The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE)04.27.20
Cleaning removes germs, disinfecting kills them. The best way to fight coronavirus is to clean and then disinfect using an EPA-approved disinfectant.
What Products Kill Coronavirus?
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is easy to kill because it has an outer layer of fat. When you use a disinfectant to dissolve the fat, the virus breaks down.
· Double check that you are using a true disinfectant – Look for the EPA registration number on the back of the label.
· Compare the EPA registration number on the product’s label with the EPA registration number on List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.
· Following the instructions is key – Take a few minutes to read the product label and review the directions and safety information.
· Check the label for the contact time, which is how long the product should remain on the surface to properly disinfect.
· Vinegar will not work because it does not affect the outer layer of fat.
Be Organized
Take an organized approach to protecting your home. Create a checklist of high-touch areas that need to be disinfected frequently, including:
· Kitchen counters
· Bathroom counters
· Doorknobs and handles
· Light switches
· Tables
· Cell phones
· Laptops and keyboards
· Toilets
· Faucets
· TV remote
Tips for Common Product Types
Wipes
· Double check that your wipe is a disinfectant.
· Did you pre-clean? Dirt and grime can make the disinfectant less effective.
· Don’t skimp. Use enough wipes so that the entire surface is wet.
Sprays
· Spray from six to eight inches away. Make sure the entire surface is wet.
· Wait before you wipe. Read the directions on the label to see how long the product needs to air dry.
· Things that touch food or mouths should be rinsed after drying.
Safety First
· Most importantly, wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
· Keep cleaning products, disinfectants and hand sanitizer secured and stored safely away, especially now that many children are home.
· Don’t mix or make your own products – they may not be effective and can even be dangerous.
· Follow recommnedations from the CDCand World Health Organization.
For more information, visit consumered.org/prepareforcoronavirus.
What Products Kill Coronavirus?
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is easy to kill because it has an outer layer of fat. When you use a disinfectant to dissolve the fat, the virus breaks down.
· Double check that you are using a true disinfectant – Look for the EPA registration number on the back of the label.
· Compare the EPA registration number on the product’s label with the EPA registration number on List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.
· Following the instructions is key – Take a few minutes to read the product label and review the directions and safety information.
· Check the label for the contact time, which is how long the product should remain on the surface to properly disinfect.
· Vinegar will not work because it does not affect the outer layer of fat.
Be Organized
Take an organized approach to protecting your home. Create a checklist of high-touch areas that need to be disinfected frequently, including:
· Kitchen counters
· Bathroom counters
· Doorknobs and handles
· Light switches
· Tables
· Cell phones
· Laptops and keyboards
· Toilets
· Faucets
· TV remote
Tips for Common Product Types
Wipes
· Double check that your wipe is a disinfectant.
· Did you pre-clean? Dirt and grime can make the disinfectant less effective.
· Don’t skimp. Use enough wipes so that the entire surface is wet.
Sprays
· Spray from six to eight inches away. Make sure the entire surface is wet.
· Wait before you wipe. Read the directions on the label to see how long the product needs to air dry.
· Things that touch food or mouths should be rinsed after drying.
Safety First
· Most importantly, wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
· Keep cleaning products, disinfectants and hand sanitizer secured and stored safely away, especially now that many children are home.
· Don’t mix or make your own products – they may not be effective and can even be dangerous.
· Follow recommnedations from the CDCand World Health Organization.
For more information, visit consumered.org/prepareforcoronavirus.