Highlights
- Soft surfaces like pillows, curtains, and throws trap cold & flu droplets longer than most hard surfaces.
- HOCl is a non-toxic, fabric-safe option that disinfects without perfumes, dyes, or irritation.
- Upholstery and bedding act as “germ reservoirs” during winter and often go uncleaned for weeks.
- A quick HOCl misting routine helps reduce viral spread between laundry cycles.
- Traditional fabric sprays rely on fragrances to mask odours, not eliminate the source.
- Twice-weekly soft surface disinfection keeps homes healthier throughout cold & flu season.
Keep your home healthy this season. Try our gentle, fabric-safe 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant for daily soft surface hygiene.
Cold & Flu Season: Soft Surfaces You Forget to Disinfect
During fall and winter, disinfecting kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and doorknobs becomes routine. But microbes responsible for colds and the flu don’t just settle on hard surfaces—they cling to soft surfaces, where they can survive longer than most people expect.
Curtains, throw pillows, upholstered chairs, blankets, and bed coverings are some of the most overlooked germ hotspots in Canadian homes. These materials trap moisture, hold airborne droplets, and absorb microbe-filled particles from coughs, sneezes, and even high-traffic foot movement.
Yet many families avoid disinfecting fabrics because traditional sprays contain perfumes, dyes, quats, or irritants that aren’t safe for skin-contact items. That’s why a non-toxic, perfume-free, fabric-safe HOCl spray is ideal for cold and flu season.
Why Soft Surfaces Matter More Than You Think
Soft surfaces act like germ sponges. They don’t just collect particles—they release them back into indoor air with movement, shaking, or daily use. Research shows that respiratory droplets can land on fabrics and remain active long enough to contribute to viral spread. While fabrics don’t transmit illness as efficiently as hard surfaces, they extend household contamination simply by holding germs longer.
The biggest issue? Most people clean these items only when they look dirty—not when they are actually contaminated.
High-risk soft surfaces include:
- Curtains and drapes (especially near entrances or HVAC vents)
- Sofa cushions and throw pillows
- Quilts, blankets, and plush throws
- Decorative bedding
- Upholstered dining chairs
- Fabric play mats for kids
A quick, safe disinfecting routine can dramatically reduce viral presence—and it doesn’t require harsh chemicals.
Freshen fabrics safely—no perfumes, no irritation. Explore our gentle, non-toxic HOCl options in the Kitchen & Bath Collection.
How HOCl Works as a Soft Surface Disinfectant
A stabilized hypochlorous acid (HOCl) spray works differently from traditional surface disinfectants:
1. No perfumes or irritants
Many cleaners rely on scented additives to mask chemical odours. HOCl has no scent at all, making it ideal for pillows, bedding, and items used around sensitive skin.
2. Safe for fabrics and upholstery
A stabilized HOCl formula will not bleach or stain fabrics and is safe on cotton, polyester, microfiber, fleece, upholstery, and blends.
3. Non-toxic and gentle
HOCl is naturally compatible with skin, eyes, and lungs—ideal for households with kids, older adults, allergy sufferers, or pets.
4. Quick-drying and residue-free
Soft surfaces stay fresh without sticky residues or harsh fumes.
5. Ideal for high-frequency touch points
Items handled multiple times per day—pillows, blankets, sofa arms—benefit from quick, scent-free HOCl misting.
A Simple, Fabric-Safe Winter Disinfection Routine
Use this soft surface routine at least 2–3 times per week during cold & flu season:
Step 1 — Shake or vacuum the item
Remove dust, pet hair, and loose particles.
Step 2 — Mist with HOCl spray until lightly damp
Focus on areas near the face, hands, or nose. The 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant is ideal for soft surfaces.
Step 3 — Allow to air-dry
HOCl requires no rinsing and leaves no scent.
Step 4 — During illness, increase frequency
For sick family members, disinfect pillows, blankets, and upholstered seating daily.
Step 5 — Launder when needed, then mist again
HOCl is safe on freshly washed textiles and helps extend time between full laundry cycles.
Keep fabrics fresh and germ-free this cold & flu season. Choose our fabric-safe 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant and explore more options in the Kitchen & Bath Collection. For questions or bulk orders, Contact Us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can HOCl be used on all fabrics?
A. Yes. A stabilized, pure HOCl spray is safe on cotton, microfibre, polyester, linens, fleece, upholstery, and most blends. Always spot-test delicate or specialty fabrics.
Q2. Does HOCl replace laundry?
A. No—laundering is still important. But HOCl helps keep fabrics hygienic between washes, especially during illness or heavy seasonal use.
Q3. Is HOCl safe around children and pets?
A. Yes. HOCl is non-toxic, fragrance-free, and does not release harsh fumes. It’s especially suitable for households where allergies or sensitivities are a concern.
Q4. Does HOCl remove odours?
A. HOCl neutralizes many organic odours naturally by breaking down the source rather than masking it with perfumes.
Q5. How often should I disinfect soft surfaces in winter?
A. Twice a week is a good baseline. During illness, increase to daily misting.
Sources
- Government of Canada — Influenza: Prevention and Hygiene. Provides official guidance on how flu viruses spread through droplets and surfaces, including fabrics and household items. Government of Canada
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — “When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home” Explains how viruses survive on different types of surfaces, including guidance for soft materials such as towels, bedding, and upholstery. CDC
- Infection Control Today — “A New Frontier: The Dangers of Pathogens on Soft Surfaces” A detailed article describing how bacteria, viruses, and fungi persist on soft surfaces such as curtains, upholstery, privacy fabrics, and linens — and why they are an overlooked contamination source. Infection Control Today