I need to disinfect a public space like a store or school. What do I need to know?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have guiding principles available for workplaces, businesses, administrators and teachers. View the CDC's website for Covid information.

According to a CDC science brief, the risk of catching COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface is considered to be low.

View EPA’s fact sheet with cleaning and disinfecting best practices and tips you can use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commercial applicators, like individuals, should view EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and follow directions for use. When disinfecting public spaces, choose a product for use in institutional settings. Only products on EPA’s List N meet our criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

None of the products on EPA’s List N are restricted use pesticides (RUPs), so there are no federal requirements for users to be trained or certified, nor does EPA license companies that provide cleaning services. However, state requirements for training, certification and licenses vary widely, so check with your state on any local requirements.

Unless the pesticide product label specifically includes disinfection directions for fogging, fumigation, or wide-area or electrostatic spraying, EPA does not recommend using these methods to apply disinfectants. EPA has not evaluated the product’s safety and efficacy for methods not addressed on the label. Read EPA's guidance on adding directions for use with electrostatic sprayers to products intended to kill SARS-CoV-2.

Read our Frequent Question about the use of ozone generators, UV lights or air purifiers.

Read our infographic on how to use disinfectants safely and effectively.

Return to Frequent Questions about Disinfectants and Coronavirus (COVID-19).

I need to disinfect a public space like a store or school. What do I need to know?

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