So how can you effectively clean the surfaces in your home? Follow the tips below.

What should you clean?

Focus on high-touch surfaces. These are things that you or others in your household touch frequently during your daily activities. Some examples include:

• doorknobs
• handles on appliances, like the oven and refrigerator
• light switches
• faucets and sinks
• toilets
• tables and desks
• countertops
• staircase railings
• computer keyboards and computer mouse
• handheld electronics, such as phones, tablets, and video game controllers

Clean other surfaces, objects, and clothes as needed or if you suspect they’ve been contaminated.

If possible, try to wear disposable gloves while cleaning. Be sure to throw them away as soon as you’re done.

If you don’t have gloves, just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after you’re done cleaning.

What are the best products to use for cleaning?

According to the CDC, you can use household cleaning products or EPA-registered disinfectantsTrusted Source to clean household surfaces. Follow the directions on the label and only use these products on surfaces that they’re appropriate for.

Household bleach solutions can also be used when appropriate. To mix your own bleach solution, the CDC recommendsTrusted Source using either:

• 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water
• 4 tablespoons of bleach per quart of water

Use care while cleaning electronics. If the manufacturer’s instructions aren’t available, use an alcohol-based wipe or a 70 percent ethanol spray to clean electronics. Be sure to dry them thoroughly so liquid doesn’t accumulate inside the device.

When doing laundry, you can use your regular detergent. Try to use the warmest water setting that’s appropriate for the type of clothes you’re washing. Allow washed clothes to dry completely before putting them away.

Source : Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP on April 29, 2020 New — Written by Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD