Cleaning Protocols | 6/1/2020 (updated 3/2/21, updated 5/11/21)

Cleaning Protocols

Approved by the Central District Health Department 6/1

Updated 5/11/21


These protocols have been based on the recommendations of the CDC.The cleaning of electronics is based on a paper published by Yale Environmental Health and Safety in response to the COVID-19 virus.

According to the CDC, the “risk of exposure to cleaning staff is inherently low. Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.”

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are properly removed (see video).

i. Clean area with soap and water, which removes germs and dirt from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading COVID-19.

ii Disinfect area. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. A list of products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available here. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products for (concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

By killing the germs on surfaces after cleaning, you can further reduce the risk of spreading infection. If EPA-approved disinfectants are in short supply, alternative disinfectants can be used (eg., ⅓ cup, or 5 tablespoons of bleach (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) added to 1 gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons per quart of water, or, alternatively, 70% alcohol solutions) ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection for up to 24 hours, after that, discard and make a new solution. In lieu of this, make a label stating the date and time the solution was made and tape it to the spray bottle.

iii. Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together - this can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in.

How to clean and disinfect hard (Non-porous) Surfaces:

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. 

Public Computer Usage:

    • Supplies will be provided for patrons to sanitize stations before use
    • How often: After every use
    • What: Wipe down keyboard, mouse, monitor, table and chair
    • PPE: gloves
    • Cleaning implements: Follow manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, or: use a lint-free cloth, such as a screen wipe or a cloth made from microfiber. Avoid excessive wiping and submerging item in cleanser to avoid damage. Unplug all external power sources and cables. Do not use aerosol sprays, bleach or abrasive cleaners. Ensure moisture does not get into any openings. Never spray cleaner directly on an item. Using a Clorox disinfectant wipe or a wipe containing 70% alcohol, gently and carefully wipe the hard, nonporous surface of the item. This includes the display, keyboard, mouse and the exterior surface of the item. If you have concerns about the cleaning product being used, please refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and warning label. When using a disinfectant wipe, it is important to follow the contact time found on the label. It may be necessary to use more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the recommended contact time. Do not use fabric or leather surfaces on items, as this can scratch or damage to the items. Do NOT use bleach to disinfect computers and electronics. 

High Touch Public Areas (including public restrooms):

    • How often: once per day
    • What: Clean and disinfect door handles/plates, public tables and chairs, hand rails, self-check area
    • PPE: gloves
    • Cleaning implements: If dirty, clean first, then use wipes, or disinfecting spray. For self-check area, see Public Computer Usage. 

Bathrooms:

    • How often: Every hour, or after each use
    • What: Clean and disinfect door handles/plates, faucets, toilet handle, soap dispenser, towel dispenser, and light switches
    • PPE: gloves
    • Cleaning implements: If dirty, clean first, then use wipes, or disinfecting spray. 

Circulation Desk:

    • How often: After every shift
    • What: Wipe down keyboard, mouse, monitor, table, phone, screen, and iPad if used.
    • PPE: gloves
    • Cleaning implements: Wipes, disinfecting spray. For electronics like keyboards, mice and monitors, see Public Computer Usage.

Shared Staff Office Areas:

    • How often: After every use
    • What: Wipe down keyboard, mouse, monitor, table, chair (if possible), and phone (if used)
    • PPE: gloves
    • Cleaning implements: If dirty, clean first, then use wipes, or disinfecting spray. For electronics like keyboards, mice and monitors, see Public Computer Usage.

Breakrooms:

    • How often: After every use
    • What: Door handle/plate, telephone, table, chair, and commonly used appliances: fridge handle, microwave, coffee pot, water dispenser, kettle
    • PPE: gloves
    • Cleaning implements: If dirty, clean first, then use wipes, or disinfecting spray.

Common Areas (not high touch):

    • How often: At close of day (Greeter will be manning the doors, so there shouldn’t be too much touching by others)
    • What: Exterior door handle/plate (inside and out), light switches
    • PPE: gloves
    • Cleaning implements: If dirty, clean first, then use wipes, or disinfecting spray.

If someone known to be ill with Covid is in the building, the areas they occupied should be disinfected following the guidelines below:

    • Open doors and windows and use fans or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) settings to increase air circulation in the area.
    • Use products from EPA List according to the instructions on the product label.
    • Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning and disinfecting
    • Focus on the immediate areas occupied by the person who is sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 unless they have already been cleaned and disinfected.
    • Vacuum the space if needed. Use a vacuum equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and bags, if available.
    • While vacuuming, temporarily turn off in-room, window-mounted, or on-wall recirculation heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to avoid contamination of HVAC units
    • Do NOT deactivate the central HVAC systems. These systems provide better filtration capabilities and introduce outdoor air into the areas that they serve.
    • It is safe to wash dirty laundry from a person who is sick with COVID-19 with other people's items, if needed. 
    • Ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfectant products, including storing such products securely and using PPE needed for the cleaning and disinfection products.
    • If less than 24 hours have passed since the person who is sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 has been in the space, clean and disinfect the space.
    • If more than 24 hours have passed since the person who is sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 has been in the space, cleaning is enough. You may choose to also disinfect depending on certain conditions or everyday practices required by your facility.
    • If more than 3 days have passed since the person who is sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 has been in the space, no additional cleaning (beyond regular cleaning practices) is needed.