There's a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning is what you do to remove dirt and grime from the surfaces around your home (cleaning can help wash away germs, too). But if somebody in your household is sick, or you're trying to prevent the spread of illness, you'll want to follow up your cleaning with targeted disinfecting of frequently-touched areas like light switches, cabinet handles, and countertops, for example. Use wipes or disinfecting spray on to kill germs on non-porous surfaces, and use steam or hot water to help sanitize fabrics and upholstery.

Disinfecting Basics

Here's the Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing, and DisinfectingCleaning
Including why all-in-one products can't do it all.
Feb 15, 2020
A Microbiologist Shares How “Target Hygiene” Cleaning Can Help When Everyone’s Getting SickCleaning
We’ve got good news for you: You probably don’t have to spend all day disinfecting.
Mar 11, 2020
5 Cleaning Supplies a Microbiologist Always Has On HandCleaning
Here are a few items to consider for your own arsenal against germs.
Jul 20, 2021

Coronavirus News and Updates

Here’s Everything the CDC Wants You to Know About Cleaning Your Home Right NowCleaning
Here's a condensed version of the health agency's recommendations for how healthy people should be cleaning their homes right now.
Mar 10, 2020
The DIY Sanitizer Recipes You’re Seeing Everywhere Don’t Work—Here’s the Right Way to Do ItCleaning
Some people are taking sanitizing matters into their own hands (pun intended). Here's why that won't work.
Mar 5, 2020
3 Disinfectants You Can Use If You Can’t Find Clorox WipesCleaning
Brand loyalty is great, but the best product is the one you can find (or already have at home).
Mar 5, 2020
Please Don’t Use Tito’s Vodka to Make DIY Hand Sanitizer, Begs Tito’s VodkaLife
Twitter users were claiming that the drinking alcohol can be used to make a homemade hand sanitizer.
Mar 5, 2020

How to Disinfect Frequently-Touched Surfaces

How to Clean & Disinfect Your PhoneCleaning
Odds are you’ve heard by now that your phone is… well, kind of disgusting.
Mar 9, 2021
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How to Clean & Disinfect Your House KeysLife
Cleaning your keys with soap and water will help wash away germs.
Mar 10, 2020
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How to Clean & Disinfect Your Laptop KeyboardCleaning
Yes, you can clean a laptop with Clorox wipes.
May 20, 2023
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All Disinfecting Tips & Solutions

5 Steps You Can Take to Get a "Crumbless" Laptop KeyboardCleaning
Achieving a spotless (or crumbless) laptop isn’t as easy as sucking it all out with a vacuum like you would beneath your dining room table.
May 20, 2023
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cleaning With BleachCleaning
As powerful as bleach is, there’s a bit of a learning curve.
Nov 8, 2022
7 Unsafe, Ineffective Ways to Use Clorox WipesCleaning
Read this before you go to town wiping down everything in your home.
Nov 7, 2022
Why 70 Percent Alcohol Disinfects Better Than 91 Percent, According to a MicrobiologistCleaning
There’s a counter-intuitive rule of thumb to follow when you clean with alcohol.
Nov 1, 2022
One Common Cleaner You Shouldn’t Ever Use on Hardwood FloorsCleaning
Here's how to properly clean and disinfect your floors without rolling the dice on damaging them.
Sep 30, 2022
How to Hand-Wash Your Dishes Fast and EffectivelyCleaning
For everyone out there who is on Team Hand Wash (by choice or by force).
Sep 28, 2022
Rubbing Alcohol Is Great for Cleaning, But Here Are 6 Things You Should Never DoCleaning
Common first-aid supplies like rubbing alcohol can pack an extra punch against germs, but that doesn't mean they don't come with risks.
Sep 22, 2022
3 Unsanitary Ways to Store a ToothbrushCleaning
They're not really deserving of a prime display on the vanity. But where your toothbrush ends up when you're done brushing does kinda matter.
Sep 21, 2022
How to Hand-Wash—and Sanitize—Clothes At HomeCleaning
If your only clothes-cleaning option is a laundromat, it's surprisingly easy to clean clothes at home instead.
Mar 17, 2022
One Kitchen Habit I Had to Change When I Learned the Truth About Stainless SteelCleaning
I definitely don't want to have rust or pitting in our stainless steel sink, so I quickly changed my habits.
Nov 30, 2021
3 Unsafe Habits You Should Never Practice In Your KitchenCleaning
Just because you’ve been doing something for years in the kitchen without problem doesn’t necessarily mean it's safe.
Jun 19, 2021
This Hand Sanitizer is So Pretty, You’ll Want to Display it As DecorDesign Ideas
Introducing PAUME, a luxury sanitizing skin care brand.
May 2, 2021