Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Home Everyday Steps and Extra Steps When Someone Is Sick

How to clean and disinfect

Clean

Wear reusable or disposable gloves for routine cleaning and disinfection.

Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.

Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.

Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. High touch surfaces include:

Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

Disinfect

Recommend use of EPA-registered household icon.

Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Read EPA’s infographic on how to use these disinfectant icon safely and effectively.

Many products recommend:

Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label)

Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product

• Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface.

– Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection and has a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 5%–6%. Ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening, may not be suitable for disinfection.

– Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.

• To make a bleach solution, mix:

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of room temperature water

OR

• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of room temperature water
• Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
• Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.

Soft surfaces

For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes.

• Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
• Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

OR

• Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These icon meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.
• Vacuum as usual.

Electronics

For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls.

• Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics.
• Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting.

– If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.

Information from CDC