Disinfecting public surfaces has always been important for the health and safety of others, and now it is even more vital.
Regular and thorough cleaning need not be cumbersome. Here are four tips to help you ensure your disinfection procedures work.
Clean surfaces before disinfecting them
For the most thorough cleaning, use soap and water on surfaces before moving on to sterilize them. Castile soap is an excellent all-purpose cleaning choice. Its luxurious lather comes from its oil-based formula, and with the addition of essential oils, this type of soap becomes an effective sanitizer itself. Companies have even developed specialized, hybrid water with nano bubble technology that can facilitate thorough disinfection.
Clean and disinfect surfaces consistently
Cleaning reduces the number of surface germs, and disinfecting kills harmful bacteria and viruses. Practice both together regularly for the most thorough cleaning routine. Focus especially on high-contact surfaces including:
- Doorknobs
- Telephones
- Handles
- Switches
- Countertops and desks
- Keyboards
- Faucets
Complete and consistent cleaning makes workplace environments healthier for both customers and employees.
Use effective formulas
For the most thorough cleaning job possible, as with any job, use the right tools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a list of disinfectants, and it is a useful reference for choosing the best options for your particular location and needs. Ways to ensure thorough sterilization include:
- Keep surfaces wet for the period of time product labels recommend.
- Make sure products are not expired.
- If using bleach, make sure your particular formula is intended for disinfection.
Always wear gloves and make sure the area being cleaned has good ventilation.
Do not overlook disinfect soft surfaces
You can use some of the same disinfectant formulas for hard surfaces on fabrics and floor coverings. Be sure and read labels first. Other tips for safely and effectively purifying soft surfaces include:
- Wear gloves when handling fabrics, especially those known to have been touched by a sick person.
- Avoid shaking dirty laundry.
- Use the warmest water temperature possible, and dry all items thoroughly.
- Be sure to regularly clean and disinfect hampers as you would any hard surface.
- Always wash hands well even though you wore disposable gloves.
As with hard surfaces, consistency with cleaning fabrics is the key to complete disinfection.
Business facilities see many people coming and going each day. Without even thinking, customers and employees touch many surfaces every hour, making regular sanitizing imperative. Safe and healthy work environments demonstrate to clients and workers that you care about their well-being. Furthermore, thorough disinfection can help prevent illnesses, which benefits all of society.
