By now, we all know pretty much everything there is to know about COVID. We know how it spreads, what the symptoms of the virus are, and how the vaccine works to keep us safer. We’re a world of COVID experts!

But, what people still aren’t sure about is how they can clean workspaces to stay safe from the virus, especially with the Delta variant. As something that’s highly transmissible, how do you keep it out of your work place?

Do you own or manage a business? Are you wondering about disinfecting practices necessary for keeping your building safe while COVID-19 is still a concern?

Traditional facility cleaning services won’t get your building as clean as it needs to be when germs are such a serious threat. It’s critical to take every precaution possible in order to ensure the safety of your employees, clients, and customers.

Here are the disinfecting services you’ll need for your business.

Disinfecting Practices

Your regular disinfecting routine will need to get stepped up during these times. This is especially true if there are high rates of COVID-19 infections in your community, or if there are low vaccination numbers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of disinfectants that are effective at removing the COVID-19 germs on surfaces. When using them, it’s critical to use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) recommended on the label. These include goggles, masks, and plastic gloves.

Your label will also tell you how long a product needs to remain on a surface in order to be effective. Make sure to read it thoroughly.

It’s important to wipe down frequently touched surfaces regularly in your place of business. These could include door handles, keyboards, and light switches. Phones, countertops, and facuets will also require extra attention.

Public areas should get cleaned four times a day and meeting rooms should get disinfected after each meeting. Bathrooms and kitchens should get wiped down twice a day.

If necessary, hire a qualified cleaning service to make sure that your place of business is properly disinfected each day. This will give you and your staff a chance to focus on other business matters as they arise. 

Desktops

If you’re managing an office space, employees can be responsible for the wiping down of their own desktops at the end of the day. You can also hire a service to make sure everything is properly sanitized.

Employees should clean their desk surfaces, as well as any personal items on their desks that they touch frequently. These could include pens, tape dispensers, and staplers.

If your employees use individual phones, they should get unplugged and disinfected. This includes the chords and buttons.

Keyboards can get wiped down with disinfectant wipes that have been squeezed to wipe out excess moisture. The mouse should get unplugged and completely wiped down, including the scroll and sides. If your employees use laptops, they can swipe a disinfectant wipe across the touchpad as long as there is no excess moisture.

Computer screens should get wiped down with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a use a diluted solution of warm water and a mild dish soap. You’ll need to wipe off any soapy residue to avoid damaging the machine.

Floors and Carpets

Disinfect floors using an EPA-approved cleaner each day, and more often if someone has been sick. Be sure to use proper PPE.

If your place of work has hardwood floors, begin by using a vacuum with a soft-bristled floor brush attachment to clean up dust and debris. You can then mop using a disinfectant made specifically for hardwood floors since you don’t want to damage the surface.

If you have carpeting, make sure you vacuum slowly and pick up the dirt in all of the corners of the space. If necessary, lift furniture to make sure you don’t miss any dust or dirt.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a popular place for germs to hang out. And a global pandemic is a good reason to go beyond wiping down the surface.

Sinks should get sprayed with disinfectant spray and wiped out with a cloth or sponge. Spray down faucets and mirrors and be sure to leave disinfectants on for the appropriate amount of time.

Toilets should be cleaned out regularly with a generous amount of toilet bowl cleaner. This has to sit for at least five minutes before you clean out the toilet with a stiff-brustled brush. Wipe down the toilet seat and wipes with disinfectant spray.

Tiles around the bathroom should also be disinfected regularly. You can clean out the grout with a mix of clorine bleach and water. Scrub this away using a stiff brush or toothbrush.

In addition, dust may need to be removed from the grill of your bathroom fan. Be sure to remove it in sudsy water and replace it regularly.

Personal Hygiene Reminders

During such a sensitive time, it can help to have signs around that remind your employees and clients to use proper hygiene.

For example, hands should be scrubbed regularly for at least 20 seconds. Employees should lather their hands and be sure to scrub the backs of their hands as well as their fingernails. Everyone should be reminded to wash their hands after they cough, sneeze, and blow their nose.

In addition, you can make hand sanitizer available at various spots within your establishments, reminding staff members and patrons to sanitize whenever possible.

Some establishments also provide disposable masks to those who enter. These can help protect against droplets and sprays that may spread germs. It also lets others know that you’re taking measures to protect their health.

Disinfecting Services During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has made cleanliness and hygiene extremely important in our places of business. With the right disinfecting services, you could be keeping your building as healthy as possible in no time.

Don’t stop getting smart about your employee health now. For professionals who specialize in business disinfecting services, contact us today.