Shift

After errands or drives during illness, germs can hitch a ride on car interiors. Steering wheels, gear shifts, and radio buttons are constantly touched but rarely disinfected. Clean these with disinfectant wipes safe for vehicle surfaces to reduce flu spread. (wrtv.com)

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Conclusion

Comprehensive cleaning after illness is essential to prevent the spread of the flu. Viruses can survive on various surfaces for extended periods, making it crucial to disinfect frequently touched areas. By paying attention to detail and following best practices, such as regular handwashing and using appropriate disinfectants, we can significantly reduce the risk of transmission and protect ourselves and others from illness. (cdc.gov)

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Medical Disclaimer

This article provides general cleaning tips for reducing flu spread. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for specific medical questions. (health.harvard.edu)

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