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This guidance should be used when you have been told you can end your isolation.

This guidance should also be used if the person who was told to isolate has left the house - for example, if they鈥檝e been admitted to hospital.

This guidance applies for all types of mpox.

Why end of isolation cleaning is important

The virus that causes mpox (MPXV) spreads through contact with:

• contaminated surfaces and objects
• infected skin flakes

The virus can survive on surfaces for more than 2 weeks.

A thorough clean helps protect others in the household from catching the virus after your isolation ends.

Who should do the cleaning

As there is a risk of catching mpox from contaminated surfaces and objects, it is best for the person who had mpox to carry out the cleaning, if they are able to. This means that other people in the house are less likely to have contact with contaminated items, and are therefore less likely to catch mpox.

If the person who had mpox cannot carry out the final clean (for example, if they are a child or have been admitted to hospital), another adult in the household should do it.

If you are performing the end of isolation cleaning but were not the person who was isolating with mpox, it is recommended that you wear the following:

• a surgical face mask that covers your nose and mouth - you should make sure that you only touch the straps of the mask when putting it on and taking it off
• disposable gloves or reusable washing up gloves, which should not be shared and should be thrown away after isolation cleaning is complete
• clothes that cover up your skin as much as possible, for example long-sleeved top and full-length trousers 鈥� these should be washed as soon as possible after the cleaning is finished

Note: the rest of this guidance assumes the person who was isolating is doing the cleaning.

End of isolation cleaning, disinfection and waste disposal

Clothes and bedding

Before carrying out any other cleaning, collect all contaminated clothing, linens (for example bedding) and soft furnishings such as cushion covers from the rooms where you have been while you were self-isolating.

Handle contaminated items carefully to avoid spreading virus particles. Do not shake fabrics or handle them in a way that might release dust or dead skin into the air. Place items directly into a large plastic bag (such as a bin liner) or solid container and take them straight to the washing machine.

Wash at 60掳C or the highest allowed temperature (according to the label) using the longest cycle. To ensure thorough cleaning, fill the machine only half to two-thirds full and avoid quick wash or economy cycles.

Difficult to wash items

Items like duvets, pillows, blankets and sofa covers that have touched your skin but are not easily washable in a home washing machine can be cleaned with commercial alcohol sprays (70% ethanol or isopropanol). These items can also be steam cleaned. If it is not possible to clean these items, consider throwing them away.

Cleaning hard surfaces and equipment

You can start cleaning the rooms after removing all contaminated soft furnishings and clothing. You should use disposable cleaning products to carry out this cleaning.

Clean all surfaces you may have touched (such as door handles and light switches), especially in the room you have been isolating and/or sleeping in.

Use a damp cloth or disposable wipes first and then wipe down with disinfectant or bleach. You can use your usual household cleaning products, following the instructions on the label.

Use alcohol wipes to clean equipment like mobile phones, tablets and keyboards.

Do not sweep, brush surfaces, or use a duster until after you have cleaned the surface with a damp cloth and disinfectant or bleach. This is to avoid releasing virus particles into the air.

Once cleaned, others in your household can use these areas again.

Cleaning cars

If you used a car while isolating:

• disinfect all hard surfaces
• clean leather or vinyl seats with disinfectant wipes
• clean fabric seats with commercial alcohol spray or steam clean them

Waste

Any gloves, wipes, sponges and any other disposable cleaning products used should be disposed of with your normal household waste.聽

You can start to recycle your waste as normal after you have completed the end of isolation cleaning.

Hand hygiene

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds聽after cleaning, or use alcohol handrub and make sure to do so immediately after each time you have taken off your gloves.