How to disinfect to kill a virus
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A virus is a microbe that is capable of infecting humans by taking over their cells and changing how the cells behave.
![Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness. Note: Just a few virus particles can make you sick.](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-lungs.png)
![Why is COVID-19 concerning? 1 cough is equal to approximately 200 billion viruses.](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-why-is-covid-19-concerning-1.png)
![This virus can live on surfaces up to 9 days. People with mild or no symptoms can become carriers.](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-why-is-covid-19-concerning-2.png)
Cleaning is removing visible dirt, while disinfecting uses specific products to kill invisible viruses on surfaces. Many of these products can be found in the home.
Disinfect surfaces that you come into contact with, such as:
![Technology](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-technology.png)
![Household Surfaces](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-household-surfaces.png)
![Vehicles](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-vehicles.png)
![Wallets and Purses](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-wallets-purses.png)
![Credit Cards](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-credit-cards.png)
![](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-virus.png)
If bleach solution irritates the skin, itʼs likely too strong.
NEVER mix any of these products together, only mix with water.
![Bleach: hard surfaces. 1 tablespoon of household bleach, 1 quart of water.](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-bleach.png)
![Hydrogen Peroxide: soft surfaces. 1 part over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide, 1 part water.](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-hydrogen-peroxide.png)
![Isopropyl Alcohol: technology. over-the-counter isopropyl alcohol (60% or stronger).](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-isopropyl-alcohol2.png)
![](https://research.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/disinfect-virus.png)
- Apply any of these three mixes to surfaces, let stand 5–10 minutes, then wipe down.
- For hydrogen peroxide, make small fresh batches daily.
- Label your bottles and reuse the bottles for the same disinfectant over time.