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At Home - Cleaning And Disinfection

Overview

To help reduce the chance of exposure, community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces with household cleaners and disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions.


Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product, including precautions you should take during application. Examples are wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Cleaning Vs Disinfecting What's The Difference?

Overview

Cleaning:

Refers to the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infections.

Disinfecting:

Refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infections.

Examples of frequently touched surfaces

Sinks
Sinks
Desks
Desks
Toilets
Toilets
Faucets
Faucets
Remotes
Remotes
Floors
Floors
Tables
Tables
Doorknobs
Doorknobs
Light Switches
Light Switches
Handles
Handles

When Cleaning And Disinfecting,
Use The Below Guidance:

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning.
01

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning.

  • If reusable gloves are used, the gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and should not be used for other purposes.
  • Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed.
02

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned first by using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned first by using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 60 percent alcohol and common household disinfectants can be effective.
03

For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 60 percent alcohol and common household disinfectants can be effective.

  • If using bleach: Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning product.
    • Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
      • 75 mL (5 tablespoons or 1/3rd cup) bleach per 3.8 L (1 gallon) of water, or
      • 20 mL (4 teaspoons) bleach per 950 mL (1 quart) of water
  • If using alcohol-based solutions or other household disinfectants: Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
04

For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floors, rugs and drapes/curtains, remove visible contamination (if present) and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on the surfaces. After cleaning:

  • Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and allow them to dry completely.
For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floors, rugs and drapes/curtains, remove visible contamination (if present) and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on the surfaces. After cleaning: