GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING & DISINFECTING
PUBLIC SPACES, WORKPLACES, BUSINESSES,
SCHOOLS, AND HOMES
1 – DEVELOP YOUR PLAN
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.
Download the PDF version: ReOpening America Cleaning Disinfection Decision Tool.pdf
2 – IMPLEMENT
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.
3 – MAINTAIN AND REVISE
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.
Download the PDF version: ReOpening America Cleaning Disinfection Decision Tool.pdf
