All types of cleaning contribute favorable for the health of building occupants. Unfortunately, the commercial cleaning industry is currently battling misconceptions about disinfection and how it works to keep germs at bay, as the nation and world continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a lot of confusion surrounding cleaning terms and what different cleaning methods are used for. Below are a few of the common misconceptions about disinfection that we at Baker Sandoval Cleaning would like to share today to help set the record straight.
Difference Between Sanitizing & Disinfecting
Your health can be negatively affected from dirt and contaminants, and sanitizing a surface makes it “sanitary,” or free from these contaminants. To describe surfaces that are safe for food contact, this term is used frequently in the restaurant business. Viruses or fungi are not killed by sanitizing. During the current coronavirus outbreak, this is an especially important distinction. To help reduce the spread of disease, disinfection is recommended for high-touch areas to kill pathogens, like coronavirus, norovirus and influenza.
Cleaning VS Disinfecting
Usually being done to remove dirt and debris, cleaning often involves soap and water. The presence of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and fungi is reduced through disinfecting. Disinfectants are not as effective when used without cleaning first as cleaning is necessary to prepare surfaces so disinfectants can do their job. Cleaning does not kill germs, however. For low-risk surfaces such as floors and windows, cleaning is best.
Do Disinfectants Work on Contact?
Being that it is the length of time that the chemical must remain wet on a surface to kill germs, all disinfectants are labeled with various “dwell times.” From seconds to minutes, time range. Being the case, it must be reapplied to ensure it does the job it is intended to do. Depending on how dry the air is, sometimes the disinfectant will evaporate before the recommended dwell time. It is preferable to let it air dry; you should never wipe off or dry a surface that has been treated with disinfectant.
Disinfecting High Touch Areas
Disinfectants can kill germs living on high-touch surfaces. Product labels list all of the bacteria, viruses and fungi that a particular disinfectant kills as a matter in fact. Be sure to check out the fine print on the disinfectant wipes in your closet. Keep in mind that disinfecting does not last forever. It is no longer germ-free when one person walks by and touches the doorknob that was just disinfected, no matter how strong your disinfectant is. This is why disinfection, is only part of the solution to keeping your office healthy, even when it is done regularly.
Janitorial Commercial Cleaning Services in Longmont, Brighton, Dacono, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Eldorado Springs, Fort Lupton, Hygiene & Boulder Colorado
To ensure your commercial business is properly cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected, you want a professional to take care of routine services. For your business, call in the expertise of Baker Sandoval Cleaning and let our qualified cleaning technicians provide high-quality commercial cleaning and janitorial services on a routine basis.