Is ventilation important for indoor air quality when cleaning and/or sanitizing for COVID-19 indoors?

When cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19, ventilation is important. Using EPA-registered cleaning and disinfecting products according to their label instructions is the best way to ensure that any indoor air pollution risks are reduced while still maintaining the effectiveness of the disinfecting product. In particular, follow any label precautions that recommend wearing personal protective equipment, like gloves or eye protection, designed to protect the user from the product. As a general precaution, do not mix cleaning or disinfecting products.

In general, increasing ventilation during and after cleaning is helpful in reducing exposure to cleaning and disinfection products and byproducts. Increasing ventilation, for example by opening windows or doors, can also reduce risks from particles resuspended during cleaning, including those potentially carrying SARS-CoV-2 (or other contaminants). Avoid ventilation with outdoor air when outdoor air pollution is high or when it makes your home too cold, hot, or humid. Check AirNow for information about outdoor air pollution near you.

However, by itself, cleaning, sanitizing and ventilation are not enough to protect people from COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; cleaning, sanitizing and ventilation can be part of a plan to protect yourself and your family. 

Return to Frequent Questions about Indoor Air and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).