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Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Home

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What you need to know

  • Wear reusable or disposable gloves for routine cleaning and disinfection.

  • Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.

  • Clean or launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.

  • If someone is sick, keep a separate bedroom and bathroom for the person who is sick (if possible).

On This Page

 

How to clean and disinfect

Clean

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Wearing gloves outside of these instances (for example, when using a shopping cart or using an ATM) will not necessarily protect you from getting COVID-19 and may still lead to the spread of germs. The best way to protect yourself from germs when running errands and after going out is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

  • 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

  • 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

Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.

  • Wear skin protection and consider eye protection for potential splash hazards

  • Ensure adequate ventilation

  • Use no more than the amount recommended on the label

  • Use water at room temperature for dilution (unless stated otherwise on the label)

  • Avoid mixing chemical products

  • Label diluted cleaning solutions

  • Store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets

You should never eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. Do not wipe or bathe pets with these products or any other products that are not approved for animal use.

See EPA’s 6 steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Useexternal icon

Special considerations should be made for people with asthma and they should not be present when cleaning and disinfecting is happening as this can trigger asthma exacerbations. Learn more about reducing asthma triggers.

  • 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 carpet, clean and disinfect affected area, vacuum as usual

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.

  • Vacuum as usual. 

Electronics

Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning 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.

Laundry

For clothing, towels, linens and other items.

  • Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

  • Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick.

  • Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.

  • Do not shake dirty laundry.

  • Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.

  • Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.

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