According to the World Health Organization, extensive environmental spraying of disinfectants especially on roads, and fogging large public areas does not effectively destroy SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.  Commonly used disinfectants including QATs, formaldehyde and chlorine-based compounds are ineffective when inappropriately applied.

Thorough disinfection ("deep cleaning") involving removal of organic matter followed by rinsing and application of a disinfectant is however effective especially on work surfaces or points where human contact occurs.