EPA-approved disinfectants can be effective against COVID-19 when applied according to the manufacturer’s label. Follow the instructions on the label for all cleaning and disinfection products to achieve the proper concentration, dilution, application method, contact time, and any other special considerations when applying.
Each laboratory standard operating procedure (SOP) should include instructions for cleaning and disinfecting a laboratory work area. The SOP should be available to staff and must consist of what PPE to wear, how to clean surfaces, what disinfectant to use, and how to dispose of cleaning materials. In specific instances, personnel with specialized training and equipment may be required to apply certain disinfectants, such as fumigants or fog.
Disinfectants need contact time to work appropriately. Contact time is the amount required for a disinfectant to be applied for it to be effective. This is achieved by letting the disinfectant sit on the contaminated surface for a long time to kill the target microorganisms.
Considerations should be made for the surface type to be disinfected as this may affect disinfectant efficacy. Soft and porous materials are generally harder to disinfect than hard and non-porous surfaces. The EPA lists limited products approved for disinfection on soft and porous materials. Soft and porous materials that are not frequently touched should only be cleaned or laundered using the warmest appropriate water setting. Disinfectants are for use on surfaces and objects, not humans.
