I don't know where to post this for the 'swears by' info.
Anyway Dettol Disinfectant spray, amazing for reducing the risk of colds in your home. Not just for kids but old people as well. All the family. I spray it like an air freshner as well as on surfaces and light/lamp shades.
It really works, as soon as someone sneezes or has a cold, I spray it around the house and if it kills the germs, no-one can breathe them in.
It can cost between £2-3 in the supermarket, but sometimes it can be on offer for half-price, or if you are really lucky, you might pick it up in a 99p/£1 shop. It is in a METAL CAN, so don't get it mixed up with the other Dettol products in the PLASTIC bottles/sprays. It lasts for ages as well.