Choosing a Disinfectant Cleaner

Look for a cleaner with the word disinfectant on the label. Ammonia and vinegar, contrary to popular opinion, do not kill bacteria or viruses. For that, you'll need an EPA-certified disinfectant. When using a commercial cleaner, follow the directions for use found on the product label.

If you don't have a commercial disinfectant handy, mix your own with chlorine bleach and laundry detergent:

3/4 cup bleach

1 gallon warm water

1 tablespoon powdered laundry detergent.

When using a diluted bleach solution, freshness matters. Chlorine bleach loses its chemical cleaning properties when exposed to open air for extended periods. After mixing, a diluted bleach solution should be used within 24 hours to ensure freshness.

Surface Disinfecting With a Homemade Bleach Solution

To disinfect using your homemade bleach solution, dip a paper towel or cotton cloth in the cleaning solution, and apply it to the surface until visibly wet. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Rinse the surface clean and let dry. You can also use the bleach solution in a spray bottle for convenience.

According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide is another safe and effective DIY way to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on hard nonporous surfaces. For use as a disinfectant at home, use the 3 percent hydrogen peroxide found at your local grocery store or pharmacy. You can use it right out of the bottle; let sit on the surface for one minute before wiping it dry.

Rubbing alcohol with 70 percent concentration will kill most bacteria, fungi, and viruses, but it evaporates quickly. That quick evaporation means its best used on small and hard surfaces.

You'll need to keep the surface visibly wet for a minimum of 30 seconds to ensure the alcohol destroys all germs. It could be helpful for computer keyboards, remote controls, smartphones, and anything else with a touchscreen.