Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
How to clean and disinfect
Clean

Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
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.


More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.
Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.


High touch surfaces include:
Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.



Disinfect


Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant .
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 the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, and 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 water
OR


4 teaspoons bleach per quart of 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 disinfectants meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.
Vacuum as usual.

Electronics
For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls,
and ATM machines

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.

Cleaning and disinfecting outdoor areas

Outdoor areas, like playgrounds in schools and parks generally require normal routine cleaning , but do not require disinfection.
Do not spray disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds- it is not an efficient use of supplies and is not proven to reduce risk of COVID-19 to the public.
High touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings should be cleaned routinely.
Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces (play structures, benches, tables) or groundcovers (mulch, sand) is not recommended.


Sidewalks and roads should not be disinfected.
Spread of COVID-19 from these surfaces is very low and disinfection is not effective.



When cleaning

Regular cleaning staff can clean and disinfect community spaces. 
Ensure they are trained on appropriate use of cleaning and disinfection chemicals.


Wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash. 
Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area.


Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. 
Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.


Additional key times to wash 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).



Additional considerations for employers

Educate workers performing cleaning, laundry, and trash pick-up to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
Provide instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms within 14 days after their last possible exposure to the virus.
Develop policies for worker protection and provide training to all cleaning staff on site prior to providing 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.


Ensure workers are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
Comply with OSHA’s standards on Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), including proper disposal of regulated waste, and PPE (29 CFR 1910.132).

Alternative disinfection methods

The efficacy of alternative disinfection methods, such as ultrasonic waves, high intensity UV radiation, and LED blue light against COVID-19 virus is not known. 
EPA does not routinely review the safety or efficacy of pesticidal devices, such as UV lights, LED lights, or ultrasonic devices. Therefore, EPA cannot confirm whether, or under what circumstances, such products might be effective against the spread of COVID-19.


CDC does not recommend the use of sanitizing tunnels. There is no evidence that they are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Chemicals used in sanitizing tunnels could cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation or damage.
CDC only recommends use of the surface disinfectants identified on List N against the virus that causes COVID-19.