Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting
Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED.
Areas unoccupied for 7 or more days need only routine cleaning. Maintain existing cleaning practices for outdoor areas.
DETERMINE HOW AREAS WILL BE DISINFECTED.
Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched. Prioritize disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
CONSIDER THE RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED.
Keep in mind the availability of cleaning products and personal
protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and disinfectants.
CLEAN VISIBLY DIRTY SURFACES WITH SOAP AND WATER prior to disinfection.
USE THE APPROPRIATE CLEANING OR DISINFECTANT PRODUCT.
Use an EPA-approved disinfectant against COVID-19, and read the label to make sure it meets your needs.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL.
The label will include safety information and application instructions. Keep disinfectants out of the reach of children.
CONTINUE ROUTINE CLEANING AND DISINFECTION.
Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant and PPE
availability. Dirty surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water
prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces
at least daily.
MAINTAIN SAFE PRACTICES such as frequent handwashing, using cloth face coverings, and staying home if you are sick.
CONTINUE PRACTICES THAT REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR EXPOSURE.
Maintain social distancing, staying six feet away from others. Reduce sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects.
Follow guidance from state, tribal, local, and territorial authorities.
Making Your Plan to Clean and Disinfect
Cleaning with soap and water removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
Is the area indoors?
Maintain existing cleaning practices.
Coronaviruses naturally die in hours to days in typical indoor and
outdoor environments. Viruses are killed more quickly by warmer
temperatures and sunlight.
It is an indoor area.
Has the area been occupied within the last 7 days?
The area has been unoccupied within the last 7 days.
The area will need only routine cleaning.
Yes, the area has been occupied within the last 7 days.
Is it a frequently touched surface or object?
Thoroughly clean these materials.
Consider setting a schedule for routine cleaning and disinfection, as appropriate.
Yes, it is a frequently touched surface or object.
What type of material is the surface or object?
Hard and non-porous materials like glass, metal, or plastic.
Visibly dirty surfaces should be cleaned prior to disinfection.
Consult EPA’s list of disinfectants for use against COVID-19,
specifically for use on hard, non-porous surfaces and for your specific
application need. More frequent cleaning and disinfection is necessary
to reduce exposure.
Soft and porous materials like carpet, rugs, or material in seating areas.
Thoroughly clean or launder materials.
Consider removing soft and porous materials in high traffic areas. Disinfect materials if appropriate products are available.