CDC says it's not necessary to disinfect most surfaces to prevent COVID-19

The days of regularly wiping down every hard surface in your home with disinfectant wipes could be easing, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance on cleaning facilities and homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking at a White House COVID-19 Response Team briefing, CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky noted, “Disinfection is only recommended in indoor settings, schools, and homes where there has been a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 24 hours.”

“Cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces by removing contaminants and may also weaken or damage some of the virus particles, which decreases risk of infection from surfaces,” the CDC added in an update on its website. “When no people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 are known to have been in a space, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove virus that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility.”

People are still encouraged to clean with soap and water or detergent. While COVID can be spread through contaminated surfaces, the risk is low.

Still, the CDC recommends businesses and people clean high-touch surfaces, including pens, counters, shopping carts, tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, stair rails, elevator buttons, desks, keyboards, phones, toilets, faucets, and sinks “at least once a day or as often as determined is necessary.”

The update did not impact the stocks of Clorox (which was up slightly in midday trading) or shares of Lysol owner Reckitt (also up slightly).

Walensky added that transmission of the virus via surfaces can also be reduced by wearing face masks correctly and through regular hand-washing.