In the era of pandemics, it’s crucial for businesses to take the necessary precautions to avoid outbreaks. One of the most important ways to do this is by regularly disinfecting all work surfaces.
Many business owners often wonder how often this should be done, and what are the best practices for disinfecting in order to control viruses like COVID-19. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips on how to clean and disinfect your workplace so that you can keep your employees safe and healthy!
What are the sources of contamination for workplace surfaces?
There are three primary sources of contamination for workplace surfaces:
- People: We all know how easily viruses can spread from person to person. When an infected individual touches a surface, they leave behind germs that can make others sick.
- The environment: Germs can also be carried into the workplace on clothing, shoes, or equipment from outside.
- Animals: If your workplace has any animal visitors, they can also track in germs from the outdoors.
Germs and viruses can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. When someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected. In some cases, people can also become infected by inhaling airborne particles from a contaminated surface.
How often should you clean and disinfect the workplace?
The frequency with which you clean and disinfect the workplace will depend on a few factors:
- The type of business: Some businesses will require more frequent cleaning than others. For example, restaurants will need to be cleaned more often than office buildings.
- The number of people: The more people there are in the workplace, the more often it will need to be cleaned.
- The level of activity: The more active the workplace is, the more often it will need to be cleaned.
Some businesses may need to be cleaned and disinfected multiple times per day, while others may only need to be done once per week. It’s important to tailor your cleaning schedule to the specific needs of your business.
What are the best practices for disinfecting in order to control viruses like COVID-19?
When cleaning and disinfecting your workplace surfaces, it’s important to use a product that is effective against the types of viruses and bacteria that you’re trying to control.
The EPA has a list of products that are approved for use against COVID-19. When using these products, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly apply and store them.
In general, you should first clean the surface with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Once the surface is clean, you can then apply the disinfectant. Be sure to let the surface dry completely before using it again.
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:
- Wear gloves, a face mask, and eye protection while cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and when handling any chemicals.
- Ventilate the area while you are disinfecting because some products can be harmful if inhaled.
- Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, phones, keyboards, and countertops.
- Use a disposable paper towel or cloth to avoid cross-contamination.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply and store the disinfectant.
- Be sure to let the surface dry completely before using it again.
What to do when a case of COVID-19 is confirmed in the workplace?
If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your workplace, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take in order to ensure that the virus doesn’t spread.
The CDC recommends that you:
- Close off any areas that the sick person has used and do not allow anyone else in these areas until they have been cleaned and disinfected.
- Open windows and doors to increase air circulation in the area.
- Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting the areas that the sick person has used. This will give the virus time to die.
- Clean all surfaces with soap and water first, then use a disinfectant.
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly apply and store the disinfectant.
The CDC says that COVID-19 can stay on surfaces for up to 72 hours. However, they also say that the virus is most likely to spread within the first 24 hours after it has been left on a surface.
This is why it’s so important to clean and disinfect all surfaces regularly, especially if there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your workplace.
What are some disinfection methods?
There are a few different methods that can be used to disinfect surfaces, including:
- Cleaning with soap and water: This is the first step in disinfecting any surface. It’s important to remove any dirt or debris before applying a disinfectant.
- Cleaning with a bleach solution: Bleach is a strong chemical that can be effective in killing viruses and bacteria. However, it can also be harmful to humans if it’s not used properly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use bleach.
- Cleaning with alcohol: Alcohol can be effective in killing viruses and bacteria. However, it can also be drying and damaging to surfaces. Be sure to use a product that is at least 70% alcohol.
- Cleaning with a vinegar solution: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can be effective in killing viruses and bacteria. However, it can also be damaging to surfaces. Be sure to use a product that is at least 70% vinegar.
- Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can be effective in killing viruses and bacteria. However, it can also be damaging to surfaces. Be sure to use a product that is at least 70% hydrogen peroxide.
What are some disinfection methods not recommended by the CDC?
There are a few disinfection methods that are not recommended by the CDC, including:
- Cleaning with ammonia.
- Cleaning with lye.
- Cleaning with chlorine.
- Cleaning with Lysol.
- Cleaning with Mr. Clean.
- Cleaning with Pine-sol.
What are some other ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace?
In addition to regular cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, there are a few other things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. These include:
- Encouraging employees to wash their hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Encouraging employees to stay home if they are sick.
- Encouraging employees to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their sleeve, not their hands.
- Discouraging employees from sharing personal items, such as phones, laptops, or desks.
- Putting up signs and posters that remind employees of the importance of good hygiene habits.
- Providing employees with hand sanitizer, tissues, and no-touch trash cans.
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting common areas, such as break rooms and bathrooms.
- Disinfecting doorknobs, light switches, and other surfaces that are frequently touched.
- Providing employees with information about COVID-19 and how it spreads.
There are a few things you should avoid doing when trying to control viruses in the workplace.
First, don’t panic. This will only make the situation worse and cause more problems than it’s worth.
Second, don’t try to clean and disinfect everything all at once. This will likely just lead to frustration and won’t be very effective.
Third, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Be sure to wash your hands often, stay home if you’re sick, and get plenty of rest.
Should restaurants and schools have special cleaning and sanitation measures to protect against COVID-19?
There are a few things food establishments can do to protect against COVID-19, including:
- Cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces regularly.
- Washing hands often and thoroughly.
- Using gloves when handling food.
- Avoiding contact with sick people.
What are the different types of workplace cleaning?
There are a few different types of workplace cleaning:
- General cleaning: This is the type of cleaning that you should do on a daily basis. This includes things like sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
- Deep cleaning: This is a more intensive type of cleaning that you should do on a weekly or monthly basis. This includes things like shampooing carpets, cleaning windows, and scrubbing toilets.
- Disinfecting: This is the type of cleaning that you should do on a regular basis, especially during a pandemic. This includes using disinfectant sprays or wipes to kill viruses and bacteria.
General cleaning should be done on a daily basis, while deep cleaning and disinfecting should be done on a regular basis. During a pandemic, it’s especially important to focus on disinfecting all surfaces in your workplace. Day Porters can also be a valuable resource for keeping your workplace clean and tidy. Learn more about what day porters do here.
Why is regular cleaning important?
Regular cleaning is important for a few reasons:
- It helps to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
- It keeps surfaces looking clean and presentable.
- It helps to extend the life of your surfaces by preventing them from becoming too dirty or damaged.
Cleaning on a regular basis is one of the best ways to help control viruses in the workplace. By cleaning all surfaces regularly, you can help to prevent the spread of viruses and keep your workplace looking its best.
Should businesses develop a plan for cleaning and disinfecting the workplace?
Yes, businesses should develop a plan for cleaning and disinfecting the workplace. This plan should include:
- A schedule for how often to clean and disinfect all surfaces.
- A list of which products to use for each type of surface.
- Instructions on how to properly apply and store the products.
- The plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it is effective.
How do you determine what needs to be cleaned?
When you’re trying to determine what needs to be cleaned, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- What surfaces are most likely to be contaminated?
- What surfaces are most likely to come into contact with people?
- What surfaces are most likely to come into contact with food or drinks?
Some of the most common places that need to be cleaned are telephones, computer equipment, door handles, and light switches. These are all surfaces that are frequently touched by people and can easily become contaminated.
What are some COVID-19 myths?
There are a few myths about COVID-19 that you should be aware of:
- You can catch COVID-19 from touching a doorknob.
- You can only catch COVID-19 if you’re in close contact with someone who has it.
- COVID-19 is only dangerous to older people.
- You can catch COVID-19 from mosquitoes.
All of these myths are false. You cannot catch COVID-19 from touching a doorknob, and it is possible to catch it from people who are not showing any symptoms. COVID-19 is dangerous to people of all ages, not just older people. You cannot catch COVID-19 from mosquitoes.
When should you hire professionals to clean and disinfect the workplace?
If you’re not sure how to properly clean and disinfect your workplace, you may want to hire professionals to do it for you. This is especially important if you have a large or complex workplace. Professionals can provide a deep clean that will kill viruses and bacteria. They can also provide advice on how to best keep your workplace clean in the future.
Professionals can provide a deep clean that will kill viruses and bacteria, as well as advice on how to best keep your workplace clean in the future. If you have a large or complex workplace, it’s especially important to hire professionals to do the job.
How do you find professional disinfecting services?
There are a few ways to find professional disinfecting services:
- Search online for “disinfecting services” in your area.
- Ask other businesses if they use professional disinfecting services and if they can recommend any.
- Check with your local chamber of commerce or business association.
When searching for professional disinfecting services, it’s important to read reviews and compare prices. You should also make sure that the company you’re considering is licensed and insured.
Contact Foreman Pro Cleaning to take care of your needs
Commercial coronavirus cleaning is important because it helps to ensure that all surfaces in the workplace are properly cleaned and disinfected. This type of cleaning can be done by a professional company that specializes in this type of work.
If you have any questions about how to clean and disinfect your workplace, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!
Foreman Pro Cleaning is a professional full-service commercial cleaning company that has offices in Annapolis, MD, Washington, D.C., and Yorktown, Va.
We offer a wide range of services to businesses of all sizes, including deep cleans, regular cleaning, and advice on how to best keep your workplace clean. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation from our Washington DC office here: https://www.foremanpro.com/locations/washington-dc-commercial-cleaning/
Sources:
- CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
- EPA: Using Household Cleaners and Disinfectants Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- CDC: Infection Control in Healthcare Settings during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
- OSHA: Protecting Workers from Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Healthcare Settings
- CDC: Interim Recommendations for Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- WHO: Infection prevention and control during health care when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected