Best Practices on Deep Cleaning COVID-19 and Disinfecting
A number of Companies should be considering deep cleaning and disinfecting of their premises during this COVID-19 event whether they are still operating, or closed.
In either case a deep cleaning and disinfecting can be done after hours, on weekends, or prior to these Companies returning to the new normal. In addition to deep cleaning and disinfecting, we currently do a twice daily cleaning and disinfecting of those surfaces most susceptible to germ transmission (high touch areas) in a number of our health care facilities.
Here are some tips and best practices on deep cleaning and disinfecting a facility during a closure.
Using The Right Supplies
Make sure the disinfectant you’re using is approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Confirm whether your disinfectant is approved for use by contacting the manufacturer and searching the product’s MSDS and manufacturer’s information.
We currently use Oxivir Plus™ and Fight Bac™ for the disinfecting portion of the clean.
A Detailed Approach
Disinfect all touch points, not just the frequently touched surfaces. To make the process easier, consider using equipment such as electrostatic sprayers, foggers and misters to make sure hard to reach surfaces are not missed.
Be aware that is using a bleach or similar product for this purpose, it must not be applied to cloth chairs and rugs as it will bleach the colors.
Make sure the custodial staff are properly trained and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Order Of Cleaning Procedure
Remove any visible soil with a detergent-based cleaner before applying a disinfectant and follow instructions on the product label for effective disinfecting. Some disinfectants are also cleaners and therefore, can be used for both steps.
We prefer two distinct processes in our cleans to ensure the job is done well.
Disinfecting Duration
Disinfect all touch points, not just the frequently touched surfaces. To make the process easier, consider using equipment such as electrostatic sprayers, foggers and misters to make sure hard to reach surfaces are not missed.
Be aware that is using a bleach or similar product for this purpose, it must not be applied to cloth chairs and rugs as it will bleach the colors.
To minimize cross contamination, here are additional considerations when disinfecting surfaces:
- Disinfect surfaces from clean areas to dirty areas.
- For example, restrooms being one of the highly contaminated areas should be cleaned last. In washrooms sinks and taps are cleaned before toilets and cubicle latches.
- Disinfect surfaces from high areas to low areas so that any dirt or dust that may contain germs dislodged from above are removed when you clean the lower surfaces.
- Disinfect last after all other activities (including emptying garbage, removing visible soil and fingerprints and vacuuming) are complete, so that any potentially contaminated dirt and dust don’t re-contaminate already disinfected surfaces.
