How To Disinfect During a GI Bug
Gastrointestinal (GI) viruses, such as norovirus, are highly contagious infections that can spread rapidly in households, particularly among young children. Symptoms typically include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, which can be distressing for both children and parents. The virus spreads easily through contaminated surfaces, food, or water, making proper cleaning and hygiene essential to prevent further illness in your home. As a busy parent, it can be overwhelming to manage cleaning while also caring for a sick child, but with a few simple steps and some organization, you can protect your family and reduce the spread of the virus.
Why Cleaning Is So Important:
GI viruses are primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning that tiny particles from an infected person’s stool or vomit can contaminate surfaces or food and make others sick. The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours or even days, especially in areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and play areas. Disinfecting these areas is critical for reducing the spread and protecting other family members. Moreover, thorough hand hygiene and proper cleaning practices are essential for preventing re-infection or transmission to others.
What to Clean
Identify High-Risk Areas: GI viruses spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Focus your cleaning on areas that are most frequently touched or come into contact with bodily fluids, including:
Doorknobs and light switches
Bathroom faucets, toilet handles, and flushers
Countertops and kitchen surfaces
Play areas
Clean Toys and Loveys:
Plastic or hard toys: Clean these with an EPA-approved disinfectant that kills viruses. I love Force of Nature because I can use it on all surfaces — one stop, easy cleaning! Follow the instructions on the label to ensure proper usage.
Soft toys: Wash stuffed animals and other fabric toys in hot water (at least 130°F) with laundry detergent. Make sure they are completely dry before being used again.
Laundry Tips:
Clothing and Bedding: Wash all soiled clothing and bedding as soon as possible using hot water and detergent. GI viruses can spread through contaminated linens, so make it a priority to clean these items as soon you’re able.
Towels: Wash hand towels, bath towels, and washcloths daily, using hot water to sanitize them. Avoid sharing towels between family members.
Sanitize Surfaces:
Use a disinfectant that is effective against norovirus or similar viruses. The EPA provides a list of registered disinfectants, often labeled “effective against norovirus” or “kills 99.9% of viruses.”
Disinfect bathroom surfaces (toilets, sinks, and faucets) as well as kitchen counters and doorknobs. Be sure to clean any areas where vomit or stool may have made contact.
Hand Hygiene:
Make handwashing a top priority for all family members. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after using the restroom, handling soiled clothing, or cleaning up after the sick child.
Handling Vomit and Stool:
When cleaning vomit or stool, clean the affected area with a disinfectant and dispose of any cleaning materials (e.g., paper towels, wipes) immediately in a sealed trash bag. If you can and are able, some people recommend using gloves. I personally just do my best without them, since I’m cleaning regularly through the day and in the evening — and then I wash my hands thoroughly afterward, but if you feel more comfortable with gloves, that’s certainly an added layer of protection!
Ensure that any surfaces that may have come into contact with vomit or stool are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Dedicated Cleaning Time:
Set aside a designated time each day for cleaning high-touch areas, particularly after a sick child has been in contact with these surfaces. This will help ensure that your home stays sanitized throughout the day.
My Sample Daily Cleaning Schedule
Here’s what I would do if I had family going through a GI bug. Feel free to adapt this to what works best for you and your family!
Morning:
Get a cleaning caddy set up, so you can just move around through the day and clean. I keep Force of Nature, paper towels, vomit bags, and gloves in mine just in case.
Set up one area where everyone who is sick can settle — for us, it’s our family room. Having people who are sick already together can make care and clean up easier (and gives them company!).
Set up sheets or towels over the couches.
Have vomit bags, pedialyte or oral rehydration solution, and activities closeby. I always keep a little caddy for each child - makes it easier to keep things separate and is easy to move around during the day/evening.
Have a laundry basket or bucket available for any accidents - this way, you can quickly put dirty items into one place and dispose of it/get it into the laundry quickly.
Afternoon:
Quick scan the high-risk areas mentioned above (doorknobs and light switches, bathroom faucets, toilet handles, and flushers, countertops/kitchen surfaces, and play areas) and disinfect accordingly.
Evening:
Set up your kids’ bedroom or wherever they are sleeping for the night— I use waterproof mattress protectors and move each child’s caddy upstairs for ease. Keep an extra set of pajamas, towels, and sheets just in case.
I use the evening to throw laundry in and take care of soiled clothing, bedding, towels, etc. This might be when the kids are asleep or during a quieter time. Even though it’s technically best practice to do laundry as quickly as possible, I would find it hard to run up and down all day doing laundry. But if that’s easier for you, do it as works best for you!
Run the dishwasher — make sure you have any utensils, cups, etc. that your kids have used through the day.
Quick scan the high-risk areas mentioned above (doorknobs and light switches, bathroom faucets, toilet handles, and flushers, countertops/kitchen surfaces, toys, loveys, and play areas) and disinfect accordingly.
Get some rest when you can! You’ve done so much during the day!
Throughout the Day:
I would focus on the high-risk areas mentioned above
If sick family members have used the bathroom, I would try your best and quick disinfect afterward. Some people recommend isolating the sick people to a different bathroom — if that works in your house, great. If not, just focus on cleaning after use.
Disinfect kitchen counters and countertops where food is being prepared and/or eaten.
If the kids are moving around or in a play area, just make sure to disinfect toys after they use them.
What To Have
These are a few cleaning essentials that I always keep on hand. You don’t need a million expensive things, but having some simple, high-yield cleaning items can make life a lot easier when your family is going through a GI bug.
And Just Remember…
Dealing with a GI virus like norovirus in the family can be stressful, but keeping a clean and disinfected home is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread and protect other family members. By following this cleaning plan, maintaining proper hygiene, and regularly sanitizing surfaces, you can reduce the risk of transmission and help your child recover more comfortably. I know it’s a lot to deal with, but you’ll get through it. I’m here cheering you on!
Sending you a big hug,
Anjuli
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace the specific instructions provided by your child's surgeon or healthcare provider. Always follow the post-operative care instructions given by your medical team.