Using the right products to properly disinfect homes and business will help prevent the spread of all contagious pathogens, including the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

By using the right products, along with best practices to apply them, we will all build good, daily habits to lessen the COVID-19 outbreak today and help reduce the spread of other seasonal diseases as we look to the future.

The difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting

It’s important to note that cleaning a surface, such as removing dirt and particles, is not the same thing as disinfecting a surface that kills viruses and bacteria.

Often, you need to clean a surface with soap and water or another cleaning solution BEFORE you can effectively disinfect the surface.

For example, if you bake cookies and your kitchen counter is covered in flour, sugar, egg, and other ingredients, you will want to wipe down the surface with a soapy solution to remove the visible dirt. Then you should use an EPA-registered product to disinfect the countertop and kill any lingering germs left behind.

The same goes for any surface that may have been in contact with someone who was ill. You will want to wearSubscribe for weekly updates_ go.msu.edu/cris-connect gloves to clean away any dirt on the surface then use a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended disinfectant to decontaminate the area.

Differences between cleaners, sanitizers, disinfectants, virucides and sterilants

Many are used to superficially clean hard surfaces, such as warm, soapy water, vinegar water solution sprays, or even essential oil solution sprays. But those products are NOT scientifically proven to effectively disinfect surfaces from common pathogens such as the coronavirus, influenza or norovirus.

The chart above explains the differences between cleaners, sanitizers, disinfectants, virucides and sterilants

Disinfect high touch-point surfaces and regularly launder bedding, towels, and clothing to help prevent the spread of diseases.