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).

How to clean and disinfect

Clean

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 impuritieson 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 disinfectantexternal 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 productsexternal 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

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 usedif 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 instructionsfor 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 wateror 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

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

• Consider putting a wipeable coveron electronics.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructionfor 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 gloveswhen 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 shakedirty laundry.
• Clean and disinfect clothes hampersaccording to guidance above for surfaces.
• Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.

Clean hands often

• Key times to clean hands
  • Immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.
  • 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)
• Wash your hands oftenwith soap and water for 20 seconds.
• 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.

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

• Keep hand sanitizers away from fire or flame
• For children under six years of age, hand sanitizer should be used with adult supervision
• Always store hand sanitizer out of reach of children and pets

See FDA’s Tips for Safe Sanitizer Useexternal icon and CDC’s Hand Sanitizer Use Considerations

• Avoid touchingyour eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.