How to Clean After Gastro?

Cleaning effectively after a bout of gastroenteritis (gastro) is essential to prevent the spread of infection. The key to proper cleaning is thoroughness and using the right approach. Here's a guide:

Cleaning Process

According to the provided reference, cleaning with water and detergent is usually sufficient to handle most gastro-related messes. This means that you don't necessarily need harsh chemicals. The goal is to remove the virus or bacteria causing the illness from surfaces.

Here is a step-by-step process to follow:

• Prepare: Gather your supplies. You will need:

  • Warm water
  • Dish soap or other household detergent
  • Clean cloths or sponges
  • A bucket or basin for the soapy water
  • Paper towels
  • Gloves (optional, but recommended)

• Initial Cleanup: If there are any visible spills (vomit or diarrhea), use paper towels to absorb the bulk of the mess immediately. Be sure to dispose of these paper towels in a plastic bag that is then sealed.

• Wash Surfaces:

  • Wash all surfaces and objects soiled or possibly soiled with soapy water. Pay close attention to:
    • Bathroom surfaces (toilet, sink, floor)
    • Kitchen surfaces (counters, tables, refrigerator door handles)
    • Doorknobs and light switches
    • Toys and other items touched by the sick person
  • Use a sponge or cloth soaked in the soapy water to scrub each surface.

• Rinse Thoroughly: After washing, rinse all surfaces with clean water to remove any soap residue. You can use a clean, damp cloth or sponge for this.

• Dry Completely: Allow surfaces to air dry, or use a clean, dry cloth or paper towels to thoroughly dry them. Moisture can allow bacteria or viruses to thrive.

• Laundry: Wash any soiled clothing, bedding, or towels in hot water and detergent. If possible, use a dryer on a high setting to further sanitize them.

• Hand Hygiene: As a final, and crucial step, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Key Tips:

• Act Quickly: The faster you clean up after an incident, the lower the risk of the virus or bacteria spreading.
• Be Thorough: Do not skip any areas that might be contaminated. Pay extra attention to high-touch areas.
• Don't Reuse Cloths: If using cloth for cleaning, use a fresh cloth for each surface and wash used cloths in hot water immediately. Paper towels are ideal for very contaminated areas.
• Ventilate: After cleaning, open windows to ensure proper ventilation of the room.

Importance of Cleaning After Gastro

Thorough cleaning after a gastro illness helps to:

• Prevent further spread of the infection to other household members.
• Reduce the risk of reinfection for the person who was ill.
• Maintain a clean and healthy home environment.