Respiratory infectious diseases: Cleaning and disinfecting to reduce the spread
On this page
- Contaminated surfaces and objects
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- How to clean properly
- How to disinfect properly
- What to do when someone in your home is sick
Contaminated surfaces and objects
High-touch surfaces and objects are those that people touch often. This means they're more likely to be contaminated with germs like viruses and bacteria. This includes germs that cause respiratory infectious diseases such as:
- COVID-19
- the flu (seasonal influenza)
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
Examples of high-touch surfaces and objects include:
- toys
- light switches
- tables and countertops
- door handles and doorknobs
- bathroom surfaces, such as toilets and faucets
- electronics, such as phones, tablets and remote controls
You can become infected when you touch a contaminated surface or object and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth before cleaning your hands.
Cleaning and disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfecting can remove or kill germs on contaminated surfaces and objects. Doing this regularly can help reduce the risk of respiratory infectious diseases spreading through contact with a contaminated surface or object.
Before cleaning or disinfecting
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the safe use of cleaning and disinfecting products. Depending on the product, you may need to:
- use it in a well-ventilated area
- wear safety equipment, such as gloves or eye protection
- allow enough contact time for the product to be effective
- follow the manufacturer's instructions for how long to leave the product on
- properly store the product
How to clean properly
Cleaning reduces the amount of germs by physically removing them. Clean surfaces and objects with soap or detergent and water, and wipe with a cloth or paper towel.
How to disinfect properly
Disinfecting deactivates or kill germs on surfaces and objects when used according to product label directions. Ideally, you should always clean surfaces first with soap or detergent, then disinfect them.
Always use approved products for disinfecting. Check the label for a drug identification number (DIN) confirming that Health Canada has approved the product for sale in Canada.
Drug Product Database online query
If you don't have access to an approved disinfectant, you can use a diluted bleach solution instead. Make sure to handle bleach safely, as it can irritate or burn your skin, eyes or lungs. It can also produce toxic gas if you mix it with other cleaning products.
When possible, ensure good ventilation while using disinfecting products. This helps reduce the buildup of fumes from disinfectants in indoor air. You can do this by:
- opening windows or doors
- turning on the bathroom or kitchen fans
Follow the directions for use and precautions listed on the label.
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After cleaning or disinfecting
Once you have finished cleaning or disinfecting:
- dispose of single-use cleaning items, for example, mop heads and paper towels, in a lined waste container
- wash reusable cleaning items with soap or detergent and hot water according to the manufacturer's instructions
- remove your gloves, if used
- perform hand hygiene by:
- washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (preferred method if hands are visibly soiled) or
- using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol for 20 seconds or until dry
Learn more:
- How to properly wash your hands (infographic)
- List of hand sanitizers approved by Health Canada
- This page is archived, but products remain approved for use, though new items will no longer be added
- Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
What to do when someone in your home is sick
Regularly clean and disinfect spaces used by the person who is sick. This includes sleeping areas and washrooms, with a focus on high-touch surfaces and objects.
Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects more often helps reduce the risk of a respiratory infectious disease spreading to others in the home. This is especially important to protect people in your household who are at risk of developing serious complications from the illness.
Respiratory infectious diseases: Who is at risk
Consider using other personal protective measures while cleaning to lower your risk of being exposed to infectious particles. This includes ventilating your home or wearing a well-fitting respirator or mask.
Learn more:
- Respiratory infectious diseases: Break the chain of infection (infographic)
- Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures
Contaminated laundry
Clothing or other soft surfaces can become contaminated or soiled with infectious particles or secretions, such as saliva or mucus, from someone who is sick. Washing contaminated and soiled laundry can help remove and kill germs.
When handling laundry, keep it away from your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid shaking contaminated or soiled laundry to lower the risk of spreading germs. Contaminated items can be washed with other laundry.
When doing laundry:
- put laundry directly into the washing machine, or into a lined hamper or basket if not washing right away
- clean your hands after touching contaminated or soiled laundry
- if your hands are visibly dirty, wash them using soap and water for at least 20 seconds instead of using hand sanitizer
- clean and disinfect any surfaces the laundry has touched, including the hamper or basket it was in
- clean your hands after touching contaminated or soiled laundry
- wash using a hot cycle with laundry soap or detergent, according to the manufacturer's instructions
- ensure that all laundry is dried thoroughly
Contaminated furniture and carpets
Furniture and carpets can be difficult to clean if they become contaminated with infectious particles or secretions, like saliva or mucus. If they're contaminated, clean the affected area using appropriate household or commercial cleaning products.
When vacuuming carpets:
- spray fabric-safe disinfectant
- vacuum thoroughly, preferably using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if available
- dispose of the dirt safely
- clean your hands afterward
Learn more: