If you can’t find disinfecting cleaner at the store, this is an alternate solution to make at home. All you need is bleach, water and a container to mix it in. This can be used to disinfect surfaces such as counters, floors, doorknobs, toilets, showers, faucets and sinks. It’s the go-to solution Extension uses at our nutrition and cooking programs to help prevent the spread of germs, and it is recommended by the CDC.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
or
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working with bleach. Never mix bleach with ammonia, and make sure there is proper ventilation.
Don’t forget to disinfect common surfaces you touch like phones, tablets, computers and handbags. To help prevent the spread of germs, always wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after being in public places or after being in contact with an ill person. Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds, or if water and soap are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
For more information on disenfecting and cleaning for COVID-19, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
