The COVID-19 pandemic has created change in so many ways and this includes the way we handle our day-to-day cleaning and sanitation. Nowadays, cleanliness is very vital to one’s self, to our homes and offices.
Companies have started to adapt to the changing ways of cleaning and disinfecting their offices to prevent COVID-19 from infecting their workers, clients, or customers.
Cleaning isn’t the same as Sanitizing and Disinfecting
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “cleaning is different from sanitizing and disinfecting”.
Cleaning is a broader word. Cleaning cannot easily remove germs and specks of dirt from surfaces if you just use soap and water – it can only lessen the number of them. However, the use of disinfectants such as EPA-registered products can eliminate harmful organisms and can stop the risk of infections. For sanitizing, this can be done with both cleaning and disinfecting and can also lower the risk of infections from viruses.
Disinfecting Products
With the surge of COVID-19, scientists and doctors have researched products that can clean, sanitize and disinfect our environment versus the COVID-19 virus. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged this new research and product assessment to enable companies producing these disinfectants to categorize their products as effective against the COVID-19 virus and to qualify for EPA”s Emerging Viral Pathogens claim. According to Dr. Jeanne Breen, “This policy allows businesses that have already passed EPA registration for so-called ‘harder-to-kill’ viruses to state that their goods can be used against the new viral pathogen”. These products are highly recommended to kill such viruses and will make our homes and offices free from COVID-19. Always use these disinfectants in a well-ventilated area even when you are using masks and make sure to handle them safely.
Some EPA-approved disinfectants for sturdy surfaces are the following:
- Lysol Disinfectant Wipes
- Lysol All-Purpose Spray Cleaner
- Fantastik All-Purpose Spray Cleaner
- Clorox Non-Bleach Disinfecting Wipes
- Formula 409 Disinfecting Spray
In addition, Brendaliz Santiago-Narvaez, Ph.D., recommended using Isopropyl alcohol with at least 70% alcohol for disinfecting some items such as screens of electronic devices. She also recommended using soap and water to clean the outer layer of some room surfaces before disinfecting them. Also, wash used clothing with detergent and warm water.
The Bottom Line
With COVID-19 we need to be constantly aware that it is around us day and night. Hence, using the cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products with the supervision and approval of Health professionals like the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can give piece of mind in our homes and offices. Make sure your business cleaning company is using products that protect your employees and guests.
If you aren’t sure, get a quick and easy quote from HiShine Commercial Cleaning here.
References:
- https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/post-covid-workplace/redefining-clean-office-environment/
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
- https://www.steelcase.com/cleaning-steelcase-products/
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-cleaning-products-work-to-kill-covid-19#Where-you-need-to-clean-in-the-home
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/qa-consumers-hand-sanitizers-and-covid-19