MEANING OF CLEAN
Clean or disinfected? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gets technical about the difference.
Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs. Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
The coronavirus is a protein molecule – it is not killed but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
The CDC urges people to wash their hands regularly with soap for 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Hard surfaces
The CDC recommends wearing disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
Hard surfaces should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water before disinfection.
For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol and most common Epa-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Products with Epa-registered household disinfectants are expected to be effective against COVID-19.
Do not mix these
Bleach and vinegar
Bleach and ammonia
Bleach and rubbing alcohol Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar
Soft (porous) surfaces
For carpeted floor, rugs and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with solutions indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
Launder items and if possible, use the warmest appropriate water setting, then dry items completely. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
Do not shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. 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.
Remove gloves and wash hands right away.