Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting your facility can help protect people from the coronavirus. But how do you know your workplace is clean enough to keep employees and customers safe? What’s the difference between cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19?
As with many things, what once was considered normal or good enough won’t work in the new reality. Even a robust deep-clean may not effectively sanitize your business. Here’s what every manager and business owner should know about disinfecting their facility during the pandemic.
Why Cleaning Isn’t Enough
When it comes to ensuring a safe, virus-free facility, cleaning is only one step in the process. Cleaning will reduce dust, dirt, and grime. Washing surfaces with soap and water, vacuuming, and other basic cleaning steps will improve indoor air quality, prevent mold build-up, remove some germs, and ensure your workplace looks presentable.
The problem is, cleaning alone doesn’t kill all germs. If a person who has COVID-19 comes into contact with a surface, the virus can live on that surface for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. According to one study, it can survive for up to three days on plastic and metal and up to 24 hours on cardboard.[1] Only by disinfecting the surface will you kill the virus.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?
Cleaning removes dirt and some microbes. When someone cleans, they’re getting rid of visible dirt, but not necessarily invisible germs.
Disinfecting involves using a chemical disinfectant or a sanitizing process, such as using a high-heat dishwasher or washing machine, to destroy all pathogens.
To keep your facility clean and germ-free during COVID-19, start by cleaning surfaces with soap and water or a natural cleaning solution. Then, use a liquid or aerosol disinfectant to kill germs.
List of Disinfectants for Cleaning Workplaces
Some of the confusion over cleaning and disinfecting during the pandemic comes from the fact that different cleaning products offer various levels of protection. For example, a natural cleaner using essential oils with antimicrobial properties or vinegar will help to reduce germs and keep your workplace fresh and clean. But, these types of cleaning solutions aren’t on the list of recommended disinfectants released by the CDC.[2]
To follow best practices for sanitizing during the pandemic, use the following CDC-approved disinfectants:
Store-bought disinfectant products approved for use against COVID-19. These products contain a recognized active ingredient such as quaternary ammonium, glycolic acid, hydrogen peroxide, or silver. You can check if a product is approved by using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) search tool for approved disinfectants.[3]
A 5.25 to 8.25 percent bleach solution. This is the equivalent of one-third cup of bleach for one gallon of room temperature water or four teaspoons for one quart.
Alcohol solutions with at least 70 percent alcohol. You can use isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol.
How Can Someone Disinfect Soft Surfaces?
Cleaning and disinfecting a tabletop or flooring is pretty straightforward. Clean as normal, and then wipe the surface with whatever disinfectant you’re using. But what about upholstered furniture, carpets, electronics, and other difficult-to-clean areas?
For soft surfaces, clean with the appropriate cleaners or soap and water. Then, use a disinfectant spray to kill any traces of the virus.
If you can wash something in the laundry, such as work towels, employee uniforms, and furniture covers, use the warmest settings for the wash and dry cycle and add detergent to kill germs.
For electronics and hard-to-reach crevices, use disinfectant wipes or sprays. Dry afterward, so you’re not leaving moisture on tablets, keyboards, and other electronics.
Tips for Safe Disinfection in the Workplace
Tips for Safe Disinfection in the WorkplaceDisinfectants may kill germs, but they also present their own health risks. If mixed improperly, some combinations—such as bleach and ammonia—can create dangerous fumes. Inhaling fumes from bleach and harsh chemicals may harm the lungs and irritate skin and eyes.
Use these tips to disinfect safely:
- Wear rubber gloves and other necessary protective gear.
- Keep the windows open or ensure the ventilation system is running.
- If someone in your workplace has coronavirus or is suspected of having the virus, wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting, if possible.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning.
Make sure you have all the supplies and protective gear your business needs to maintain a clean and germ-free workplace. Browse our selection of disinfectants and personal protective equipment, and let us know if you have any questions. We’re always here to help.
[1] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
[3] https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.