Keeping surfaces clean at home helps reduce the spread of harmful germs like norovirus, Shigella, and Giardia, which can cause illness. Removing dirt, bacteria, and viruses from household surfaces supports overall health. However, sanitizing or disinfecting is usually unnecessary unless someone in the home is sick.
Understanding Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting
Cleaning removes most germs, dirt, and debris from surfaces using soap, water, and scrubbing.
Sanitizing lowers germ levels to meet public health standards. It is done using weaker bleach solutions or sanitizing sprays. Always clean before sanitizing.
Disinfecting eliminates most bacteria and viruses on surfaces. This process requires stronger bleach solutions or disinfectants. Surfaces must be cleaned before disinfecting.
Cleaning
Regular Cleaning as a First Step
Routine cleaning is essential for removing most germs from surfaces. Using household cleaners with soap or detergent helps eliminate dirt and bacteria, reducing the chance of infection. Cleaning alone removes many harmful viruses and bacteria. Since dirt and grime can prevent disinfectants from working effectively, surfaces should always be cleaned before sanitizing or disinfecting.
Sanitizing reduces the germs left after cleaning.
Disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria that remain after cleaning, further reducing the risk of spreading illness.
For most daily cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting is not required unless someone in the home is sick or has recently been ill. Always clean first, then sanitize or disinfect if needed.
When to Clean Surfaces
High-touch surfaces, such as light switches, doorknobs, and countertops, should be cleaned regularly and after visitors leave.
Other surfaces should be cleaned as needed, especially when visibly dirty.
If someone in the household is more vulnerable to illness, such as young children or individuals with weakened immune systems, surfaces may need to be disinfected more often.
Use cleaning products suitable for each surface and follow label instructions carefully.
Safe Cleaning Methods for Different Surfaces
Hard Surfaces (counters, toys, light switches, floors):
Use soap and water or a surface-appropriate cleaning product.
Soft Surfaces (carpet, rugs, drapes):
Clean using products designed for these materials.
Wash items (if possible) according to manufacturer guidelines, using the warmest recommended water setting, and dry completely.
Vacuum carpets and rugs, disposing of collected dirt properly.
Consider using wipeable covers to make cleaning easier.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting.
Hand Hygiene
Keeping hands clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs at home. Regular handwashing, especially after cleaning, helps maintain a healthier environment.
Sanitizing
When to Sanitize at Home
Certain surfaces and objects may need sanitizing after they have been cleaned.
Sanitize items used by infants and children, such as feeding supplies, toys, and play areas.
After a natural disaster or emergency, sanitize food contact surfaces to ensure safety.
If a food recall has affected your refrigerator, sanitize the inside to remove any contamination.
Use sanitizing products designed for each surface, following the instructions on the label.
Safe Sanitizing Methods
Daily sanitizing is usually unnecessary if surfaces and objects are thoroughly cleaned after use. When sanitizing is needed, a weaker bleach solution or an EPA-registered sanitizing spray can be used.
For nonporous objects, including some toys and infant feeding items:
Sanitize using boiling, steaming, or a diluted bleach solution. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the safest method.
Some items may be placed in a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle.
After sanitizing, set items on a clean dish towel or paper towel and allow them to air dry completely before storing or using.
Avoid using a dish towel to rub or pat items dry, as this can transfer germs.
For hard surfaces like kitchen counters and food prep areas:
Wash countertops with hot, soapy water before sanitizing.
Sanitize surfaces that have been in contact with raw meat, poultry, or their juices, including the inside of the sink.
Use a homemade bleach solution or an appropriate sanitizing product for these areas.
Proper sanitizing helps reduce germs and maintain a cleaner, safer home environment.
Disinfecting
When to Disinfect
When someone in the home is sick or if a household member has a weakened immune system, infection is recommended in addition to routine cleaning. This includes individuals undergoing immune-suppressing treatments for conditions such as cancer, organ transplants, HIV, or genetic disorders that affect the immune system.
How to Disinfect Safely
For effective disinfection, use an EPA-registered disinfectant or a stronger bleach solution.
Clean the surface first with soap and water before applying a disinfectant.
Always check the product label to confirm it is safe for the specific surface type (hard or soft).
Important Safety Precautions for Chemical Disinfectants
Read and follow all instructions on the product label to ensure proper use and disposal.
Wear protective gear, such as gloves or goggles, to prevent exposure to chemicals.
Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for the required contact time to kill germs effectively. Keep the surface wet for the full duration listed in the instructions.
Maintain good ventilation when using disinfectants indoors by opening windows or using a fan to allow fresh air circulation.
If dilution is required, use room temperature water unless the label provides different instructions.
Clearly label any diluted disinfectant solutions.
Store disinfectants away from children and pets.
Never mix disinfectants or cleaning chemicals, as this can create harmful reactions.
Do not eat, drink, inhale, or apply disinfectants directly to the skin, as they can cause serious harm.
Never use disinfectants on pets, as they can be toxic.
After disinfecting, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Using Bleach Solutions for Disinfection
If ready-to-use disinfectants are unavailable, diluted bleach solutions can effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi on many hard surfaces. Proper dilution ensures effectiveness and safety. Always follow product guidelines when preparing and using bleach solutions.
Mary Watson
