Household/Hotel Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures for Confirmed or Possible COVID-19 Virus Disease Patients

Coronavirus is primarily transmitted by droplets that are inhaled. Virus particles can remain viable on surfaces for hours to days. Surfaces must be cleaned (removal of visible dirt) and disinfected (removal of organisms) to reduce the transmission.

Clean and disinfect high touch hard surface areas such as tables, chairs, door knobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks, faucets, keyboards, phones, etc.

• Wear disposable gloves and discard after cleaning. If using reusable gloves, they should be used exclusively for this cleaning and not used for other purposes. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after removing gloves!
• For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered disinfectants should be effective. Remember to follow manufacturer’s instruction for use. Use proper ventilation
• Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 1/3 cup of a disinfecting bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Bleach solution needs to be made fresh daily

Clean soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floors, rugs, and drapes with an appropriate cleaner to remove visible contamination. If possible, launder in the warmest water setting appropriate for these items and dry completely.

• Disinfect with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims that are suitable for porous surfaces

​Clothing, towels, linens and other items that go in the laundry. Wear disposable gloves when handling laundry. Discard when you are done. Wash your hands. If possible, wash on the warmest appropriate setting. Dry thoroughly. Laundry should be washed separate from non-contaminated laundry.

• Clean and disinfect a hamper if used. Otherwise dispose of transport bags if you are not able to launder them

Food utensils and dishes

• These can be non-disposable. Handle with gloves and wash in the dishwasher or with hot soapy water. Be sure to wash hands after removing gloves

Trash

• Use gloves when removing/handling trash. Wash hands after removing gloves

To learn more, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website: Interim recommendations for U.S. households with suspected/confirmed coronavirus disease.

 

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Topics: Emergency Preparedness

Revision Date: 4/2/2020

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