It is that time of year when sickness is prevalent everywhere we go, including our homes. Keeping our family healthy and our home germ-free can seem like an overwhelming task, especially when germs are tracked in from places like school, work, the grocery store, church and more. Even though it is impossible to kill all of the dangerous germs in your home and keep them away, you can work to maintain a clean home without allowing the cleaning to overtake your life. Here are four ways you can maintain a germ-free home during this flu season.

Disinfect properly

Many individuals clean countertops and tables with wet wash rags. While this helps remove large pieces of food and other crumbs, bacteria and mold can thrive in moist areas like a wet towel. When you use these rags to clean your counters, you are actually spreading around bacteria and other germs in your home.

One of the easiest ways to kill those lurking germs is with a disinfectant wipe or spray. These cleaning items are some of the quickest and easiest ways to clean germy areas on a frequent basis. If you have older children, they can help sanitize your home by wiping down germ-infested areas such as a counter, table or sink.

Clean regularly

Cleaning your home regularly helps you maintain a more tidy and livable environment and helps you tackle germs. You don't have to tackle huge cleaning projects every day to maintain a germ-free home. Complete several small projects throughout the week such as dusting, vacuuming, changing the sheets or wiping out the garbage can. However, make sure you take the time to sanitize counters, faucets and tables on a daily basis.

Focus on frequently used items

Aside from regularly cleaning your home, there are smaller items throughout your home that need to be washed often. These items include:

Stuffed animals

Cleaning stuffed toys is particularly important if you have little kids who constantly carry their beloved toys. These items are a playground of germs and bacteria.

Towels

Use a new towel after you wash your face or cook with raw meat or eggs. You should also make sure that every person in your family has their own towel. When you share towels with one another, you are helping the germs spread from one person to another.

Bedding

Your bedding should be washed in hot water at least once a week. Also, avoid placing dirty clothes, the bottom of purses or diaper bags, shoes or other germ-infested items on top of your beds. It is also smart to vacuum mattresses monthly. Additionally, don't forget to wash your pillows.

Handles and door knobs

These items are constantly touched throughout the day by everyone in your home. Regularly sanitize all drawer handles and door knobs in each room of your home. Disinfectant spray is one quick way to reach numerous surfaces at a fast pace.

Use heat

Heat is one of the best ways to kill germs, especially when it comes to clothing, towels and bedding. You may not realize it but a wet load of laundry can contain a multitude of bacteria and germs. To kill these germs, place the load of laundry in the dryer and let the heat kill those dangerous germs.

Even though killing all of those unwanted germs is an impossible task, you can work hard to keep many germs away. With a little effort, you can keep a clean home and do your best to prevent illness from taking over your family.