The information on this page is a guide for you, it is many of the recommendations of others that have worked well in an immune compromised household. As always, you should check with your oncologist to see if additional measures are needed for your particular situation. Additional measures are usually necessary during and after medication, and they are not covered here. Published scientific references which are the sources of the recommendations made in this article are provided at the end of the article. Here are the items of preparation that we think are important:

It is essential that all dishes and eating utensils washed in hot water with soap after eating. A dishwasher is preferred if possible. Clean dishes and silverware also can lower the risk of infection during low blood counts. Alternatively, paper plates, utensils, and napkins may be used. Make sure the dish soap specifically says antibacterial.
All clothes should be washed regularly with detergent, and preferably after every wearing, and with warm or hot water. Commercial laundry facilities should not be used. We use detergents that are non-toxic and hypo-allergenic in addition to fabric softeners which are not harsh on the skin. Pure baking soda assists in killing germs, and the 12lb resealable bag is very economical for entire household.


Probably the most important thing to be done by both the patient and the family is hand washing. We recommend adding Hibiclens, a surgical scrub available over-the-counter to each bathroom to be used instead of, or after regular soap and water. Rinse using Hibiclens like regular soap and wash off. Hands should be washed for 30 seconds.

Paper towels should be used in both kitchen and all bathrooms. The brand does not particularly matter, as long as good hygiene practices are used.
It is very important to keep all the floors and counter surfaces clean especially in the kitchen and the bathroom. A simple disinfectant such as Pine-Sol® or Lysol® or another household product that has a disinfection claim on the label should be used regularly. Wipes are great for wiping shoe soles when you or your guests arrive and for dogs’ feet as not to track in outside dirt.

Masks should be worn by the parent only if the parent is sick, or feels a cold coming on. Masks are not generally needed unless someone who has to be with the patients has a cold. Hand washing by the person who has the cold is also essential as described above. There are various types of masks that can be used.
For additional cleanliness, we use Clean Shower® after every shower. It helps reduce mildew build-up and makes cleaning easier.

An air filter is not normally necessary unless you are in a high mold or dust area, or there is another known airborne hazard; however, if you do decide to use an air filter, a HEPA filter is necessary. They are available at most hardware stores as well as at Costco. High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters stop mold spores as well as many bacteria and viruses and of course larger items such as dust. This particular HEPA filter is Honeywell HEPA™ Air Filter. It is the #1 choice of physicians and is ideal for rooms up to 28.2 sq. m. (304 sq. ft.). There are many types of HEPA filters to suit your family’s individual needs. We use it because it reduces 100% of bacteria and germs as well as pet dander, pollen, dust and other airborne particles.





Various types of HEPA vacuums can be purchased depending upon your budget. We enjoy the bagless vacuums because it is so much easier to maintain a dust free and dander-free house with two cats and a dog. Areas that house pets should be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum, and disinfected regularly with a household disinfectant. Pet snakes, turtles, and lizards are regular carriers of salmonella bacteria, and should not be kept in the house, nor should they come into contact with the patient.



Recently we came across an amazing product by CleanWave® and wish we had it long ago. By using powerful UV-C light, the CleanWave® Sanitizing Wand quickly eliminates germs, dust mites, viruses and molds. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air in homes is as much as 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. These pollutants can cause the immune system to overreact producing allergy symptoms, inflaming mucous membranes, causing upper respiratory distress, asthmatic outbreaks and chronic head-aches. Light disinfection has been used in hospitals, food processing facilities, water treatment and HVAC systems for over 30 years.The technology is proven and recognized by the FDA, EPA and USDA as valid and effective means of eliminating biological contaminants.
- Eliminates Germs, Viruses, Molds and Dust Mite eggs
- Chemical free alternative for household disinfection
- Operates up to 60 minutes on a single charge nylon carrying case and charger

Travel Verilux Wand
- Is convenient for use in public restrooms to effectively eliminate germs on fixture surfaces, on seating surfaces at airports.
- Is a great, healthy addition to dorm rooms and office environments.
- Sanitizes your environment without harmful chemicals, conveniently.
- Note, that the Verilux® Sanitizing Travel Wand incorporates a safety shut-off switch to protect eyes from exposure.



Verilux Sweeper
The sweeper uses powerful ultraviolet light to sanitize while cleaning low-pile carpeting and floors throughout your home.
- The Sanitizing Sweeper is lightweight and cord-free for quick and easy cleanups in your kitchen, bath or baby’s room.
- Light and powerful, the Sanitizing Sweeper stores easily in any closet and the dust bin empties into your wastebasket without exposing you to dirt.
- Comes with an AC adapter/Quick-charge battery charger to keep it portable but ready for use.
- The sweeper has powerful beater brushes which snatch up crumbs and dust.
- The Sanitizing Sweeper has a multi-length shaft to convert for use on stairs and upholstery.
- The UVC light eliminates dangerous germs – leaving your floors truly clean and disinfected.