Cleaning after COVID

[anotherguiltymum]

DC and their partner have been isolating at my elderly parents with COVID. My DPs are currently away, although they'll be back soon. When DC moves out (no crossover) how much cleaning/sanitising should they do?

DC and partner had mild symptoms, so not sneezing, coughing or spluttering everywhere. They are now testing negative on LFTs so presumably lower viral load.

I've said open windows to ventilate, wipe surfaces especially switches and handles. Stick feeding and towels in the wash. Dishwasher for all utensils. Take rubbish and clean bathrooms.

I know fomite spread is not thought to be a major factor anymore and DPs are doubly vaccinated. Does that sound reasonable?

I think that sounds fine

I'd not do anything special to be honest. Just a regular clean up.

Ideally leave 3 days be the end of their isolation /them leaving and your parents returning home. Then any virus that is missed will be dead.

My son had Covid. We didn't change anything about our cleaning routine or anything and none of the rest of us caught it. So I would say what they are proposing is fine.

Ideally three days between them leaving and your parents coming back would best. Spraying zoflora works after about fifteen mins but the best thing is something like ‘cert’. If you can’t get that then bleach worktops and bathrooms and all high touch areas like switches, door handles, shower levers, etc. Lots of soapy water (before the disinfecting), wash all towels and bedding at 60 degrees, put everything in the dishwasher.. I think that’s all you can do.

I clean after covid for a living so pretty sure this covers everything. Haven’t caught it yet!

Or just chill out a bit...

Ventilate all rooms for a good while once they’ve gone

Disinfect all surfaces, door handles, cupboard handles, bannister etc

Dishwasher everything that can go in it on a hot wash

Leave windows open once they leave if possible.

Brilliant thanks for all your comments.

I would be chilled if they were in my home- but we're all so grateful that mum and dad let them stay there ( near to DC's uni town), we just want to do all we can in return.

They're both well, out of quarantine and LFT negative now, so ventilating, cleaning and heading off.