How to Clean and Disinfect for Covid-19

Surfaces

 If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

 For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.

§ Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

 Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

§ 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or

§ 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

§ Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

§ For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:

§ If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.

§ Otherwise, use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims that are suitable for porous surfaces

Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry

 Do not shake dirty laundry, this will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.

 Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

 Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand Hygiene

 Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.

§ Gloves and gowns should be compatible with the disinfectant products being used.

§ Additional 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. Be sure to clean hands after removing gloves.

§ Gloves should be removed after cleaning a room or area occupied by ill persons. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.

 Cleaning staff should immediately report breaches in PPE (e.g., tear in gloves) or any potential exposures to their supervisor.

 Cleaning staff and others should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.

 Follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including cleaning hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

 Additional key times to clean hands include:

§ After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing

§ After using the restroom

§ 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)

With Friends Like This...

I worked at a women’s clothing store that carried Plus sizes up to 3x. We had some steady customers who were just difficult, and thought we would never notice that they were ‘renting’ clothes and would return them used. These women would search and hunt through the discounted racks, often trying to match several items that they had carried in. I could plainly see that the clothes that they had brought in still had on price tags that were well worn and blurred from body sweat: and without a doubt they would return that over-used piece of clothing and expect to be reimbursed full price.

A pair of them came in, one tall, plus sized overbearing woman who played the return used clothing game and the other one was quiet, petite and also plus sized. Sadly the second woman was barely 5 feet tall and none of the clothes were scaled for her height and fit poorly.

At the checkout counter the overbearing woman gave me a hard time about sales, returns, discounts, and more, just exhausting. But when I turned my attention to her short friend and made suggestions on possibly having custom made some basic slacks, then altering some blouses off the racks, if her budget would allow. Then I went on to kindly tell her that she deserved pretty clothes that looked well on her and hoped that my suggestions would work. I sympathized with her that fashion stores simply ignored all woman built like her, and tried to encourage her that she could look wonderful without being that mythical perfect size 8.

She had tears running down her face, and I kept searching for more kind, encouraging words for her. While I was speaking to her I became very aware that her alleged friend, that large plus-sized, difficult and conniving customer resented that I was paying so much attention to her friend. She was rude to me and a bully to the one who was crying, which made me be even kinder. That short woman deserved so much more, being petite and very overweight is not a crime, just a sad lifelong struggle with her weight, and of course, suffering with a phony and bullying friend who was morbidly obese herself, and certainly had no cause to mock anyone with a weight problem!