Back-to-School Germ Patrol: How to Keep Illness Out of Your Home This Fall
As backpacks hit the floor and lunchboxes get unpacked, there’s one thing many families don’t prepare for during back-to-school season: the influx of germs. Between classroom surfaces, shared supplies, and busy schedules, this time of year can bring a spike in colds, flu, and other viruses that follow kids—and parents—home.
Whether you’re in Knoxville, Sumner County, or anywhere in between, a few smart cleaning habits can go a long way in keeping your home healthy and your family feeling their best. Here’s how to stay ahead of back-to-school germs this fall.
Brite Spot Cleaning
1. Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Think about how many hands touch light switches, doorknobs, remotes, and faucets every day. These high-traffic areas are hotspots for germ buildup.
Wipe them down regularly with a disinfectant
Don’t forget fridge handles, backpack hooks, and drawer pulls
Look for EPA-approved, kid-safe disinfectants
At Brite Spot Cleaning, these are top priorities in our standard and deep clean services.
2. Keep Backpacks, Lunchboxes & Shoes Contained
Everything your child brings home can carry germs, including their shoes and school gear. Try this:
Create a drop zone at your entryway
Wipe down backpacks and lunchboxes
Remove shoes at the door to keep outdoor dirt and bacteria from spreading
Little daily changes like these help minimize how far germs travel into your living space.
3. Establish a Simple Weekly Cleaning Routine
Between practices, homework, and busy mornings, daily cleaning can fall by the wayside. That’s where a solid weekly cleaning schedule comes in handy.
Tidy up bedrooms and bathrooms
Wipe down kitchen counters and appliance handles
Sanitize frequently used items like electronics and water bottles
Feeling overwhelmed? This is the perfect time to schedule a recurring cleaning with Brite Spot. Our flexible plans help families in all kinds of homes stay on track—without adding more to your to-do list.
4. Don’t Forget Soft Surfaces
Bedding, couches, and rugs might look clean, but they can trap allergens, dust mites, and viruses.
Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in hot water
Vacuum fabric furniture regularly (especially if you have pets)
Use fabric-safe sanitizing sprays for non-washables
This is especially helpful during allergy season and after anyone in your household has been sick.
5. Encourage Germ-Smart Habits
Your cleaning routine matters, but so do the habits you build with your family. A few easy reminders:
Wash hands as soon as kids get home
Avoid sharing cups, snacks, or school supplies
Cover coughs and sneezes properly
Wipe down phones, tablets, and water bottles often
Good hygiene paired with consistent cleaning? That’s the winning combo for a healthier home.
6. Refresh Your Home After Sick Days
After illness hits your home, a reset is key. Disinfect the usual suspects—light switches, remotes, bathrooms—but also:
Swap out toothbrushes
Wash towels, bedding, and blankets
Open windows to air out bedrooms
If you don’t have time or energy, a one-time deep clean from a trusted service (hi, that’s us!) can make all the difference.
Keep Your Home Healthier This Fall Without the Extra Stress
Between school drop-offs, grocery runs, and the million other things on your plate, it’s easy for cleaning to take a back seat. But this season, staying ahead of germs can mean fewer sick days, less stress, and a happier home.
Whether you’re based in Knoxville, Sumner County, or nearby, Brite Spot Cleaning is here to help. We offer family-focused, professional cleaning services to keep your space safe, spotless, and ready for whatever fall brings.
Let us handle the germs so you can enjoy the season.
