Home hygiene: a safe, comfortable home
During treatment much of your time is spent at home. The home does not need to be sterile, but a few simple habits greatly lower infection risk. This section covers the home, pets, plants and building work.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
Damp cleaning and fresh air.
No mould.
Pet waste: someone else.
No soil or building dust.
03Scientific explanation
Moulds (Aspergillus) live in soil, compost and building dust; in people with very weak immunity they can cause serious lung infection.
WHO: foodborne illness is more severe in people with weakened immunity; the five keys are keep clean, separate, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.
04What happens in the body?
Pets
Keeping a pet is usually fine; it should be vaccinated and healthy, and avoid scratches and bites.
Laundry
Ordinary washing is enough; towels can be washed hot.
Neutropenia
When neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.
General rules
This section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.
05Safety: four steps
Check, swap the risky, prepare properly, use in time.
06Key points at a glance
| Topic | In brief |
|---|---|
| Pets | Keeping a pet is usually fine; it should be vaccinated and healthy, and avoid scratches and bites. |
 Laundry | Ordinary washing is enough; towels can be washed hot. |
 Neutropenia | When neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter. |
 General rules | This section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”. |
07Key terms
- Aspergillus
- A mould found in soil and dust.
- Toxoplasma
- A parasite that can spread through cat faeces.
- Foodborne infection
- An infection spread through food or water.
- Neutropenia
- Low neutrophils.
08Key points
- Damp cleaning.
- Do not touch pet waste.
- Avoid soil and dust.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
- Call if you have a fever.
09Frequently asked questions
Do I need special disinfection at home?
Ordinary cleaning is usually enough.
Can I vacuum myself?
Vacuuming raises dust; if possible let someone else do it while you are in another room.
Are these rules for ever?
No. They are usually relaxed as blood counts recover; your team will say.
10Questions for your doctor
Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.
Do I need special disinfection at home?
Can I vacuum myself?
Are these rules for ever?
12Sources
- World Health Organization. Five Keys to Safer Food manual
- World Health Organization. Food safety fact sheet
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safe Food Handling
- National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
- Food Standards Agency (UK). Chilling
- BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 2019. Neutropenic diets to prevent cancer infections: updated systematic review and meta-analysis
- JCO Oncology Practice, 2026. Neutropenic Diet Versus Liberalized Diet in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
- American Cancer Society. Nausea and Vomiting
- American Cancer Society. Poor Appetite