Many viruses, including the novel coronavirus COVID-19, have a structure that allows them to be easily “killed” when an appropriate disinfectant is used according to the label directions.
This information applies to both public settings and personal homes. People who are not experiencing symptoms can choose to follow these as a precaution in their own household.
Workplaces should follow their organization-specific protocols.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces twice per day and when visibly dirty. These could include: doorknobs, light switches, counters, toilet handles, sink handles, touch screen surfaces, keypads, keyboards, computer mouse, phones, electronics, bedside tables, remote controls, toys, desk counters, handrails, elevator buttons, gym equipment.
Disinfect high-touch electronic devices (e.g., keyboards, touch screens and phones) with 70% alcohol (e.g. alcohol prep wipes) twice a day.
Commonly used cleaners (which remove grease/dirt) and disinfectants (which are chemicals that kill germs) are effective against viruses.
Follow these tips to clean and disinfect safely and effectively:
Some products include a cleaner and a disinfectant.
Read the label and only use as instructed.
Make sure disinfectants have an 8-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) from Health Canada so you know the product is approved for use in Canada. A list of disinfectants approved by Health Canada is available.
Check the expiry date of your products and always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Wear gloves and any other personal protective equipment recommended by the manufacturer.
Never mix chemicals together unless it is indicated on the product label and follow all instructions.
Allow enough contact time for the disinfectant in the product to kill germs. This is the amount of time the product needs to stay wet and is listed on the label.
Open a window or turn on an exhaust fan when using chemicals.
Store chemicals out of the reach of children.
Only use food safe products on surfaces and equipment you use to prepare food.
Don’t use vinegar, hard alcohols or lemon juice as disinfectants.
Where possible, use pre-mixed solutions of disinfectants. If you need to prepare a product for use, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Diluted bleach is effective if a disinfectant product is not available. Mix regular unscented bleach (5.25%) at a ratio of 1 part bleach to 50 parts water: For example, 1 tsp (5 mL) of bleach per 1 cup (250 mL) of water. This solution should be made and used within a day as bleach can degrade over time when exposed to light.
Use disinfectant wipes (combined cleaner and disinfectants in one solution) when the surface is not heavily soiled or dirty.
Disinfectant wipes may become dry due to fast drying properties and should be thrown away if they become dried out.
Do not use baby wipes as they are not disinfectant.
Continue normal dishwashing practices.
Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, or eating utensils with anyone who is sick.
After use of these items, soap or detergent and warm water, as well as dishwashers, can be used for washing. No special soap is needed.
Continue normal laundry practices.
Do not share towels, bedding or clothes with anyone who is sick.
Wear gloves when handling the laundry of anyone who is ill but there’s no need to do separate laundry. Try not to shake the items but put them directly into the washing machine.
Clean your hands with soap and water immediately after removing your gloves.
Be careful when touching waste.
Use regular garbage bins for garbage pick up.
Be careful not to touch any used tissues with your hands when emptying wastebaskets and garbage bins.
Consider lining wastebaskets/ garbage bins with a plastic bag to make waste disposal easier and safer.
Clean your hands with soap and water after emptying garbage/waste.
