As the world is universally entrenched in the most significant health crisis of the last 20 years, businesses, institutions, and individuals alike are rapidly adapting to living and working in a new environment. 

Every industry and sector is faced with the challenge of incorporating new procedures and policies in order to protect staff, clients, and the population at large from COVID-19.
While there is still so much to learn about this novel coronavirus, we know enough to start implementing commercial cleaning practices that prevent its spread.  Whether you’re cleaning schools, offices, warehouses, or everything in between, proper cleaning practices are essential right now.

Indeed, commercial cleaning in the age of COVID extends beyond removing dirt and debris.  Today, businesses are stepping up to the challenge of disinfecting their facilities through the use of disinfectant chemicals that kill germs and reduce the risk of infection.  Further, if you are cleaning an area where a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19 has recently been in the facility, there are specific procedures that must be followed.

For example, the Centre for Disease Control recommends closing off areas visited by a person with COVID-19 for at least 24 hours.  During this time, you need to ensure adequate ventilation to this area by increasing air circulation and opening doors and windows.  Cleaners then need to thoroughly disinfect all areas of the facility including bathrooms, workstations, break areas or other shared spaces while paying particular attention to high-touch areas like door knobs, elevator buttons, telephone pads, etc.

Additionally, disinfecting practices will depend on the surface being disinfected.  Hard, non-porous surfaces need to be cleaned with soap and water first.  Next, an EPA-registered disinfectant or diluted household bleach can be used to disinfect these surfaces.  Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper disinfection which will include details on how to apply the disinfectant, contact time for the disinfectant, and even the concentration of the disinfectant.  If you’re cleaning soft, porous surfaces including carpet, curtains, or clothing, you’ll need to rely on appropriate cleaning practices.  For items that can be laundered, follow manufacturer’s instructions and use the hottest possible water for cleaning.  Carpeted flooring, upholstery, and larger soft surfaces should be cleaned with an appropriate solution indicated for these surfaces.  Again, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ultimately, there is always new information becoming available about how to best manage the spread of COVID-19.  As you have probably already experienced, protocols and recommendations seem to change almost daily.  Consider working with a professional cleaning company so you can rest easy knowing your commercial facility is cleaned using the most up-to-date practices.  And remember, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask your cleaner what they are doing to keep abreast of all the latest guidelines.