Here's how to properly clean your house, according to the CDC

These days, you won’t get away with just a little vacuum and sweeping under the rug — you need to thoroughly disinfect in order to keep COVID-19 away.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces, while disinfecting refers to the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. They’re recommending that Americans disinfect after cleaning in order to lower the risk of spreading infection.

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The CDC recommends people clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, keyboards, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks.

They also recommend wearing disposable gloves when cleaning hard and non-porous surfaces, and to clean using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfecting.

When disinfecting, people should be using EPA-approved household disinfectants, including Biotab7, TNT, Oxycide Daily Disinfectant Cleaner, and more, all listed here, or creating their own bleach solutions of 5 tablespoons bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.

Soft and porous surfaces such as rugs, drapes, linens, and clothes, should be laundered using hot water. When handling the fabrics, be sure to wear disposable gloves.

Electronics should be cleaned by following the manufacturer’s instructions and by using wipeable covers. You can also consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol.

The CDC is also suggesting that ill family members stay and eat in separate rooms, and even have their own dedicated lined trash can.