How to Disinfect for COVID-19: What Still Matters in 2025

COVID-19 spreads mostly through airborne droplets—but that doesn’t mean surfaces are innocent.
Studies show the virus can linger on surfaces for hours to days, depending on the material and environment:

• 🪵 Wood, cardboard: up to 24 hours

• 🧴 Plastic and stainless steel: up to 2–3 days

• 🧾 Paper: just a few hours

That means if someone in your home, dorm, or workspace is sick, regular disinfection helps stop secondary infections—especially if multiple people share spaces or devices.

Disinfectants don’t work well on dirty surfaces. Think of cleaning as “taking out the trash” and disinfecting as “killing the germs that remain.”

Here’s the simple order:

1. Clean: Wipe down with soap and water to remove dirt, oils, and visible debris.

2. Disinfect: Apply an EPA-approved disinfectant or diluted bleach solution.

3. Let it sit: Most products need at least 30 seconds to 10 minutes of contact time to actually kill viruses.

👉 Pro tip: Read the label. “Kills 99.9% of germs” means nothing if you wipe it away in two seconds.

No need to scrub every surface daily—focus your efforts where germs love to hang out:

• Phones & tablets 📱 (Use alcohol wipes, not bleach.)

• Doorknobs & light switches

• Remote controls

• Faucets & sink handles

• Fridge handles & microwave buttons

• Desk surfaces & keyboards

• Steering wheels & car door handles

If someone’s actively sick, add these:

• Bathroom counters & toilet handles 🚽

• Shared electronics

• Bedside tables

Not all wipes or sprays are created equal. Look for EPA-registered disinfectants—these have been tested and proven to kill viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

✅ Effective options include:

• 70% isopropyl alcohol (quick-drying, safe for electronics)

• Diluted bleach solution: 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water (never mix with ammonia!)

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%): good for countertops and bathrooms

• Commercial products: Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Microban 24, etc.

🚫 Avoid:

• Homemade vinegar sprays (they clean but don’t disinfect)

• “Natural” essential oil sprays (smell nice, won’t kill COVID)

Don’t forget—disinfecting safely protects you, too.

• Wear disposable gloves if possible.

• Keep windows open or use ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes.

• Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds after cleaning.

• Store all products safely—especially away from children and pets.

• Daily: Wipe phones, counters, and doorknobs.

• Weekly: Deep clean kitchens, bathrooms, and shared items.

• When sick: Disinfect daily until symptoms are gone + 24 hours fever-free.

• Bonus: Keep a small disinfectant spray in your car or bag for on-the-go use.

💭 “Do I really need to wipe down my groceries?”
Nope. Surface transmission from packaging is extremely low. Focus on hand hygiene and food safety basics instead.

💭 “What about my clothes?”
Normal laundry detergent and warm water kill viruses just fine. Add a dryer cycle for extra assurance.

💭 “Can I just spray disinfectant in the air?”
Please don’t. It doesn’t work and can irritate your lungs. If you want cleaner air, use HEPA filtration or a ventilated fan system instead.

💭 “My friend got COVID even though they clean constantly.”
Disinfection helps, but remember: it’s only one layer of defense. Masking when sick, good airflow, testing, and vaccination all work together to reduce risk.

At CallOnDoc, we know health protection goes beyond hand sanitizer. Whether it’s testing for COVID, refilling prescriptions when you’re isolating, or getting medical advice from bed—we’re here for you 24/7.
No waiting rooms. No extra exposure. Just care that meets you where you are.