Laundry
Used or contaminated clothing, linens and bedding materials, towels, and other fabric items should be contained until laundering. When at all possible, people with Mpox should handle and launder their own soiled laundry. Laundry should not be mixed with that of other members of the household.
Follow these laundering procedures:
- Handle soiled laundry according to standard practices, avoiding contact with contaminates from the rash that may be present on the laundry.
- Soiled laundry should never be shaken or handled in a manner that may spread infectious particles.
- In-home laundry facilities:
- Transfer soiled laundry items to be laundered in an impermeable container or bag that can be disinfected afterwards. Alternatively, a fabric bag may be used that can also be laundered along with the soiled items.
- Wash laundry in a standard washing machine with detergent, following label instructions. Laundry sanitizers may be used but are not necessary.
- In-home laundry facilities not available:
- When in-home laundry facilities (facilities not shared with other households) are not available, individuals should coordinate with their local public health department to determine appropriate laundering options.
Hard Surfaces (and non-porous car interiors)
Routinely clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items (such as counters or light switches) using an EPA-registered disinfectant in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- This includes surfaces like tables, countertops, door handles, toilet flush handles, faucets, light switches, and floors.
- Include interior surfaces of refrigerator, freezer, other appliances, interior cabinet spaces, or drawers if they have been accessed by the person with Mpox.
- Items and surfaces within the home that have likely not been in contact with the person while sick with Mpox do not need to be disinfected.
- This includes clothing and items in drawers or boxes that have not been in contact with, or in the direct presence of the person with Mpox.
- Wash soiled dishes and eating utensils in a dishwasher with detergent and hot water or by hand with hot water and dish soap.
Upholstered Furniture, Carpet and Soft Furnishing (and porous car interiors)
- If the person with Mpox had direct skin contact and/or excessive drainage of fluids from rashes onto soft furnishings, such as upholstered furniture, carpets, rugs, and mattresses, steam cleaning can be considered. Discuss with state or local health authorities for further guidance.
- If the person with Mpox had minimal contact with soft furnishings, disinfect the surface with a surface-appropriate disinfectant.
Waste Disposal
Generally, management of waste from homes, including those of people with Mpox isolating at home, should continue as normal. Municipal waste management systems routinely collect and dispose of waste materials from individuals with infectious diseases and can do so safely using existing procedures.
- The person with Mpox should use a dedicated, lined trash can in the room where they are isolating.
- Any gloves, bandages, or other waste and disposable items that have been in direct contact with skin should be placed in a sealed plastic bag, then thrown away in the dedicated trash can.
- The person with Mpox or other household members should use gloves when removing garbage bags and handling and disposing of trash.
- If professional cleaning services are used, treat and/or dispose of waste in accordance with applicable state, local, tribal, and territorial laws and regulations for waste management. For more information, the Department of Transportation has Mpox-specific information in Appendix F-2 of the federal interagency guidance for managing solid waste contaminated with a Category A infectious substance.
