The Right Way to Clean

The Right Way to Clean

Given the constantly shifting information, guidelines, rumors, and speculation regarding how the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread last year and how that spread could be contained, many people have been left wondering if there is a right way to clean a facility that will help prevent the transmission of pathogens while ensuring the health and safety of facility occupants and the environment as a whole.

The Right Way to Clean

Is There A Right Way to Clean?

One area where the COVID-19 pandemic uncovered a significant gap in knowledge and awareness was how to clean and disinfect surfaces safely and effectively.

Throughout the pandemic, the overapplication of commercial and over-the-counter disinfectant products led to numerous hospitalizations and deaths due to accidental poisoning, as well as widespread environmental harm.

The long-term ramifications from the gross over-application of disinfectant products are currently unknown.

However, according to Insurance Journal;

Limited studies, including on rodents, have raised concerns that some might increase risk of neurological and dermatological problems, as well as respiratory ailments like asthma, or have notable reproductive effects.

And while those studies don’t necessarily mean the disinfectants are harmful to humans, environmental health experts contend that risks are rising sharply with the increase in exposure.

Up to 10% of people—including asthmatics, migraine sufferers, those with allergies or immune disorders or suppressed immune systems—may experience symptoms such as memory loss, trouble concentrating, mood swings, irritability, headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting [...]

Repeated or extended exposures can lead to neuro-immune sensitization and intolerances to common chemicals, foods and drugs.

Health Experts Caution Over Disinfectants, Cleaning Methods Used in Rush to Reopen

Unfortunately, the blanket decontamination and disinfection efforts did not stop at the exit from buildings.

Many governments worldwide employed a series of broad, urban-wide disinfection protocols, which have resulted in the death of local wildlife and untold damage to the environment.

Urban ecosystems, including natural, semi-natural, and artificial ecological systems, provide a range of habitats essential for urban biodiversity.

Recently, hundreds of free-living animals belonging to 17 different species (e.g., common blackbird, Turdus merula; and Siberian weasel, Mustela sibirica) were found to have died due to the overuse of disinfectants in Chongqing, China.

Considering that the majority of disinfectants (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, NaClO) are irritative and corrosive to the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts, the practice of indiscriminate application of vast quantities of such chemicals in urban environments could directly or indirectly pose a significant threat to urban wildlife.

Massive use of disinfectants against COVID-19 poses potential risks to urban wildlife

All this, despite the fact that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published guidelines stating that except for probable facility contamination or rampant community spread of the virus, routine cleaning measures were sufficient and additional disinfection applications were not necessary.

Additionally, the CDC has stated that outdoor disinfection applications are not necessary or recommended.

In most situations, regular cleaning (at least once a day) is enough to sufficiently remove virus that may be on surfaces.

However, if certain conditions apply, you may choose to disinfect after cleaning.

Spraying cleaning products or disinfectants in outdoor areas – such as on sidewalks, roads, or groundcover – is not necessary, effective, or recommended.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

So, given the fact that we have clearly veered far off the recommended and safer course, what can we do to right the ship and get back on track?

 

Cleaning The Right Way

Yes, there is a right way to clean.

  • Start with the dirtiest part of the facility--typically the bathroom--and work your way out.
  • For each room, start with the area furthest from the exit and work your way toward the exit.
  • With the exception of walls, which should be cleaned from the bottom to the top to avoid streaking--start cleaning from the top and work your way down.
  • Begin by removing high dust.
  • Remove or dispose of any clutter.
  • Sweep the floors with a microfiber broom.
  • Wipe down each surface with a commercial-grade soap-based detergent and a microfiber towel.
  • Apply disinfectant using a microfiber towel or mop.
  • Ensure all staff are trained in their duties and responsibilities, including how to handle and dispose of disinfectant chemicals and how to safely operate any machinery or technology.
  • Where appropriate and possible, maximize ventilation through the HVAC system or open doors and windows.
  • Always clean a surface with soap and water first, prior to applying disinfectant.
  • Assign color codes to rooms and surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Only use products meant for the surface, environment, and purpose it is being used for.
  • During outbreaks or pandemics, increase cleaning frequencies in accordance with community pathogen spread.
  • Use tactical disinfection strategies that focus on wiping down fomites during the day and only disinfect routinely occupied spaces when the facility is at minimum occupancy, and;
  • Ensure everyone is wearing the manufacturer-recommended safety equipment.

 

Takeaway

Cleaning the right way can save lives.

Conversely, improper cleaning that ignores safety guidelines, cross-contamination, and common sense can demonstrably lead to preventable environmental destruction and human casualties.

Retaining the services of an experienced provider with a proven track record of safety and success will help protect your staff and guests' health and safety while maintaining positive environmental stewardship.

If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!

In Bakersfield, CA, call (661) 437-3253

In Fresno, CA, call (559) 206-1059

In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253

In Palmdale, CA or Lancaster, CA, call (661) 371-4756


Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley

Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley