Cleaning Guidelines for the Prevention of COVID-19 Infections

The following instructions apply to both general cleaning and disinfection of areas that have been exposed to a person infected with COVID-19. The areas where a person infected with COVID-19 has stayed must be disinfected before any reuse. These cleaning instructions can also be applied to general cleaning to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and protect cleaning staff from infections.

How is the new coronavirus transmitted?
The new coronavirus is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets and contact when a person coughs or sneezes. According to current information, the role of contaminated surfaces does not significantly contribute to the spread of the virus. The structure of coronaviruses means that they do not remain infectious on surfaces for long, especially at varying temperatures. Even if the coronavirus is detected on surfaces through highly sensitive laboratory methods, it does not mean that the virus is actually transmitted through surfaces. In everyday life, you can reduce your risk of infection by practicing good hand hygiene.

General cleaning in all types of premises
Start cleaning the least dirty areas and move towards the dirtier areas.

All frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, armrests, tabletops, switches, water taps) must be cleaned thoroughly and frequently. In public places where people touch surfaces, cleaning should be done at least once a day, ideally even more frequently, for example every 2 to 4 hours, especially during an epidemic. Public premises in workplaces should be cleaned with different equipment than that used by employees. Use a slightly alkaline all-purpose detergent for cleaning. Cleaning sanitary facilities can be enhanced by using a disinfectant. Wear gloves to protect your hands when cleaning surfaces. Use well-fitting disposable gloves, for example, versatile gloves or chemical-resistant gloves.

Specifically, bio and mixed waste bins should have easily removable and leak-proof bags in them. Monitor the bins and do not let them exceed three-quarters of their capacity. Bins should be emptied daily, especially in public places. Collected waste bags should be carefully sealed. Clean the cleaning equipment used at the end of the cleaning process. Wash reusable cleaning cloths at a temperature of at least 60°C or with a disinfectant. Clean your keys, cleaning trolley handles, floor cleaning equipment, as well as the contact surfaces of cleaning product containers with a multi-purpose disinfectant cleaner.

After cleaning, permanent gloves should be carefully washed and dried. Disposable gloves are placed in mixed waste. Wash your hands up to your elbows with water and soap when removing gloves. Change into your own work clothes before leaving the workplace. Work clothes should be washed at the workplace or your employer should acquire appropriate laundry services.

Toilet cleaning
There are differences in instructions on how to clean toilets. Carefully planned aseptic work instructions do not need to be modified according to these instructions. However, it is essential to note that viruses spread in excrements, and cleaning a toilet bowl can create small droplets.

Wear disposable protective gloves when cleaning toilets. When cleaning a toilet bowl, wear long protective gloves that go up to the elbow over the disposable gloves, then clean the long gloves with a disinfectant. Long gloves should have a designated receptacle in the cleaning trolley from which gloves can be easily put on without touching the outer surface of the gloves except for the opening. Dispose of the disposable gloves worn under the long gloves in a waste bin after cleaning the toilets. Clean door handles, faucets, hand showers, countertops, sinks, mirrors, walls behind sinks, as well as paper and soap dispensers in toilets with a damp cloth and a multi-purpose disinfectant cleaner. Pay particular attention to cleaning contact surfaces. Apply a small amount of detergent in the toilet bowl, on both sides of the seat, and on the rim.

Close the toilet lid and flush. Apply a toilet bowl cleaner to the toilet bowl and its vertical surfaces, paying special attention to stains. Put on the long cleaning gloves. Clean the bowl with a toilet brush. Rinse the brush when flushing and close the lid. Clean the exterior surfaces of the bowl and stains on the wall with a cloth.

Recommended operation order for the toilet bowl:
1. Water tank and its button, and cleaning cloth pivot.
2. Upper lid and cloth pivot.
3. Seat ring and cloth pivot.
4. Lower the toilet seat.

When leaving the toilets, do not touch the door handle or use a paper towel to open the door. Place the cleaning cloth in the laundry bag or use a disposable cloth. Disinfect the long gloves and place them in the designated container. Dispose of the disposable gloves in mixed waste and put on new gloves. Clean the floor with floor cleaning equipment and a multi-purpose cleaner.

Special cleaning for areas previously occupied by individuals infected with COVID-19
Use easily washable cleaning equipment after use and ensure to clean the equipment thoroughly before the next use. If possible, use disposable cleaning equipment, such as disposable wipes, to clean premises. Cleaning should mainly be done using ordinary methods and supplies, such as a slightly alkaline all-purpose detergent. Use a disinfectant for frequently touched surfaces, sanitary equipment, and visible bodily fluid stains. Absorb bodily fluid stains with a disposable absorbent cloth before using a disinfectant. After general cleaning, treat all touched surfaces with a disinfectant. The disinfectant can be alcohol-based (e.g., 70% ethanol), hydrogen peroxide-based (e.g., 0.5%), or chlorine-based (e.g., sodium hypochlorite solution; concentration 0.1%, use a 1:50 dilution if the initial concentration is 5%). Sanitary equipment should be treated with a higher concentration of chlorine (e.g., 0.5%). Adhere to recommended concentrations and contact times.