Clean

• Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

Disinfect

• Use diluted household bleach solutions if appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. 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.

  To make a bleach solution, mix:

  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water

    OR

  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
• Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

• Household cleaners and disinfectants: Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.

  Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

  Many products recommend:

  • Keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed.
  • Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

  Most EPA-registered household disinfectantsexternal icon should be effective.

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 disinfectantsexternal icon meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.

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 dinfecting.
  • 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

• Wear disposable gloves.
• Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.
• Do not shake dirty laundry.
• Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
• Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
• Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.