Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

Managing the risks of infectious disease is a large part of life these days, and it is especially true at the office. Cleaning and disinfection are one way that organizations can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. While the risk of catching COVID-19 from surfaces is low, cleaning and disinfection do reduce the risk of being infected by the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, proper cleaning and disinfection will reduce the risks of contracting other bacterial and viral infections. 

What is the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting?

Cleaning in this context means using products with soap or detergent on surfaces. Cleaning reduces the risk of infection by removing contaminants from the surface. Disinfecting with specific chemicals will then kill any remaining germs on the surface. 

Both methods reduce the risk of infection, and cleaning is generally sufficient for most settings. However, many people clean and disinfect, and some situations call for both methods. 

How often should you clean and disinfect?

As long as there hasn’t been anyone in the space who suspects they have COVID-19 or knows they have COVID-19, then cleaning an area once a day is sufficient to remove any viruses on the surfaces. If you choose to disinfect, that simply adds another layer of protection by further removing any viruses or bacteria. 

However, you may want to disinfect or clean more frequently under the following conditions. 

1. If the area has a high volume of people moving through the space or using it, like an office kitchen.
2. Poorly ventilated spaces, like rooms with no windows, need to be cleaned or disinfected, more regularly since the lack of air movement prevents viruses and bacteria from being moved out of the room.
3. If there is no access to handwashing or hand sanitization, then the space will become dirtier and need to be cleaned more frequently. 
4. Finally, spaces will need more regular cleaning and disinfection if they are occupied by people who are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

If there was anyone sick, or someone who had COVID-19 in your space within the last 24 hours, then it is important to clean and disinfect the area. If more than 24 hours have passed, then cleaning is enough.

What are the Best Ways to Clean and Disinfect Your Office?

Here are a few methods to make sure your office is safe and clean.

1. One of the easiest ways to clean and disinfect is to choose a cleaning solution that includes a disinfectant. Different surfaces will require different cleaning techniques. Prioritize high-touch areas and items for cleaning and disinfection by cleaning at least once a day. High-touch surfaces include pens, counters, shopping carts, tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, stair rails, elevator buttons, desks, keyboards, etc.
2. Make sure that whoever is cleaning is properly trained on how to use cleaning and disinfecting products safely and effectively. Read the cleaning product labels to determine what, if any, safety gear is needed and if there are any safety precautions to take, like opening up a window or using a fan for ventilation.
3. Those who are cleaning need to wear gloves and wash their hands immediately after removing their gloves. Hand sanitizer is a good substitute if handwashing isn’t available.
4. Use a disinfecting product that is effective against COVID-19.
5. Always follow the directions on the labels of cleaning products. Do not mix cleaning products, since that creates a serious safety hazard.

Protect Your Office with BioFunctional Health Solutions

BioFunctional Health Solutions is pleased to offer Infectious Disease Control Solutions. This is a best-in-class program that assures worker safety against infectious diseases. They know that the risks of contracting an infectious disease at the office are a liability for organizations. And, even though workplaces are legally required to provide a safe working environment, 41% of American’s are afraid to return to work because of COVID-19. Infectious diseases put not only employees at risk but an organization’s bottom line as well. With BioFunctional Health Solutions Infectious Disease Control Solutions, organizations can be prepared for the next virus. This will protect employee health, as well as an organization’s bottom line. 

Infectious Disease Control Solutions from BioFunctional Health includes a best practices plan, priority access to PPE and proven screening technologies, disease prevention education for employees, accurate temperature monitoring, symptom triage, and safe-to-work protocols and Telehealth consultations for sick employees. Reach out to BioFunctional Health Solutions to get started today!