How can I reduce the risk of getting infected from cleaning up vomit or diarrhea?
If you are cleaning up vomit or diarrhea, you can reduce the risk of getting infected by doing the following: • Wear disposable gloves. Reusable rubber gloves may be used, but they should be washed after use. • Use paper towels to soak up excess liquid, and put the paper towels and any solid matter directly into a plastic garbage bag. • Clean the soiled area with soap and hot water. The same cleaning cloth or sponge should not be used to clean other areas of the house as this may spread the virus. • Disinfect the area that has been washed with a freshly made bleach solution. Make a solution of bleach with 1/3 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water. Household cleaners other than bleach do not work for most of the viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea. • Put all cleaning cloths and disposable gloves into a plastic garbage bag. • Wash your hands well using soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.
