Guidance for COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting
When cleaning at your home or the home of a client, use these COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting guidelines:
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning physically removes germs and dirt from surfaces. Disinfection destroys microorganisms like the COVID-19 virus by using specific chemicals.
What should I clean/disinfect?
- Frequently touched surfaces – such as:
- Countertops/tables.
- Hard-surface chairs.
- Eating areas.
- Sinks.
- Light switches.
- Handrails and doorknobs/handles.
- Remotes.
- Phones.
- Bathrooms.
- Countertops/tables.
- Hard-surface chairs.
- Eating areas.
- Sinks.
- Light switches.
- Handrails and doorknobs/handles.
- Remotes.
- Phones.
What products can I use for disinfecting COVID-19?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved many disinfecting products for use against COVID-19. Some examples of prepared products include:
- Lysol® brand: Heavy Duty Spray, Disinfectant Spray, All Purpose Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Disinfecting Wipes.
- Clorox® brand: Multi Surface Cleaner + Bleach, Clean Up Cleaner + Bleach, Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach, Disinfecting Wipes.
- Comet Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner.
- Germ Away.
When using prepared products, check the label for
- How to use the product safely.
- How to dilute the product (if applicable).
- How long the product should sit/be in contact with the surface to be effective. In most cases, it takes 5-10 minutes for disinfection to take place.
Want to know if a product not listed here is approved for use against the COVID-19 virus? Check the searchable list here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2.
Other chemicals such as bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and isopropyl alcohol can also be used:
- To use a bleach solution:
- Add 1/3 cup (5 Tablespoons) bleach to 1 gallon cool water OR
- Add 4 teaspoons bleach to 1 quart (4 cups) cool water.
- Check the expiration date on the bottle to make sure the bleach is not expired – bleach expires after one year.
- To use alcohol:
- Dip a paper towel in 70% (or greater) isopropyl alcohol to use as a disinfecting wipe.
7 Steps for Cleaning and Disinfecting
- Read the directions on products being used and follow directions. Check “contact time” to see how long disinfecting product must remain on the surface to work.
- Put on gloves and dilute/prepare products if necessary.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean first with detergent or soap and water.
- Apply disinfecting product.
- Allow the product to sit for the recommended contact time (check the label). When using a bleach solution it needs to be in contact with the surface for at least 5 minutes.
- Remove gloves:
- If using disposable gloves, throw away.
- If using reusable gloves, be sure gloves are only used for COVID-19 surface cleaning.
- Wash hands.
- If using disposable gloves, throw away.
- If using reusable gloves, be sure gloves are only used for COVID-19 surface cleaning.
Using Cleaning and Disinfecting Products Safely
- Make sure area is as well ventilated as possible:
- Open windows and doors for fresh air.
- Turn on the bathroom or kitchen fan.
- Use gloves to protect your skin.
- Pour or spray products onto a sponge/rag instead of spraying over large areas to prevent eye or breathing irritation.
- If you have asthma or another breathing problem, or if using bleach-based products causes irritation, try a product containing hydrogen peroxide. These products are usually less irritating as long as they do not also contain peroxyacetic acid.
- Hydrogen peroxide can damage some surfaces, so test on a small area before using on bigger surfaces.
- Never mix bleach and ammonia (or products containing them) – a hazardous gas is created.
- Open windows and doors for fresh air.
- Turn on the bathroom or kitchen fan.
- Hydrogen peroxide can damage some surfaces, so test on a small area before using on bigger surfaces.
Other Cleaning and Housekeeping Tips
- Laundry:
- Wear gloves (if using reusable gloves – dedicate for COVID-19 cleaning only).
- Avoid shaking laundry.
- Use warmest water appropriate for items being washed.
- Wash laundry from an ill person separately from other laundry.
- Wash hands after handling dirty laundry.
- Disinfect laundry basket before placing clean laundry in it or use a different, clean basket.
- Frequently remove trash containing used tissues.
- Keep any specimens of sputum (a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract) in double bags.
- Wear gloves (if using reusable gloves – dedicate for COVID-19 cleaning only).
- Avoid shaking laundry.
- Use warmest water appropriate for items being washed.
- Wash laundry from an ill person separately from other laundry.
- Wash hands after handling dirty laundry.
- Disinfect laundry basket before placing clean laundry in it or use a different, clean basket.
References
EPA-approved COVID-19 disinfectants
NIOSH health and safety guidance for home care aides
SEIU 775 Benefits Group Infection Control: Coronavirus Precautions Webinar