Sanitize Surfaces

Adhering to this guidance will help limit the survival of the coronavirus on surfaces.

We are all going to need to pitch in and do our part to help make sure that we limit the potential spread of COVID-19 via surfaces. This means helping with sanitization multiple times per day of campus areas traditionally covered by custodial services such as restrooms, lobbies, hallways, etc., as well as coordinating with custodial services as they transition to provide multiple daily cleanings in high-occupancy, high-touch buildings and classrooms.

Learn more about custodial services COVID-19 protocols.

Depending on the particular worksite plan, individuals will be responsible for increasing the disinfection of their work areas and potentially participating in the responsibility of cleaning shared equipment, fixtures, common areas, high-touch surfaces and more.

For students and employees working from home, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces as part of your daily routine can help further reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Guidance

for sanitizing surfaces

Routine sanitization means cleaning upon arrival and again before leaving. You should also sanitize whenever you suspect a surface may be contaminated — whether in an office, lab or other shared space.

• Remember to clean a surface before disinfecting it.
• DO use gloves and eye protection when sanitizing surfaces.
• Use an EPA-listed disinfectant effective against the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that is compatible with your surfaces.
• Follow directions on the product label. Disinfectant sprays and wipes often require a surface remain wet for a specific amount of time to before being wiped dry

Sanitizing Campus Offices

What to sanitize: Offices and cubicles

Office and cubicle occupants are responsible for increasing the disinfection of their own worksites in addition to shared areas: break rooms, conference rooms, office fixtures and more. Your worksite plan will detail the spaces where increased disinfection is required and may include multiple cleanings of the following areas and/or specific surfaces:

Disinfectant supplies for campus offices

Surface wipes are available on a limited basis and can be requested online through the Campus COVID Supply Store.

ONLY ORDER commercially made, ready-to-use products made with EPA-listed disinfectants like those available in the supply store.
DO NOT order the ingredients to mix your own disinfectant solutions. (These supplies are only for labs.)
DO NOT mix disinfectants or combine their use when sanitizing surfaces.

Sanitizing at Home

Routine sanitizing of surfaces can reduce your risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers thorough guidance for cleaning and disinfecting homes and public spaces during the pandemic, including a disinfection decision-making tool with planning guidance and a flowchart.

The CDC offers these critical safety reminders when disinfecting a surface:

• Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.
• Wear skin protection and consider eye protection for potential splash hazards
• Ensure adequate ventilation
• Use no more than the amount recommended on the label
• Use water at room temperature for dilution (unless stated otherwise on the label)
• Avoid mixing chemical products
• Label diluted cleaning solutions
• Store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets

Read more about cleaning and disinfecting from the CDC.