Cleaning Tips for COVID-19

With the outbreak of COVID-19, it is essential to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and commonly used areas.

Although the risk of exposure is greater through person-to-person contact rather than touching surfaces, many people are staying indoors and having items delivered. Even if you leave the house for quick trips to the store or must go to work (with all the necessary precautions), there is a slight possibility of exposure, so correctly cleaning and disinfecting is critical to staying germ-free.

Cleaning Products to Use

Some examples of cleaning products are:

  • Arm & Hammer Disinfecting Wipes
  • Barbicide
  • Bleach Disinfecting Cleaners and Wipes
  • Caviwipes
  • Clorox Bleach, Wipes, and Sprays
  • Comet Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaners
  • Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaners
  • Lysol Disinfecting Cleaning Products
  • Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfecting Cleaners
  • Soft Scrub with Bleach

How to Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces may vary depending on the type of surface. Again, cleaning the most commonly touched surfaces daily, rather than the entire house, is especially important unless you are inclined to do so.

If you have spare gloves, wear them and wash them (if reusable) or dispose of them after use. If you have no gloves, wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.

When cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, the EPA recommends allowing the surface or item to air dry naturally. This process can take up to 10 minutes, but it effectively kills 99.9 percent of surface germs.

If necessary, vent the rooms you are cleaning. This will mainly depend on the product you are using.

Items that May Need Disinfecting Daily

These are some of the more important surfaces to disinfect daily, especially if many people are in the house.

  • Light Switches
  • Door Knobs
  • Hand Rails
  • Drawer Pulls
  • Frequently Touched Cupboards and Cabinets
  • All Counters (Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry, etc.)
  • Washing Machine and Dryer
  • All Toilets
  • All Faucets
  • Kitchen Appliances (Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave, Toaster, etc.)
  • Computer Keyboards, Computer Mice, Computer and Monitor Power Buttons, Printers
  • Gaming Controllers, Gaming Consoles, Gaming Cases
  • TV Remotes, Movie Cases, DVD Console
  • Cell Phones, Tablets, and Other Frequently Used Electronic Devices
  • Dining Room Table, Coffee Table, End Tables
  • Bedroom Furniture that is Frequently Touched

Cleaning Hard Surfaces

Hard surfaces may include counters, drawer pulls, cabinets, switches, and floors, among others.

To Clean the Surface

Use soap or detergent and water. Cleaning with soap and water will first remove dirt and help lessen the number of germs on the surface. Some toys may need a toothbrush to get into tiny crevices. After cleaning, move on to disinfecting.

To Disinfect the Surface

After cleaning the surface, disinfect it with the recommended household disinfectant. Follow instructions for the type of surface you are cleaning. Allow the surface to remain wet and dry naturally.

Gently wipe over a toothbrush, toothpick, or Q-tip to get in crevices or tight areas.

Cleaning Electronic Equipment

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we didn't think much about cleaning these highly touched surfaces, but now it's a different story. We cough, sneeze, and talk so close to these devices that daily cleaning should now be done.

Electronic equipment includes computers, keyboards, mice, gaming controls, tablets, cell phones, phones, laptops, and chargers.

When wiping down screens, use microfiber cloths to prevent scratching the surface. Do not use any corrosive cleaners, such as those that contain bleach.

To Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Follow the manufacturer's recommended procedure for cleaning surfaces. Some items can be carefully wiped down with a rag dipped and wrung out of soap and water first, then cleaned with disinfecting wipes containing 70% alcohol.

If using any spray cleaners or disinfectant, spray the cloth first. Do not spray directly on the item to avoid any moisture damage.

Be sure your disinfecting method will not damage screens. Check manufacturers' recommendations.

Washing Laundry

This may include clothing, drapes, bedding, reusable grocery bags, and other similar items.

Do not shake out laundry. Wear gloves if someone in your household has been sick, and wash laundry in the warmest water that is safe for your item.

Groceries and Other Shopping Items

When you leave a store, you most likely won't be able to wash your hands, so a sanitizer can serve as a temporary solution until you get home from the grocery store, home store, or big box store – then wash your hands before and after handling items.

Some products and packaging can be cleaned with hard surface cleaners, and vegetables and fruits can be rinsed and washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If packaging is not required, please dispose of it in the recycling receptacles.

Getting Other Members of the House Involved

As stated, cleaning and disinfecting products are now more readily available than they were at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. If possible, keep wipes close to high-touch areas. When the kids are done gaming, have them wipe down the games and controls.

When done on a computer, wipe down the keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals.

Not only do these tips help around the house, but they can also be used to clean the car, your workspace, and more. Remember, no matter how clean you keep the house, wash your hands frequently, don't touch your face, sneeze, or cough in the crook of your arm.

For a comprehensive list of recommended disinfectants, refer to the EPA's full list of cleaners, which may include items you already have in your home.