How to Clean and Disinfect Public Spaces During COVID-19

Surfaces frequently touched with hands are most likely to be contaminated. These include high-touch site like doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons, light switches, cabinet handles, faucet handles, tables, countertops and electronics.

Choose a product that cleans and disinfects.

When cleaning and disinfecting public spaces choose products that clean and disinfect all at once (e.g., premixed store-bought disinfectant cleaning solutions and/or wipes when available).

Cleaning with soap (or detergent) and water lowers the number of germs on surfaces. Cleaners don’t necessarily kill germs, but cleaning can remove germs and lower their numbers. This can play a role in reducing the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting products kill germs on surfaces using chemicals.

Use only approved hard-surface disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A DIN is an 8-digit number given by Health Canada that confirms the disinfectant product is approved and safe for use in Canada. If an approved disinfectant isn’t available due to supply issues, use a diluted bleach solution. The following Clorox disinfectants are approved by Health Canada to make direct kill claims against SARS-CoV-2, virus that causes COVID-19.