Non-Toxic Cleaning Tips For Sickness Season

Gentle cleaning routines for cold & flu season

Sick season’s well and truly arrived, and don’t we all know it?! It’s an all too familiar feeling - the weather takes a turn and all of a sudden the kids are complaining of a tummy ache, the baby has a temperature, and you’re sure you can feel a tickle in your throat…

When winter bugs and school illnesses start to make their way through your home, the temptation is to reach for those heavy duty chemical sprays. But whilst many mainstream cleaners claim to kill bacteria and stop bugs in their tracks, they can contain harsh chemicals that can irritate lungs, trigger sensitivities, and stress out your immune system.

So, we’re here to help you keep a clean and healthy home during sickness season, using non-toxic, gentle methods that still help reduce germs. In our guide to beating those winter sniffles, we’ll share some pointers on disinfecting safely, plus some low-maintenance cleaning hacks for when you’re feeling a little run down.

Kit & Kin plant-based non-toxic cleaning products for cleaning home during sickness season.

Why choose non-toxic cleaning during sickness season?

This one’s a no-brainer for us. When your immune system is already taking a hit, inhaling fumes from chemical cleaners or disinfectants only adds more stress to your body. Many conventional cleaners contain chlorine, synthetic fragrances, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are all ingredients that can irritate airways, especially in little ones who might already be struggling with chesty coughs, asthma flare-ups, or viral wheeze.

In contrast, non-toxic, plant-based cleaners are much safer, and still just as effective at killing germs.

Parent using Kit & Kin eco friendly non toxic multi surface cleaner to wipe down a kitchen table in a family home.

3 steps to cleaning your house when kids are ill

There are 3 key principles to keeping your house clean and fresh when there are germs doing the rounds. Use this as your cleaning mantra when the sniffles hit, and you can’t go far wrong!

1. Clean
Wipe away visible messes before anything else. Using a plant-based cleaner, like our Kit & Kin multi-surface cleaner helps to kill 99.9% bacteria and lift dirt and sticky fingerprints without the harsh chemicals.

2. Refresh
Instead of heavy disinfectants, use our Kit & Kin all-purpose spray, on high-touch areas like door handles, taps, and switches. Its naturally derived formula is tough on germs, yet gentle enough for family spaces.

3. Air out
After cleaning, open a window or run an extractor fan for a few minutes to help clear moisture and keep the air feeling fresh. A quick air refresh can make a big difference, especially when everyone’s been stuck indoors.

Kit & Kin eco friendly non toxic toilet cleaner being used to clean a bathroom and kill 99.9% of bacteria.

Low-maintenance cleaning hacks when you’re feeling ill

We get it - if you’ve been up all night with a feverish baby or you can’t sleep fbecause you’re coughing, you just don’t have the energy for deep scrub downs. Here are some gentle, effective hacks you can do to keep your home clean, even when you're feeling worse for wear.

Keep a cleaning caddy close by: Fill a caddy with your Kit & Kin all purpose and non-toxic bathroom sprays, some cloths and refill pouches so you can grab and go - no rummaging under the sink when energy’s low.
Wash hands regularly: Before prepping meals, after blowing (or wiping!) noses, and of course after changing nappies. Our hypoallergenic eco hand wash kills 99.9% of bacteria without irritating sensitive skin, so you wash as often as you need to without a worry.
Steam key zones: Use a handheld steamer or steam mop in kitchens, bathrooms, and play areas - no chemicals needed to blast those germs, and no scrubbing required!
Toy soak: When kids are sick, soak non-electronic toys in our eco washing up liquid for a few minutes, then rinse. Bonus: this is a brilliant activity for entertaining little hands when you need a few minutes on the sofa.
Contain the chaos: Keep a small basket for sick day clutter - used tissues, cups, wipes - so they don’t spread across every surface. Empty at the end of the day, then spritz with all purpose cleaner and wipe.
Limit clutter: The less stuff you have strewn about, the fewer surfaces there are to clean or harbour germs. Pop toys in baskets and clear living areas so you can quickly wipe things down.
Freshen up the bathroom: When stomach upsets hit, squeeze a few drops of our Kit & Kin eco toilet cleaner down your bowl between toilet trips. It kills bacteria like bleach, but without the toxins.
Wash high-contact laundry: Once everyone’s feeling better, run bedding, towels, and PJs through a cycle using our Kit & Kin hypoallergenic laundry liquid, to remove bacteria gently but effectively. It’s just as effective on a cool wash, and won’t irritate sensitive skin.

Tired parent using an eco-friendly non toxic cleaner for quick daily cleaning during cold and flu season.

Your non-toxic cleaning toolkit for sick days

When you want reliable, gentle products that won’t irritate your immune system more than it already is, our eco cleaning range is great for everyday cleaning during sickness season. Best of luck for sick season - we hope you’re feeling better soon!

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FAQs

How can I disinfect my home safely when the kids are home sick?
Focus on high-contact zones like bathrooms, kitchen counters, and doorknobs, and keep your cleaning routine light but consistent. Non-toxic cleaning products help protect your family’s wellbeing while keeping germs in check.

What’s the easiest low-maintenance cleaning routine for busy parents?
Try a ‘two-minute wipe’ once a day: keep Kit & Kin all purpose spray and cloth handy to quickly spritz handles, switches, and tables. Add a quick laundry cycle with Kit & Kin’s hypoallergenic laundry detergent to freshen bedding and towels. Short, frequent cleans are more realistic (and effective) than deep cleans when you’re feeling tired.

Are eco-friendly cleaners strong enough to tackle sickness germs?
Yes! Plant-based formulas like our Kit & Kin toilet cleaner and multi surface cleaner are tough on bacteria but gentle on your home. Regular cleaning and good ventilation do most of the heavy lifting, helping you maintain a clean environment when your family is sick.

What should I clean most often when someone in the family is ill?
Focus on shared touchpoints - door handles, remotes, taps, toilet flushes, and light switches. Wipe these daily using a non-toxic multi surface cleaner, and wash towels, cups, and bedding separately for anyone who’s unwell.

How can I keep my home smelling fresh during sickness season without synthetic sprays?
Avoid artificial air fresheners and instead rely on our Kit & Kin naturally scented cleaners to remove odours at the source. Opening windows for 5-10 minutes a day also helps circulate air and keep your home feeling fresh and calm.

What are the safest cleaning products for homes with babies or sensitive skin?
Always choose fragrance-free or naturally scented, non-toxic products. Our Kit & Kin eco cleaning range is made with plant-based ingredients and no harsh chemicals - ideal for family homes, nurseries, and anywhere your little one crawls or plays.