How to clean and Disinfect
How to clean and disinfect
Illustration: hand cleaning with a paper towel
alert icon Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
Clean
Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
High touch surfaces include:
Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
Illustration: hand cleaning a counter using spray bottle
Disinfect
Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectantexternal icon.
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
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 to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. 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 water
OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.
Detailed disinfection guidance
Illustration: soft surfaces - drapes, couch, pillows
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 disinfectantsexternal icon meet EPA's criteria for use against COVID-19.
Follow manufacturer's instruction for cleaning and dinfecting
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.
Illustration: washing machine displaying 'hot'
Laundry
For clothing, towels, linens and other items
Wear disposable gloves.
Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.
Do not shake dirty laundry.
Launder items according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
Dirty laundry from a sick person can be washed with other people's items.
Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.
Illustration: washing hands
Clean hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a sick person.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Additional key times to clean hands include:
After blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating or preparing food
After contact with animals or pets
Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
When Someone is Sick
Keep separate bedroom and bathroom for sick person
Bedroom and Bathroom
Keep separate bedroom and bathroom for sick person (if possible)
The sick person should stay separated from other people in the home (as much as possible).
If you have a separate bedroom and bathroom: Reduce cleaning to as-needed (e.g. soiled items and surfaces) to minimize the amount of contact with the sick person.
Caregivers can provide personal cleaning supplies to the sick person (if appropriate). Supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectantsexternal icon.
If shared bathroom: Clean and disinfect after each use by the sick person. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting.
See precautions for household members and caregivers for more information.
Illustration: sick woman in bed with serving tray full of food
Food
Stay separated: The sick person should eat (or be fed) in their room if possible.
Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any non-disposable used food service items with gloves and wash with hot water or in a dishwasher.
Clean hands after handling used food service items.
Illustration: gloved hand disposing trash into garbage pale
Trash
Dedicated, lined trash can: If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the sick person. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands afterwards.