References:

a) CDC Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Ventilation; Plan, Prepare, and Respond: https://

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html

b) OSHA COVID-19 Website: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/

c) CDC Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Protective Equipment COVID-19:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use-faq.html

Enclosure:

(1) Cleaning Areas Checklist

Purpose:

This standard operating procedure (SOP) provides recommended actions for the enhanced

cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas in facilities where suspected or confirmed

COVID-19 persons have visited. It is aimed at limiting the survival of novel coronavirus in key

environments. These recommendations will be updated as additional information becomes

available.

These guidelines are focused on community, non-healthcare facilities (e.g., schools,

institutions of higher education, offices, daycare centers, businesses, community centers).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Cleaning staff should wear the following items for all cleaning/disinfecting tasks, which should

be compatible with the disinfectant product(s) being used:

• Non-sterile disposable (latex/nitrile) gloves

• Non-sterile cleaning gowns or coveralls

• Eye protection/Light goggles

• Facemask

When utilizing disinfectants, ALWAYS follow manufacture’s guidance for respiratory protection.

Cleaning/Disinfection Materials:

• Detergent soap and water in spray bottles for cleaning surfaces prior to

disinfection

• Heavy Duty Paper Towels

• Large garbage bags with ties (for containment/disposal of used cleaning

materials)

• Products listed on the following EPA-registered and approved list for effective

disinfection of surfaces exposed to coronavirus should be used.

https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/about-list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid19-0

Per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication standards

(29 CFR 1910.1200), training should be provided to all cleaning staff on-site prior to

performing cleaning tasks. Training should include when to use PPE, what PPE is necessary,

how to properly don (put on), use, and doff (take off) PPE, and how to properly dispose of

PPE. Workers should also be trained/informed on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used

in the workplace.

HQ Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines

After COVID-19 Exposure

06 January 2022
Procedure per CDC:

1. CLOSE off all areas used by the person who is sick and wait as long as possible (at least 

several hours) before you clean and disinfect.

2. If feasible, open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.

3. Cleaning staff should wear a facemask, and disposable gloves for all tasks in the

cleaning process, including handling trash. Ensure adequate ventilation.

4. CLEAN surfaces occupied by the person who is sick first. If surfaces are dirty, clean using

a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

5. DISINFECT cleaned surfaces.

• Use an EPA-approved disinfectant per the label's instructions.

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

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of

water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Never mix household bleach with

ammonia or any other cleanser.

• Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g.,

concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Many products 

recommend keeping the surface wet with a disinfectant for a certain period to 

work. Ensure adequate contact time for effective disinfection (1-3 minutes, or as

directed on the label.)

6. For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible

contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these

surfaces. After cleaning: If the items can be laundered, launder in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and

then dry items completely. Otherwise, use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral

pathogens claims that are suitable for porous surfaces. Vacuum as usual.

7. Avoid using product application methods that cause splashing or generate aerosols.

8. Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in affected areas (e.g., counters,

tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets,

remotes, etc.) according to manufacturer's instructions.

9. Remove gloves and gowns carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the

surrounding area. Gloves should be removed after cleaning a room or area occupied by ill

persons. New gloves and gowns should be used for each day of cleaning/disinfecting.

10. When cleaning is completed, collect soiled materials and PPE in a sturdy, leak-proof

(e.g., plastic) bag that is tied shut and not reopened. This waste can go to the regular solid

waste stream (e.g., municipal trash) as it is not biohazardous or regulated medical waste.

11. Clean goggles with soap and water at the end of each day of cleaning/disinfecting.

12. Always wash hands immediately after removing gloves using soap and water.

13. Cleaning/disinfecting activities should be supervised and inspected periodically to ensure

correct procedures are followed.

14. Cleaning staff should immediately report breaches in PPE (e.g., tear in gloves) or any

potential exposures to their supervisor

15. Per ref (a), if it has been more than 3 days since the person with suspected/confirmed

COVID-19 visited or used the facility, no additional cleaning or disinfection (beyond regular

cleaning practices) is needed.

Notes:

• No additional cleaning is needed for supply and return ventilation registers or filtration systems for

the building.

• No additional treatment of wastewater is needed before discharging to a sanitary sewer.
Enclosure (1)