Cleaning surfaces
Last modified:
09/03/2020 - 08:56
Disinfecting high touch surfaces in your home is an important step in protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why this is important
Research shows that COVID-19 stays alive with a potential for infection for up to 3 days on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces. On copper up to 4 hours and on cardboard it stays alive for up to 24 hours.
Research also shows that there is a risk of spreading the disease by touching surfaces where a person with COVID-19 may have touched, sneezed or coughed on.
How do we get rid of the virus on surfaces?
Disinfecting high touch surfaces in your home can kill COVID-19.
What can we use to disinfect surfaces in our home?
Household bleach mixed with water is a great disinfectant as it is effective and inexpensive. Bleach can be mixed into different concentrations for the different surfaces in your home.
For information on cleaning and disinfecting, see:
- How to use Bleach as a Disinfectant
- Disinfection for Homes and Camps Without Running Water
- Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces during COVID-19 (Government of Canada)
- List of disinfectants (including wipes) for use against COVID-19 (Government of Canada)