Cleaning Public and Private Facilities

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New York State requires that public and private facilities have procedures and supplies for routine cleaning, disinfection, and proper hand hygiene.

Routine cleaning and disinfecting stops the spread of germs that cause illness.

Use a disinfectant to kill germs after cleaning on the highest risk areas, such as where food is prepared and bathroom surfaces, especially if someone is ill.

Products can be harmful if they are inhaled, touched, or swallowed.

  • Wear all recommended personal protective equipment.
  • Bring in fresh air from the outdoors.
  • Never mix cleaning products

In case of poisoning, immediately call:

  • Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.
  • 911 for emergency medical help if someone stops breathing, collapses, or has a seizure.

How to Clean and Disinfect

Identify frequently touched surfaces, shared equipment, and workstations. Facilities may choose to clean high traffic areas more frequently or disinfect in addition to cleaning. Establish procedures for surfaces that must be disinfected after use.

  • Clean surfaces thoroughly using soap or detergent and water before using disinfectants. Disinfectants don't work on dirty surfaces.
  • Apply disinfectants to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses after surfaces are cleaned. Look for the product label registration number to make sure the product is approved for use by the EPA. Disinfectants used in New York State must be registered with the Department of Environmental Conservation.
    • Follow label instructions for contact time, the amount of time the disinfectant must remain on the surface to be effective. This can vary based on the product and applies to disinfecting wipes, too.
    • Facilities using additional surface disinfection technologies must use the equipment in a way that does not cause a public health or safety hazard and must follow all health and safety requirements and procedures identified by the manufacturer and federal authorities. These must not be a substitute for standard cleaning and disinfection practices.

Schedule Routine Cleaning

All facilities must have procedures and allot time for the following activities:

  • Dust/wet-mop or auto-scrub floors
  • Vacuum high traffic areas
  • Remove trash
  • Wipe HVAC vents
  • Spot cleaning walls and carpets
  • Dust horizontal surfaces and light fixtures
  • Clean spills

Areas to Clean More Frequently

  • First aid stations/health offices
  • Restrooms
  • Kitchens and dining areas
  • High-traffic hallways and entrances/exits
  • Customer service areas/cashier stations
  • Employee lounges and customer waiting areas
  • Desks and chairs
  • Counters, tables and chairs
  • Door handles, push plates and handrails
  • Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
  • Appliances
  • Light switches
  • Cots/health office areas
  • Stocking equipment
  • Vehicles
  • Remote controls
  • Shared electronics (phones, tablets, retail scanners, printers, keyboards and mice)
  • Shopping carts/baskets
  • Exercise equipment

Use and Store Products Safely

  • Use products in well-ventilated areas.
  • Do not mix products. Mixing these can produce toxic fumes that are harmful to health.
  • Carefully follow all label instructions to ensure effective use, including using the right amount of water with concentrated products. Applying more product than recommended does not yield better results and can be harmful.
  • Wear gloves and any protection identified on the product label.
  • Keep products in their original containers and close securely after use.
  • Store and use products out of reach of children.
  • Never ingest products.

Product and Hand Hygiene

  • Clean, replace and disinfect cleaning tools and supplies after use.
  • Dispose of unused and unwanted products properly.
  • Place any used gloves and other disposable items in a bag that can be sealed before disposing of them with other waste.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after cleaning or removing gloves or other personal protective equipment. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. However, soap and water should always be used when hands are visibly soiled.

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