If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s to be ready for anything—especially when sickness hits our home. As a homemaker, I’ve had my fair share of long nights with little ones, unexpected illnesses, and learning how to support my family through it all. I used to scramble, feeling unprepared when someone got sick. But over time, I built a simple, effective system to help our home recover quickly, get back to feeling fresh, and keep others from getting sick.
Now, I don’t panic—I have a plan. And today, I’m sharing it with you. 💛
Deep Clean Surfaces
One of the first things I do after illness is deep clean high-touch areas with a cleaner I trust. For me, that’s Thieves Household Cleaner. It works on all surfaces, and I feel completely confident in its effectiveness. (If you’re curious, look up the individual oils in it—since I can’t say much due to FDA rules. 😉 If that tells you anything, then you get me!)
- Want an extra boost? Add hydrogen peroxide to your Thieves Cleaner. I’ve personally never needed to, but it’s an option if you feel it’s necessary.
- Focus on cleaning bathroom surfaces, light switches, door handles, remotes, and phones.
Shop my favorite non-toxic cleaner here.
Daily Pillowcase and Bedding Refresh
Illness lingers in fabrics, so I prioritize fresh bedding and pajamas.
Change pillowcases daily—or multiple times a day!
- Wash everything in HOT water with a natural detergent (synthetic ingredients can add extra stress to a body already fighting illness).
- Swap out and wash blankets, pajamas, and clothing as often as possible.
Toothbrushes and Personal Items
Toothbrushes can be a sneaky culprit in spreading illness! Here’s how I disinfect them:
- Spray with Thieves Spray.
- Run through the dishwasher.
- Place in boiling water.
- Replace toothbrushes once the sickness is gone.
Support Air Quality and Reduce Germ Spread
Breathing in clean air is a huge part of recovery! Here’s what I do:
- Run a humidifier—Keeping home humidity at 40-60% helps keep viruses at bay. Check out this study.
- Diffuse essential oils—I use Thieves blend because science backs it up!
- A Weber State University study showed a 99.96% airborne bacteria kill rate after 10 minutes of diffusing Thieves oil.
- Another study found a 90% reduction in bacteria after 12 minutes and a 99.6% kill rate after 20 minutes.
Activated Charcoal for Stomach Issues
This is a must-have in our home for stomach bugs! It helps by:
- Binding to toxins in the digestive tract.
- Easing bloating, gas, and nausea.
- Reducing diarrhea symptoms.
- Helping with food poisoning and stomach flu recovery.
Other Tips for Recovery and Prevention
- Hydration is key—Sip on electrolytes and herbal teas.
- Rest and nourishment—Stick with easy-to-digest, nutrient-rich foods.
- Separate laundry and towels—Use designated towels and change them daily.
- Handwashing matters—Encourage frequent handwashing with a gentle, non-toxic soap.
Stock up on my favorite wellness essentials here, including my favorite, easy-to-clean humidifier.
Here is my tutorial for cleaning my humidifier.
This routine has helped us recover quickly and minimize the spread in our home. I know how exhausting it is to care for a sick household, but having a plan makes all the difference. 💛
What do you do after illness hits your house? I’d love to hear your go-to steps!
