Everyday Steps, Steps When Someone is Sick, and Considerations for Employers

HOW TO CLEAN AND DISINFECT

Clean

• Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.

• Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.

• Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.

• Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

  • More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.

  • Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.

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• High touch surfaces include:

  • Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

 

Disinfect

• Quat-SANA and 
  
  Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
  Many products recommend:

  • Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label).

  • Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

 

Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.

• Wear skin protection and consider eye protection for potential splash hazards

• Ensure adequate ventilation

• Use no more than the amount recommended on the label

• Use water at room temperature for dilution (unless stated otherwise on the label)

• Avoid mixing chemical products

• Label diluted cleaning solutions

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

 

You should never eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. Do not wipe or bathe pets with these products or any other products that are not approved for animal use.

 

Special considerations should be made for people with asthma and they should not be present when cleaning and disinfecting is happening as this can trigger asthma exacerbations. Learn more about reducing asthma triggers.

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• Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.

 

On 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.

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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 disinfecting.

  • 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

• Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

• Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick.

• Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.

• Do not shake dirty laundry.

• Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.

• Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.

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Cleaning and disinfecting outdoor areas

• Outdoor areas, like playgrounds in schools and parks generally require normal routine cleaning, but do not require disinfection.

  • Do not spray disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds- it is not an efficient use of supplies and is not proven to reduce risk of COVID-19 to the public.

  • High touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings should be cleaned routinely.

  • Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces (play structures, benches, tables) or groundcovers (mulch, sand) is not recommended.

• Sidewalks and roads should not be disinfected.

  • Spread of COVID-19 from these surfaces is very low and disinfection is not effective.

 

When cleaning

• Regular cleaning staff can clean and disinfect community spaces.

  • Ensure they are trained on appropriate use of cleaning and disinfection chemicals.

• Wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.

  • Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.

  • Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.

  • Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.

  • Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.

 

Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.

• Keep hand sanitizers away from fire or flame

• For children under six years of age, hand sanitizer should be used with adult supervision

• Additional key times to wash hands include:

  • After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing.

  • After using the washroom.

  • Before eating or preparing food.

  • After contact with animals or pets.

  • Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g., a child).