
Follow this general procedure for cleaning surfaces:
- Wet the surface.
- Scrub the surface with detergent.
- Rinse the surface.
- Allow the surface to air dry.
What is the best way to clean the surface?
General cleaning recommendations To keep your Surface looking and working great, use a soft lint-free cloth (microfiber cloths work great) dampened with a little bit of mild soap and water, or screen wipes. Clean every 3-6 months or whenever needed. Important: Don't apply liquids directly to your Surface.
How to sanitize the surface of the product?
Follow this general procedure for sanitizing surfaces: 1 Apply the disinfectant to the surface following the manufacturer's direction. 2 Allow recommended contact time on the surface. 3 Allow the surface to air dry. Do not wipe the surface with a cloth towel to dry. Cloth towels may recontaminate the surface.
How do I clean the surface after using the disinfectant?
Allow the surface to air dry. Do not wipe the surface with a cloth towel to dry. Cloth towels may recontaminate the surface. The contact time is the time that the disinfectant needs to stay wet on a surface in order to ensure efficacy to reduce microoganisms on the surface.
What do you do to sanitize?
What you do to sanitize will vary, depending on your needs. You might be mopping a floor using a mop, a chemical, and water. You might use a dishwasher to sanitize the dishes. Or you could be using an antibacterial wipe on a tv remote. If you both clean and disinfect a surface or object, you can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

What solutions can be used to disinfect surfaces during the COVID-19 pandemic?
For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered disinfectant should be effective.
How to properly sanitize something to prevent the coronavirus disease?
See full answerHand sanitizers are not intended to replace handwashing in food production and retail settings. Instead, hand sanitizers may be used in addition to or in combination with proper handwashing. CDC recommends that everyone wash their hands with plain soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used if plain soap and water are not available. As an interim measure, we understand some food establishments have set up quaternary ammonium hand-dip stations and sprays at 200 ppm concentration.These products are intended for use on surfaces, and as such, may not be formulated for use on skin. FDA is aware of adverse event reports from consumers using such products as a replacement for hand sanitizers and advises against using these products as replacements for hand sanitizers.
How should I clean toys and household surfaces during COVID-19?
Nonporous items like plastic toys can be dipped in bleach for 30 seconds. Household surfaces that won't be damaged by bleach should get 10 or more minutes of exposure. Bleach solutions are hard on the skin, so don't use them as a substitute for hand-washing and/or hand sanitizer.
How should you sanitize your phone and other devices during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Unplug the device before cleaning.• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with soap and water.• Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the device.• Avoid aerosol sprays and cleaning solutions that contain bleach or abrasives.• Keep liquids and moisture away from any openings on the device.
What is the recommended surface cleaning method to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
In most situations, the risk of infection from touching a surface is low. The most reliable way to prevent infection from surfaces is to regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can also reduce the risk of infection.
What is one way I can help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to get vaccinated with an FDA-approved or FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Does the COVID-19 virus live for long on clothing?
Research suggests that COVID-19 doesn't survive for long on clothing, compared to hard surfaces, and exposing the virus to heat may shorten its life. A study published in found that at room temperature, COVID-19 was detectable on fabric for up to two days, compared to seven days for plastic and metal.
How long can COVID-19 survive on surfaces?
Data from surface survival studies indicate that a 99% reduction in infectious SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses can be expected under typical indoor environmental conditions within 3 days (72 hours) on common non-porous surfaces like stainless steel, plastic, and glass .
How long does the virus that causes COVID-19 last on surfaces?
Recent research evaluated the survival of the COVID-19 virus on different surfaces and reported that the virus can remain viable for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, up to four hours on copper, and up to 24 hours on cardboard.
How to properly disinfect phone?
• Turn off, unplug your phone.• Use a lint-free cloth or cotton ball. Avoid rougher material, like a paper towel, that can scratch. Even cleaning wipes can be abrasive.• Apply 70 percent rubbing alcohol to the cloth or cotton ball, not to the screen. Never spray any liquid on your phone.• Never use bleach.
Can alcohol-based wipes be used to disinfect touch screens during the COVID-19 pandemic?
If no instructions are available from the manufacturer of the device, CDC suggests using alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70 percent alcohol to disinfect touch screens. You can also take steps to minimize your mobile device's exposure to germs and the coronavirus.
When should you clean and sanitize your facility if someone tests positive for COVID-19?
If a sick person or someone who tested positive for COVID-19 has been in your facility within the last 24 hours, you should clean and disinfect the spaces they occupied. Close off areas used by the person who is sick and do not use those areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
Does the COVID-19 virus live for long on clothing?
Research suggests that COVID-19 doesn't survive for long on clothing, compared to hard surfaces, and exposing the virus to heat may shorten its life. A study published in found that at room temperature, COVID-19 was detectable on fabric for up to two days, compared to seven days for plastic and metal.
How long can COVID-19 survive on surfaces?
Data from surface survival studies indicate that a 99% reduction in infectious SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses can be expected under typical indoor environmental conditions within 3 days (72 hours) on common non-porous surfaces like stainless steel, plastic, and glass .
Can I catch COVID-19 by eating food handled or prepared by others?
According to the CDC, the risk of getting COVID-19 by handling or consuming food from a restaurant, takeout, or drive through is very low.
When should you clean and sanitize your facility if someone tests positive for COVID-19?
If a sick person or someone who tested positive for COVID-19 has been in your facility within the last 24 hours, you should clean and disinfect the spaces they occupied. Close off areas used by the person who is sick and do not use those areas until after cleaning and disinfecting.
How to keep your surface looking good?
Clean and care for your Surface. To keep your Surface looking and working great, clean the touchscreen and keyboard frequently , and keep your Surface covered when you're not using it. General cleaning. Touchscreen care. Cover and keyboard care.
How to clean fingerprints off of a computer screen?
You don't need to rub hard to remove fingerprints or oily spots. To clean your screen, use a screen cleaning wipe or a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. When necessary, you can dampen the cloth with one of the following: water, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution 70% or less, or eyeglass cleaner.
How to clean a keyboard cover?
To clean it, wipe with a lint-free cloth dampened in mild soap and water. Don't apply liquids directly to your Surface or to the cover.
How to clean Alcantara?
If you spill something on the Alcantara material, try to clean it within 30 minutes to help prevent any stains from setting. Using swirling motions, gently clean with a white lint-free cloth dampened with soap and water. A simple solution of two parts water to one part mild soap (like hand soap) will do.
What to use to clean a spine cover?
If the spine or magnetic connections of your cover get dirty or stained, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol) to a soft, lint-free cloth to clean.
How to prevent power cord damage on Surface?
Avoid pulling on the power cord when unplugging your Surface. Gently removing the connector from the charging connector can help prevent damage to your power cord.
Can Microsoft make a determination of the effectiveness of a disinfectant product in fighting pathogens?
Important: Microsoft cannot make a determination of the effectiveness of a given disinfectant product in fighting pathogens, such as COVID-19. Please refer to your local public health authority's guidance on how to stay safe from potential infection.
What happens if you don't clean your surface first?
If a surface is not cleaned first, the success of the disinfection process can be compromised. Removal of all visible blood and inorganic and organic matter can be as critical as the germicidal activity ...
How to use liquid disinfectant?
If using liquid disinfectant, the user would spray the surface with the disinfectant and wipe it using a disposable towel to clean the surface (“spray-wipe”), followed by another “spray” to disinfect the surface. When using disposable disinfectant wipes, the process is described as wipe-discard-wipe because the user uses one wipe to clean the surface, discards the wipe, and uses a second wipe to disinfect the surface. Disinfectant products should not be used as cleaners unless the label indicates the product is suitable for such use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following manufacturer recommendations for use (e.g., amount, dilution, contact time, safe use, disposal).
What are the levels of disinfection?
There are three levels of disinfection: high, intermediate, and low. High-level disinfectants, such as glutaraldehyde, are used as chemical sterilants and should never be used on environmental surfaces. Intermediate-level disinfectants are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and have a tuberculocidal claim, and low-level disinfectant are EPA-registered without a tuberculocidal claim (i.e., hepatitis B virus and HIV label claims).
Why is cleaning important?
What is cleaning and why is it important? Cleaning is the necessary first step of any disinfection process. Cleaning removes organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation.
What are the surfaces that are not touched during dental treatment?
Housekeeping surfaces (e.g., walls, floors, sinks) are not directly touched during dental treatment and carry the lowest risk of disease transmission. Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Environmental Surfaces. What are the types of environmental surfaces in a dental facility?
What are the two types of surfaces that can be contaminated?
Environmental surfaces can be divided into clinical contact surfaces and housekeeping surfaces. Clinical contact surfaces can be directly contaminated from patient materials either by direct spray or spatter generated during dental procedures or by contact with gloved hands of dental health care personnel. These surfaces can subsequently contaminate other instruments, devices, hands, or gloves. Housekeeping surfaces (e.g., walls, floors, sinks) are not directly touched during dental treatment and carry the lowest risk of disease transmission.
Does sterilization destroy bacteria?
In contrast, sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including substantial numbers of resistant bacterial spores, by heat (steam autoclave, dry heat, and unsaturated chemical vapor) or liquid chemical sterilants. Disinfection does not ensure the degree of safety associated with sterilization processes. What are the types of environmental ...
Why is it important to clean and disinfect surfaces?
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can also reduce the risk of infection. Always follow standard practices and appropriate regulations specific to your type of facility for minimum standards for cleaning and disinfection.
How does cleaning with soap or detergent reduce germs on surfaces?
Cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces by removing contaminants and decreases risk of infection from surfaces.
Why put a wipeable cover on electronics?
Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics, which makes cleaning and disinfecting easier.
What is routine cleaning?
Routine Cleaning. Clean and Disinfect Specific Types of Surfaces. Clean and Disinfect Your Facility When Someone is Sick. Additional Considerations for Employers. The virus that causes COVID-19 can land on surfaces. It’s possible for people to become infected if they touch those surfaces and then touch their nose, mouth, or eyes.
How long should you wash your hands after removing gloves?
This could include PPE (such as gloves, glasses, or goggles), additional ventilation, or other precautions. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after cleaning. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after removing gloves. If hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
What to do if your hands are dirty?
If hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can. Special considerations should be made for people with asthma.
What to do when handling dirty laundry from a sick person?
If handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick, wear gloves and a mask.
What is the first step to clean and sanitize surfaces?
The first step to clean and sanitize surfaces in the home is to understand the difference between cleaning and sanitizing, the specialists explained. Cleaning means to remove soil, dust, grease or other debris from the surface. Sanitizing means to reduce the microorganism on the surface.
What is sanitizing a surface?
Sanitizing means to reduce the microorganism on the surface. The cleaning process typically includes using soap or detergent to scrub the debris from a surface. Dishwashing soap is an example of a soap or detergent product that can be used.
How long does it take to disinfect Clorox?
For example, Clorox® Germicidal Bleach requires a five-minute contact time, while Clorox® Clean-Up® Disinfectant Cleaner with Bleach (spray) only requires a 30-second contact time. For Lysol Disinfectant Spray to disinfect, the surface must remain wet for three minutes and then air dry.
How to clean a surface before scrubbing?
Pre-rinsing to remove larger pieces of debris before scrubbing will make the process more effective. Follow this general procedure for cleaning surfaces: Wet the surface. Scrub the surface with detergent. Rinse the surface. Allow the surface to air dry.
Can you wipe a surface with a cloth towel?
Allow the surface to air dry. Do not wipe the surface with a cloth towel to dry. Cloth towels may recontaminate the surface.
Can you sanitize a dirty surface?
“It is necessary to remember that an area must be cleaned before it can be sanitized. You cannot sanitize a dirty surface, ” Coleman stressed.
What are the steps to disinfecting a surface?
Step #1 is knowing the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects and sanitizing. Step #2 is to clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are often touched.
What is the difference between disinfecting and sanitizing?
Step #1 is knowing the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects and sanitizing. Step #2 is to clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are often touched.
What is the third step in cleaning?
Step #3 is to do routine cleaning and disinfecting naturally. Standard cleaning and disinfecting practices are sufficient to remove or kill them.
What do you use to sanitize a restaurant?
What you do to sanitize will vary, depending on your needs. You might be mopping a floor using a mop, a chemical, and water. You might use a dishwasher to sanitize the dishes.
How can I safely clean and disinfect?
It's important to be safe when using cleaning and disinfecting products:
How can I avoid getting germs from surfaces and objects?
To avoid becoming infected by germs from surfaces and objects, it is important to wash your hands often . But you can't wash your hands every time you touch something. So it's also important to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects.
What is the purpose of disinfecting?
Disinfecting uses chemicals (disinfectants) to kill germs on surfaces and objects. Some common disinfectants are bleach and alcohol solutions. You usually need to leave the disinfectant on the surfaces and objects for a certain period of time to kill the germs. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs.
What is the purpose of cleaning?
Cleaning removes dirt, dust, crumbs, and germs from surfaces or objects. When you clean, you will likely use soap (or detergent) and water to physically clean off the surfaces and objects. This may not necessarily kill the germs.
What is sanitizing? What are some examples?
What is considered a safe level depends on public health standards or requirements at a workplace, school, etc. For example, there are sanitizing procedures for restaurants and other facilities that prepare food. What you do to sanitize will vary, depending on your needs. You might be mopping a floor using a mop, a chemical, and water. You might use a dishwasher to sanitize the dishes. Or you could be using an antibacterial wipe on a tv remote.
What are some examples of disinfecting surfaces?
For example, in your house, this would include countertops, doorknobs, faucet and toilet handles, light switches, remotes, and toys.
What is the best way to clean and disinfect?
When cleaning and disinfecting, focus on surfaces that frequently contact people’s bare skin like desks, chairs, benches, gym equipment, lockers, faucets, light switches and remote controls . In particular, clean any surfaces that could come into contact with uncovered wounds, cuts, or boils. In addition to cleaning surfaces, frequently cleaning ...
How long should you scrub your hands?
After wetting your hands and adding soap, scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you cannot access soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands. Apply the sanitizer to one hand, rub your hands together, trying to cover all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
Why do you need to clean with a detergent?
Cleaning with a detergent is necessary to remove dirt that can prevent disinfectants from working. Some disinfectants have a cleaning agent mixed in, check the label to know which product you have.
What is disinfectant used for?
Disinfectants are chemical products that are used to kill germs in healthcare settings. Disinfectants effective against Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, are also effective against MRSA. The disinfectant’s label should have a list of germs that the product can kill, along with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration number. These products are also sold at grocery and other retail stores and may be helpful when someone has an infected wound.
How to protect yourself from germs?
Even when a surface appears visibly clean, it can still have germs. To protect yourself from germs on shared surfaces you can: 1 Use barriers, like a towel or clothing, between your skin and the surface. 2 Shower immediately after activities where you have direct skin contact with people or shared surfaces or equipment, such as after exercising at a health club. 3 Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. 4 Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with bandages or dressing until healed.
Where to find disinfectant label?
Check the disinfectant product’s label on the back of the container. Most, if not all, disinfectant manufacturers will provide a list of germs on their label that their product can destroy. Disinfectants effective against Staphylococcus aureus or staph are also effective against MRSA. These products are readily available from grocery stores and other retail stores.
Why is it so hard to clean a computer keyboard?
Many items such as computer keyboards or handheld electronic devices may be difficult to clean or disinfect because they could be damaged if they became wet. If these items are touched by many people during the course of the day, a cleanable cover/skin (e.g., keyboard skin) could be used on the item to allow for cleaning while protecting the item. Always check to see if the manufacturer has instructions for cleaning.

General cleaning recommendations
Touchscreen care
Cover and keyboard care
Alcantara® material care
Using disinfectant products on your Surface
- Use only Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution 70% or less as a disinfectant product for your Surface …
For info about how to clean the touchscreen, see the Touchscreen care section above. - Important: Microsoft cannot make a determination of the effectiveness of a given disinfectant p…
Caution:
Battery health
Power cord care