Tips for Sanitization

The following information has been extracted from the Health Canada website and provides tips for general sanitization to combat the spread of COVID-19. While the information is generic, methods described may be helpful in the sanitization of motor vehicles in a practical, low-cost way.

Hard surface disinfectants

Health Canada is working with disinfectant manufacturers and industry associations to inform Canadians of the products that can be used to help against the spread of COVID-19.

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses. This means they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant when used according to the label directions.

We have published a list of hard-surface disinfectants that are likely to be effective for use against coronavirus (COVID-19). This list is updated regularly.

Although they do not claim to kill viruses such as COVID-19, cleaners can help limit the transfer of microorganisms. For high-touch hard surfaces such as door handles and phones, we recommend cleaning these often with either regular household cleaners or diluted bleach according to the label directions. Use bleach in a well-ventilated area and never mix with other chemical products. To prepare diluted bleach for a solution to disinfect high-touch hard surfaces, do so according to instructions on the label or in a ratio* of:

  • 250 mL (1 cup) of water per 5 mL (1 teaspoon) bleach,
    or
  • 1 litre of water (4 cups) per 20 mL (4 teaspoons) bleach

* assuming bleach is 5 % sodium hypochlorite, to give a 0.1 % sodium hypochlorite solution

Disinfectants, household cleaners, and bleach are meant to be used to clean surfaces. Never use these products on the skin or internally (e.g. by swallowing or injecting these products) as this could cause serious harm.

Hygiene and hand sanitizers

Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:

  • wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
    • use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available
    • always supervise young children when using hand sanitizers, as ingesting even small amounts of sanitizer can be fatal
  • when coughing or sneezing:
    • cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
    • dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

We have published a list of hand sanitizers that are authorized for sale in Canada. This list is updated daily.

Never attempt to make hand sanitizer at home using alcohol intended for consumption, witch hazel or essential oils. Doing so could be unsafe and will produce an ineffective product.

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