Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after cleaning. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.

• If hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.

• If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can.

Always follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. The label will include safety information and application instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet with a disinfectant for a certain period (see “contact time” on the product label).

• Check the product label to see what PPE (such as gloves, glasses, or goggles) is required based on potential hazards.

• Ensure adequate ventilation (for example, open windows).

• Use only the amount recommended on the label.

• If diluting with water is indicated for use, use water at room temperature (unless stated otherwise on the label).

• Label diluted cleaning or disinfectant solutions.

• Store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.

• Do not mix products or chemicals.

• Do not eat, drink, breathe, or inject cleaning and disinfection products into your body or apply directly to your skin. They can cause serious harm.

• Do not wipe or bathe people or pets with any surface cleaning and disinfection products.

Soft surfaces such as carpet, rugs, and drapes

• Clean the surface using a product containing soap, detergent, or other type of cleaner 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.

• If you need to disinfect, use a product from EPA List Nexternal icon approved for use on soft surfaces.

• Vacuum as usual.

Before cleaning and disinfecting

• Close off areas used by the person who is sick and do not use those areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.

• Wait as long as possible (at least several hours) before you clean and disinfect.

Vacuum the space if needed. Use a vacuum equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and bags, if available.

• While vacuuming, temporarily turn off in-room, window-mounted, or on-wall recirculation HVAC systems to avoid contamination of HVAC units.

• Do NOT deactivate central HVAC systems. These systems provide better filtration capabilities and introduce outdoor air into the areas they serve.

Develop policies to protect and train workers before assigning cleaning and disinfecting tasks.

• To protect workers from hazardous chemicals, training should include when to use PPE, what PPE is necessary (refer to Safety Data Sheet for specific cleaning and disinfection products), how to properly put on, use, and take off PPE, and how to properly dispose of PPE.