How and When to Disinfect Your Home to Stay Healthy

Keeping your home clean is always a good idea, but over-disinfecting may not be necessary unless someone in your home is sick. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), routine cleaning with soap and water is usually enough to keep your home safe from viruses like COVID-19.

So, when should you clean vs. disinfect, and what are the most effective products? Let’s break it down.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?

• Cleaning removes dirt, germs, and impurities but doesn’t necessarily kill them.

• Disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces but may not remove dirt or grime.

For most households, cleaning regularly is enough disinfecting is only necessary in certain situations.

When Should You Disinfect?

The CDC recommends disinfecting only when:
Someone in your home is sick.
A COVID-positive person has been in your home within the last 24 hours.

Otherwise, a thorough cleaning routine is usually sufficient.

How to Clean Effectively

You don’t need fancy disinfectants to keep your home germ-free. Soap and water break down viruses, including COVID-19, because the soap molecules dissolve the virus’s fatty membrane, making it inactive.

Best practices for cleaning:

• Wipe high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, light switches) daily.

• Use dish detergent or laundry detergent mixed with water for effective cleaning.

• Scrub with soap and warm water before disinfecting to remove dirt and grime.

How to Make a DIY Disinfectant

If someone in your home is sick, you can make a homemade disinfectant using:

• 70% isopropyl alcohol

• Diluted bleach (⅓ cup bleach per gallon of water)

• 0.5% hydrogen peroxide solution

Let disinfectants sit on surfaces for at least 10 minutes before wiping.

What Household Disinfectants Actually Work?

Not all cleaners kill viruses. Look for active ingredients with antiviral properties, such as:

Hydrogen peroxide
Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%)
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)

Avoid antibacterial products they kill bacteria, not viruses like COVID-19.

Cleaning Myths to Avoid

Vinegar – While a great natural cleaner, it does not kill COVID-19 or other viruses.
Essential oils – Smell great, but there’s no scientific proof they work as disinfectants.
UV light sanitizers – Their effectiveness depends on intensity and exposure time and is not as reliable as liquid disinfectants.

Don't Forget Your Toothbrush

If you’ve been sick, disinfect your toothbrush by:

• Soaking it in 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with water for 10 minutes.

• Rinsing thoroughly before using again.

Handwashing Is Still the Most Important Step

No matter how much you clean, keeping your hands germ-free is key. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) are useful but should be a secondary option.

The Bottom Line

For most households, regular cleaning with soap and water is enough. Disinfecting should only be done when someone is sick or has recently visited with an illness. Staying on top of hand hygiene and basic cleaning habits is the best way to keep your home and family healthy.

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