Cleaning for COVID-19 requires more than regular cleaning. Experts recommend cleaning more often and using stronger disinfectants that are rated to kill the virus.
Background
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of enveloped viruses which are known to cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to the more severe illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERSCoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (“Coronavirus”) was originally detected on December 31, 2019 and is now a health concern on a global scale. There is real fear that this disease will spread quickly and impact people all around the world, including the United States. While researchers originally thought COVID-19 to be zoonotic (transmitted from animals to human), they confirmed that it is transmitted from human to human.
At this point, there are vaccines to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended precautions in addition to maintaining clean facilities as a preventative step. There is a strong correlation between cleanliness, sanitization, and health.
Locations with Confirmed COVID
Starting in early March 2020, doctors confirmed COVID-19 cases in every major continent of the globe. You can find an updated list of these locations on the CDC website here: (Coronavirus locations) (US locations).
Symptoms
Symptoms of the infection can include one or more of the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
CDC believes that symptoms can appear in as few as two (2) days or as long as fourteen (14) days after exposures, yet further research is on-going.
Preventing Coronavirus and other Respiratory Illnesses
Coronavirus causes respiratory illness that can spread between people in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Coronavirus may also spread by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes. The following recommended precautions are simple ways to keep yourself and others healthy:
Recommended Precautions
CLEAN HANDS REGULARLY!
Wash hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Here is more information on when and how to wash your hands from the CDC website.
DO NOT TOUCH!
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands to help prevent viruses from easily entering the body.
CLEAN AND DISINFECT SURFACES AND TOUCH POINTS!
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects often and follow cleaning instructions to ensure proper disinfection.
AVOID CONTACT
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you are sick, stay at home!
COVER YOURSELF
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw if directly into the trash.
The Cleaning for COVID-19 Solution
When cleaning for Covid-19, it is imperative to consider the following:
- Thoroughly clean surfaces first, then disinfect. Use a microfiber cleaning cloth with a general-purpose cleaner or degreaser to pre-clean heavily soiled areas. Remove all dust or loose particles from surfaces as well. Microfiber cloths and mops will increase the effectiveness of the chemical to thoroughly remove soils from surfaces.
- After the surfaces are clean, select the proper disinfectant to apply to the clean surfaces. Choose a disinfectant that is compatible with the surfaces of the building. Check kills claims of disinfectant and dwell time requirements to target pathogens specific to your building and circumstances.
- Read and understand the product label instruction information, which includes dilution instructions and dwell time requirements. Allow surfaces to remain wet for the minimum amount of time for disinfectants to do their work. Dwell times can range from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, depending on surfaces being treated and pathogens being treated for.
- Proper training is imperative! Cleaning staff should understand what chemical they are using and why, any safety precautions, and the appropriate use of personal protection equipment such as gloves and protective eyewear.
What’s the difference between a cleaner and a disinfectant solution?
Cleaning chemical products are used to remove dirt, dust, soil, grease, and germs. Disinfectants typically are not designed to effect dirt, dust, soil, or grease but they do kill or deactivate germs and other pathogens.
Here at Square Feat, every customer matters to us! We offer an effective and efficient way to help combat the Coronavirus at your facility and to augment any preventative measures you are already taking.
Square Feat offers a deep medical disinfectant procedure using a disinfectant that kills a list of viruses including COVID-19. A fully trained, specialized team completes this disinfectant process. If you are interested in this service, please let us know.
Cleaning for Health
If you need a cleaning service, find one that utilizes green cleaning services as one of their primary specialties. Square Feat understands just how important it is to clean to protect indoor air quality and prevent unnecessary exposure to building occupants and cleaning crew members. When the cleaning crew uses team cleaning in conjunction with efficient equipment and green chemicals, you have a winning combination that helps promote the longevity of the assets of your business and health of all building occupants. Our services will help create a more productive work environment for all who work in the building.
Square Feat is Here to Cover all Janitorial Needs!
Your cleaning company should handle any cleaning issues you may have immediately and proficiently. If this is not the case, it might be time to look for another janitorial service. Does your cleaning service get back to you in a timely fashion if not the same day? They should be.
Square Feat has been serving commercial clients in the Phoenix metropolitan area with basic janitorial services, carpet cleaning, floor refinishing, and other specialized services for more than two decades. Phoenix Business Journal and Arizona Business Magazine recognize Square Feat as a top full-service janitorial provider.
Please, visit this page to learn more about the cleaning services they provide or to obtain a free no obligation quote for your facility. You can also call Square Feat at 480-777-0605 to schedule an appointment to survey your facility.
