Better, more efficient cleaning and disinfection for your facility
To properly clean and safely disinfect your facility against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and other pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi) you must first understand how to properly identify and use the right products. A plan must also be in place for consistently disinfecting high-touch surfaces and using chemicals appropriately.
Contrary to popular belief, using more chemicals does not equate to a better clean. Rather, using the appropriate amount of chemical with the proper dilution ratio is the key to effective disinfection, along with precleaning the surface and adhering to dwell times (the amount of time product needs to remain wet on a surface to achieve microorganism kill claims).
Proper disinfection includes matching the right chemicals for your needs with the correct protocol. Whether a product is meant to remove dirt or disinfect a surface, it should always be used according to the directions on the label. Pre-cleaning and following dwell times will ensure that you are getting the most out of the chemicals being used while keeping the people in your facility safe.
“C” comes before “D”
Clean first – Before using a disinfectant solution, dust, debris, and any other contaminants must be removed from the surface. Disinfect second – Apply an EPA-registered disinfectant to the surface and keep the surface wet with solution for the required dwell time – anywhere from 10 seconds upwards of 10 minutes. Products must be used according to manufacture instructions to ensure efficacy.
Pre-cleaning – is the removal of visible soil (e.g., organic and inorganic material) from objects and surfaces by manual or mechanical means using water with detergents or enzymatic products. Thorough cleaning is essential before sterilization and disinfection as inorganic and organic materials that remain on a surface can interfere with the effectiveness of these processes.
For a chemical to touch a pathogen for the full dwell time, it must first have complete access to that microbe. Precleaning allows for that. Organic matter such as blood, serum, pus, fecal material, or bodily lubricants can interfere with the antimicrobial activity of disinfectants.
Most commonly, interference occurs by a chemical reaction between the disinfectant and the organic matter leaving less of the active germicide available for attacking microorganisms. Alternatively, microorganisms may be protected from disinfectants by biofilms – microbial communities that are tightly attached to surfaces and cannot be easily removed. This further emphasizes the importance of pre-cleaning before any sterilization or disinfection procedure because both organic and inorganic soils are easily removed by washing.
Sterilization – is the complete elimination or destruction of “all” microbial life and is accomplished in health care facilities by physical or chemical processes such as dry heat, steam under pressure, ethylene oxide (ETO) gas, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and liquid chemicals.
When chemicals are used for the purposes of destroying all forms of microbiologic life, including fungal and bacterial spores, they may be called chemical sterilants. These same germicides used for shorter exposure periods may also be part of the disinfection process referred to as high-level disinfection.
Disinfection – is the process of eliminating many or all pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces or inanimate objects, with the exception of bacterial spores. Disinfection is accomplished with the use of chemicals. The efficacy of the disinfection process is affected by a number of factors such as prior cleaning of the object; the organic and inorganic load present; the type and level of microbial contamination; the concentration of and exposure time to the disinfectant.; the presence of biofilms; the temperature and pH of the disinfection process.
Note: To ensure that a disinfectant can kill (SARS-CoV-2), refer to the manufacturer’s website or the EPA’s “List N” of approved disinfectants.
Using disinfectants safely
As with all chemicals, disinfectants come with their own risks, including the potential for chemical exposure, accidents, and damage to surfaces. COVID-19 has intensified disinfection efforts across the board, so these risks must be assessed frequently. Disinfection will continue to be important in order to prevent transmission and spread of the virus. Understanding the basics of the process and following sound protocols will create a safe environment for everyone in your facility.
Guidance for a cleaning and disinfection plan
Cleaning with soap and water removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces and lowers the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting kills most germs on surfaces. By killing germs on surfaces after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
Develop an effective and efficient plan:
- Determine what needs to be cleaned. Areas unoccupied for 7 or more days need only routine cleaning. Maintain existing cleaning practices for outdoor areas.
- Determine how areas will be disinfected. Consider the type of surface and how often the surface is touched, while prioritizing disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
- Consider the resources and equipment needed. Keep in mind the availability of cleaning products and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and disinfectants.
Implement your plan:
- Pre-clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Use the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant product. Use an EPA-approved disinfectant against covid-19, and read the label to make sure it meets the job at hand.
- Always follow the directions on the label, which will include safety information and application instructions.
Maintain and revise your plan:
- Continue routine cleaning and disinfection. Continue or revise your plan based upon appropriate disinfectant. Dirty surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water prior to disinfection. Routinely disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
- Maintain safe practices such as frequent handwashing, using facemasks, and remaining at home if you are sick.
- Continue practices that reduce the potential for exposure.
- Maintain social distancing, staying six feet apart from others. Reduce the sharing of common spaces and frequently touched objects.
Hire a reputable commercial cleaning service provider – Cleanstart
As we continue to contend with the evolving changes brought on by COVID-19, we must ensure a workplace that meets higher cleaning, health and safety standards. Businesses that don’t have the time or experience to maintain proper cleaning and disinfection protocols should consider hiring a reputable commercial cleaning and janitorial service.
At Cleanstart, our highly-trained cleaning staff is committed to keeping your facility clean, healthy, and safe for your employees and the public. We have been in the commercial cleaning and janitorial industry for over 27 years and provide quality cleaning services for a wide range of businesses (large and small), including offices (office buildings), warehouses, fitness facilities, industrial facilities, medical facilities, dental offices, churches, private clubs, entertainment venues, and more.
We can customize a cleaning plan tailored to your specific needs and schedule while minimizing downtime to your operations. Daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning visits are available as well as after-hour and one-time emergency cleaning visits. We guarantee our services. If for whatever reason, our 5-star quality cleaning service standard is not met, we will make it right by correcting the issue within one business day.
Our professional cleaners are trained in the latest cleaning and disinfection methods and protocols for combatting COVID-19, established by the CDC, EPA, and WHO, and observe all OSHA safety standards. Our staff wears the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves from exposure to contaminants and cleaning chemicals, which are always used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Our combination of proven processes, high standards, and uncompromising customer service take facility cleaning and disinfecting services to the next level:
✓ Over 27 years in the cleaning and janitorial industry
✓ Professionally trained janitorial specialists
✓ Committed to the highest quality of clean
✓ Local, licensed, bonded & insured
✓ 24/7 cleaning options & support
✓ Customized cleaning solutions
✓ 100% satisfaction guarantee
✓ OSHA, HIPAA, EPA, CDC, AORN compliant
✓ A+ BBB-rating
If you are looking for an experienced and reputable commercial cleaning and janitorial service, you can count on the experts at Cleanstart. For more information about our services or to request a free estimate, please give us a call today at (253) 921-2593 or you can request a free online estimate.
Where we service in the PNW
Auburn, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bonney Lake, Bremerton, Factoria, Fife, Gig Harbor, Kent, Lakewood, Olympia, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, and Thurston County.
5013 Pacific Hwy E unit 16 Fife, WA 98424 • Phone: 253.921.2593 • Email: Caleb @ thecleanstart.com
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7099662/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
