Many people are unaware that cleaning and disinfecting are two entirely different processes! By definition, cleaning works by physically removing germs from surfaces using soap (or detergent) and water. Disinfecting, on the other hand, kills germs on surfaces or objects. So, when should you clean your facility? And when should you disinfect? Read on to find the answers!
The Specifics of Cleaning
Cleaning is most often accomplished with products containing soap and water and has been proven to reduce the number of germs present on most surfaces. Additionally, cleaning removes certain contaminants that strengthen virus particles, meaning people are less likely to contract an infection after interacting with that surface. To this point, it should be stressed that cleaning primarily removes viruses rather than killing them.
If no one in your facility is suspected of having COVID-19, cleaning the facility once per day should be sufficient. However, if you suspect someone in your facility might be infected with COVID-19, you should disinfect the space as well.
The Specifics of Disinfecting
Unlike cleaning, which removes germs and lessens the chances of infection from a surface area, disinfecting kills the germs present on a specific surface. Disinfecting is best performed after an initial cleaning and further reduces the chances of infection.
Where cleaning is accomplished using soap and water, disinfecting is accomplished using any of the chemicals noted on List N, provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As the EPA notes, this list is constantly updated based on the available data, so always make sure to check it before using a new disinfectant in your facility.
If you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in your facility, you will want to clean and disinfect all areas occupied by the infected person. Even if no one is suspected or confirmed to be infected, routine cleaning and disinfecting of all high-traffic areas throughout the week is highly recommended.
When to Clean and Disinfect More Frequently
Although cleaning is recommended at least once per day, you may want to clean and disinfect more frequently if any of the following are true:
- Your employees or customers do not wash their hands
- There is a high rate of COVID-19 transmission in your area
- There are high-risk people in the facility who could become severely ill from COVID-19
Cleaning and Disinfecting: Before, During, and After
Before you start cleaning, close off all areas that are being cleaned and disinfected. This ensures the space is free from additional contamination throughout the process.
While cleaning and disinfecting, make sure that the room is adequately ventilated. This will ensure you don’t inhale any of the chemicals being deployed. Additionally, wear a mask and gloves to reduce the risk of infection.
Rely on the Professionals at 360clean
When cleaning and disinfecting a facility, there’s no reason to do all the heavy lifting alone. At 360clean, we provide an innovative, customer-focused process that allows us to ensure your facility is as clean and safe as possible for your employees and visitors. To learn more about our cleaning services, contact us today for a free estimate!