How to Safely Clean Up Bodily Fluid Spills (Yuck! 🤢)
A Guide for Moms with Adventurous Kids
As moms, we all know that accidents happen. From our little ones spilling their drinks to our furry friends leaving a mess on the living room carpet, we're all familiar with the art of cleaning up messes. However, when it comes to bodily fluid spills, it's important to take extra precautions to ensure that we're not exposing ourselves or others to potential infections.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through how to safely clean up bodily fluid spills, so you can tackle any mess with confidence and ease.
What does the CDC Say?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's essential to treat all bodily fluids as infectious and handle them with care. This includes blood, feces, vomit, and any other bodily fluids that may require cleaning up.
To start, make sure you're properly equipped with a hospital-grade disinfectant and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Disposable gloves can be a simple and effective way to protect yourself while cleaning up.
When choosing a disinfectant, it's important to opt for one specifically designed to clean up blood and body fluids. Accelerated hydrogen peroxide compounds are one popular option, but it's crucial to follow the instructions for contact time and mixing issued by the manufacturer.
Simply spraying and wiping or letting the disinfectant air dry may not be enough to ensure sufficient contact time. Keep surfaces "wet" with disinfectant for the recommended period of time to ensure optimal results.
When it comes to additional tips on how to safely clean up bodily fluid spills, timing is everything. The sooner you start cleaning up the spill, the easier it will be to contain and disinfect. I
f you're dealing with blood or another fluid that might cause staining, it's best to avoid using hot water as this can cause the stain to set. Instead, opt for cool water and blot the stain rather than rubbing it. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is another crucial step in safely cleaning up bodily fluid spills. After removing your gloves, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (we all remember singing “happy birthday” 2 x while washing, right?") to ensure you're not spreading any potential germs.
And, as always, properly dispose of any contaminated materials or fluids in a sealed plastic bag to prevent further contamination.
Be Confident
Cleaning up bodily fluid spills can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, approach, and mindset, it's one that can be tackled confidently and successfully. Always prioritize safety and follow CDC guidelines to ensure that you're not exposing yourself or others to potential infections. And, most importantly, don't forget to take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back for taking care of business like the awesome mom you are!