Office Cleaning During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything! This includes the recommended practices for creating a healthy and sanitary work environment. New and enhanced sanitation measures are necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in our workplaces. Good cleaning and disinfection routines greatly reduce or eliminate the risk of a viral count of COVID-19 on surfaces and objects in the office. The Canadian government has provided instructions on how to clean and disinfect workspaces as well as a list of approved disinfectants; cleaners that are effective against COVID-19. So what new and or extra steps should you take to ensure your office is safe for all employees?

Key points for cleaning and disinfecting the workplace:

• Use disposable gloves, gowns and a mask for cleaning and disinfection. 

• Remove and throw away the gloves, gown and mask immediately after completion of disinfecting surfaces.

• Clean surfaces with soap and water before beginning disinfection. This solution removes particles that can carry the risk of COVID-19 on surfaces reducing the viral load before disinfection begins. The practice of cleaning and then disinfecting helps the disinfectant to be more effective in killing the remaining virus.

• An easy-to-access disinfectant, good for floors and large surface cleaning, is household bleach and water (⅓ cup bleach per 1 gallon of water). 

• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water works for spray bottle applications.

• If using disinfecting wipes, clean only one item at a time, using enough wipes to ensure the surface stays wet for 4 minutes.

• Never mix cleaning products together.

• Don’t touch your face while cleaning and not until after you have washed your hands.

• Clothing worn while cleaning should be placed in a plastic bag until it can be laundered. 

• Wash/launder fabric items using the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest water setting possible for the items and dry items completely.

High-touch surfaces and objects need daily cleaning. This includes:

• Doorknobs and handles

• Stair rails

• Office desks and chairs

• Lunchroom/breakroom tables and chairs

• Countertops

• Handrails

• Light switches

• Push buttons on vending machines and elevators

• Shared remote controls and keypads

• Shared telephones

• Shared desktops

• Shared computer keyboards and mice

• Touchscreens

• Toilets, sinks, faucets, water fountains

Other important practices:

• Develop policies to protect workers such as social distancing requirements. 

• Update office layout to allow for safe workstations.

• Train cleaning staff on-site before giving them cleaning tasks.

• Provide hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment.

• Post signs to encourage good handwashing technique and frequency.

• Place signs at shared workstations to encourage proper hand hygiene.

• Provide signage regarding symptom checks. 

• Encourage workers to stay home if they feel ill.

• Require proper use of face masks.

• Maintain a healthy indoor environment by concentrating on plumbing, ventilation, and filtration systems that filter, dilute, and remove pathogens.

• Consider a touchless entry system.

• Limit who and what comes into the office (packages, deliveries). 

Maintaining a clean workplace is critical to fighting the spread of COVID-19. Help your staff navigate the challenges of the global pandemic by encouraging the use of protective equipment, promoting proper handwashing techniques, fostering social distancing and keeping the office thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. One sure way to reduce risks is to hire a professional cleaning company for your office cleaning needs. They have the knowledge, experience and products to ensure your workplace is safe for all employees.

Need a commercial cleaning service to help keep your office 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 that keep you and your employees safe. Contact us today!