Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Spaces – Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

closeup of someone carrying a bucket full of cleaning equipment

This Version Posted: February 11, 2021

Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect people in the community.

The following information provides guidance on cleaning and disinfection of public spaces and workplaces in Ontario.

On This Page:

What You Should Know
Cleaning and Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces
Selecting Products: Cleaners, Disinfectants, Disinfectant Wipes
Prepare Products for Use
How to Clean/Disinfect a Carpet to Eliminate COVID-19
Additional Resources

What you should know

Commonly used cleaners and disinfectants (with viricidal claim) are effective against COVID-19. Click here for a specific list of hard-surface disinfectants that are known to be effective against COVID-19. You can also click here for a list of hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers accepted under COVID-19 Interim Measure.
Frequently or high-touch surfaces are most likely to be contaminated.
Use only disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). A DIN is an 8-digit number given by Health Canada that confirms it is approved for use in Canada. The DIN can be found on the disinfectant container label, usually in very fine print.
Check the expiry date of products you use and always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Follow these public health guidelines for cleaning/disinfecting public washrooms

Icon image of a tub of cleaning supplies

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces twice per day

In addition to routine cleaning and disinfecting, high-touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected twice per day and when visibly dirty.
High-touch surfaces include, but are not limited to: doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, toilet handles, counters, hand rails, touch screen surfaces and keypads.
In addition to routine cleaning and disinfecting, check with your organization for any specific protocols for cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19.

Select products

Cleaners

Break down grease and remove organic material from the surface.
If used separately, always use cleaner to clean the surface area before applying disinfectants.
Can be purchased with cleaner and disinfectant combined in a single product. These products are called ‘cleaner disinfectants.’

Disinfectants

Have chemicals that kill most germs.
Applied after the surfaces have been cleaned.
Have a drug identification number (DIN). Click here for a specific list of hard-surface disinfectants that are known to be effective against COVID-19. You can also click here for a list of hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers accepted under COVID-19 Interim Measure.

Disinfectant Wipes

Have combined cleaners and disinfectants in the same wipe.
May become dry due to fast drying properties. They should not be used if they become dry.
Ensure surfaces are saturated with cleaner disinfectant while using wipes.
Not recommended for heavily soiled surfaces.

Prepare products for use

Where possible, use pre-mixed solution.
Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions to:
- properly prepare solution
- allow adequate contact time for disinfectant to kill germs (see product label for specific contact time)
- wear gloves when handling cleaning or disinfecting products (including wipes)
- wear any other personal protective equipment recommended by the manufacturer.

Watch our video on YouTube

This information is based on the Public Health Ontario fact sheet: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings

How to Clean/Disinfect a Carpet to Eliminate COVID-19

The best option is to cover the carpet with vinyl or other material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. If that’s not possible, do the following:

For regular cleaning and disinfecting, use a steam cleaner (the temperature is high enough to eliminate COVID)
For situations involving a biological spill, follow these steps:
- Gather disposable towels, cleaners, disinfectants and other supplies you need to deal with the spill.
- Don’t allow access to area until the spill is cleaned, disinfected and completely dry.
- Put on gloves and facial protection (such as mask and eye protection, or face shield). If there is a possibility of splashing, wear a gown too.
- Mop up as much of the spill as possible with disposable towels
- Disinfect the entire spill area with a Health Canada approved disinfectant, allowing it to stand for the length of time of time recommended by the manufacturer. Do not use spray for this step.
- In a waste receptacle, safely dispose of the gloves, disposable towels, and other materials used to wipe up the spill.
- Remove gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
- Steam clean the carpet.