• First, clean the surface as described above.

• Second, disinfect using a disinfectant on EPA’s N list that contains one of the active ingredients approved by the EPA’s Design for the Environment Antimicrobial Product program as safer for people and the environment (see list above).

• Third, follow the instructions on the disinfectant label! One of the most important steps in disinfecting is to make sure you leave the disinfectant glistening wet on the surface for the recommended contact time listed on the product label.

• Fourth, make sure the product has an EPA registration number and is not expired. Always store disinfectants according to label instructions, in a well-ventilated space out of reach of children.

It is better to use a liquid disinfectant and microfiber cloth instead of disinfecting wipes, because wipes are often not wet enough to achieve the necessary contact time.

Remember that a surface is only disinfected until the next person touches it, or coughs or sneezes on it!