How do I protect against COVID-19; Clean, Sanitize or Disinfect?

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic comes a need to understand and undertake proper personal hygiene and cleanliness of our living and working environments. This coronavirus can remain viable from hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. To effectively remove and eliminate the virus you need to understand that there are major differences between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting your home/business. The following is information that will help you understand how to best keep you, your family, friends and co-workers safe from the coronavirus.

• Cleaning involves using water plus soap or detergent to remove germs, dirt, dust, debris and impurities from surfaces/objects. It lowers the numbers of germs and therefore the risk of spreading the coronavirus but cleaning, by itself, won’t kill bacteria, viruses, or fungi. 

• Sanitizing reduces, not kills, the number and growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It lowers the number of germs on surfaces/objects to a level judged safe by public health requirements. There are compulsory standards for workplaces, schools, restaurants, hospitals and other facilities. 

• Disinfecting kills viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces and objects. It usually involves leaving the disinfectant on the surface/object for a certain length of time in order to destroy or inactivate the bacteria/viruses/fungi. It’s one of the most reliable ways to lower the risk of spreading disease via surfaces. Bleach and alcohol are common examples of disinfectants. To make sure your product is a CEPA-approved disinfectant, look on the label for a CEPA registration number. You can confirm a product can be used against COVID-19 by visitingthe CEPA substance search website.

When should I clean? When should I sanitize? When should I disinfect?

• When to clean: Cleaning, alone, is good for low-risk surfaces (floors, windows) where the likelihood of pathogen transfer is small. Always clean with soap and water before sanitizing or disinfecting any surface as dirt and organic material make disinfectants and sanitizers less effective. 

• When to sanitize: Clean then sanitize all surfaces that come in contact with food. Disinfectants are not safe for this use. Sanitizing sprays work well for countertops, stoves, fridges, etc. Sanitizing of dishes can be done by using the heat of your dishwasher (at least 77°C) while clothing can be sanitized by using the sanitize cycle on your washing machine or by adding a liquid laundry sanitizer to each load. Carpets and upholstery can be effectively sanitized by steam cleaning. 

• When to disinfect: Clean then disinfect hard non-porous surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, faucets, sinks, remotes, toys). Make sure you read the label of your disinfectant so that you leave it on the surface/object for the required time frame. Clean high touch surfaces up to 3 times a day. This will effectively stop the spread of diseases and viruses.

How to use products safely and effectively: 

Always read and follow the directions on the label of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting products to ensure safe and effective use. The following directions will help prevent the spread of infection:

• Do not mix cleaners with sanitizers or disinfectants unless the labels indicate it is safe to do so.

• Clean surfaces before using sanitizers or disinfectants.

• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection products. 

• Wear gloves, use in a well-ventilated area, allow enough contact to kill germs based on the product being used.

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after removing gloves. 

• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

• Damp cleaning methods (damp clean cloths and wet mops) are preferred over dry methods (dusting and sweeping) as they’re less likely to distribute virus droplets.

• Wash reusable cleaning items using regular laundry soap and hot water (60-90°C).

• Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected more often.

• Shared spaces (kitchen, bathrooms) should be cleaned and disinfected more often.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning electronics (keyboards, tablets, smartboards). If electronics can withstand the use of liquids, disinfect them with 70% alcohol, like alcohol prep wipes.

• Do not eat, drink, breathe, or inject cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection products or apply them directly to your skin.

• Some cleaning and disinfection products can trigger asthma.

• Store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.

Whether you clean yourself or entrust this responsibility to a professional cleaning company, make sure you know the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Remember, sanitizing and disinfecting are ineffective if you haven’t cleaned first. Proper cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting can help keep you safe during the pandemic.

Looking for a reliable cleaning company to help keep you and your employees safe during the pandemic? Call Strathcona Cleaners Ltd at 403-237-8355 or email us at info@strathconacleaners.com.  Our Calgary-based business provides janitorial services to an array of industries. We custom tailor our cleaning and maintenance plans to suit your specific needs. You can even choose non-toxic products and eco-friendly equipment. Depend on us for quality janitorial and office cleaning services. Contact us today!