Cleanliness has always been crucial to maintaining the health, job performance and satisfaction of office employees. COVID has brought particular emphasis to this, showing that disease transmission in the workplace through surface contact is a real threat. In extreme cases, illnesses in the office can shut down entire operations.
As offices reopen in the midst of COVID, we all must play a responsible role in slowing its spread. This starts with informed, practical cleaning and disinfecting practices.
This guide provides essential tips for disinfecting your office. Following these guidelines will ensure you keep your employees safe and your business running smoothly.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
Creating an appropriate and effective routine in the office begins with understanding the clear lines between cleaning and disinfecting. Both are key components of an overall clean, germ-free and productive workplace. However, how they work to neutralize pathogens carry significant distinctions. As a result, using cleaning and disinfecting procedures as if they were similar can be inefficient and ineffective.
How and When to Clean
“Cleaning” refers to using detergent or soap and water to remove germs from surfaces, thus reducing the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Cleaning removes dirt, grime and debris as well as germs. It does not necessarily kill germs but it does reduce their numbers.
For everyday office maintenance, cleaning should take priority. Per CDC guidelines, daily cleaning is recommended when there are no potential instances of infection in the office. High touch surfaces like tables, doorknobs, handles and keyboards should be cleaned regularly. When someone in your office is sick, you will want to add disinfecting to your cleaning schedule.
What is Disinfecting?
By contrast, “disinfecting” refers to the application of chemicals to destroy harmful pathogens on surfaces. Common disinfectants include:
- Bleach
- Alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Chlorine
- Formaldehyde
Disinfectants are the most powerful germ-killing agents. Sanitizers do kill germs but they are generally not as strong as disinfectants. However, disinfectants only kill germs while sanitizers also clean, allowing them to destroy and remove germs at one time.
How to Disinfect Your Office
If you have had a sick individual in the office within the previous 24 hours, you need to disinfect the work space. COVID and other viruses can survive for several hours on surfaces, so it is important to work immediately and thoroughly.
Before cleaning, be sure to open windows and use fans to promote air circulation. Disinfectants can cause irritation and illness, so it is critical to keep the office well-ventilated while using chemicals.
When you have the space ready, follow these tips for properly disinfecting your office.
Choose Disinfecting Products Carefully
When choosing your cleaning products, reference the EPA’s list of approved disinfectants. Different disinfectants are effective on different pathogens, so closely inspect the labels to make sure it is effective for your goals.
You can also make a homemade disinfectant by combining 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 quart of water. Apply to surfaces with a damp cloth and allow to sit for about five minutes before rinsing off.
Wear gloves and protective gear while working with dangerous chemicals. Be sure to read all
safe handling and storage instructions on the labels before use.
Disinfect High Touch Surfaces
Bacteria and viruses can have a long shelf life on a number of materials. COVID, for instance, can live on plastic for up to three days. When office workers make regular contact with surfaces, there is a high risk of spreading infection.
If there is a sick employee in the office, disinfect the following high touch surfaces frequently throughout the day:
- Doorknobs
- Desks, tables and countertops
- Computer monitors, mice and keyboards
- Shared office equipment like fax machines, printers and phones
- Light switches
- Elevator buttons
- Faucet handles and toilets
- Break room equipment like vending machines, coffee makers and remotes
Use One-Direction Wiping and Single-Disinfectant Cloths
Wipe surfaces down in one direction instead of back and forth to prevent spreading germs. When using different disinfectants in different areas, consider using various color-coded cloths to prevent cross-contamination. You do not want to wipe down your phone with a cloth that was used on a toilet.
Maintaining a Safe Office Space
Safe habits in the workplace are essential in preventing the spread of disease. Isolating and reacting to instances of illness will limit exposure and keep the office running without interruption.
Follow these practical tips for maintaining a safe, germ free workplace.
Keep a Cleaning Supplies and Disinfecting Wipes Available
Reacting quickly to sickness is crucial, so you need to make sure you have disinfecting supplies and wipes on hand at all times. Maintain a log of your cleaning supplies so that you always have them stocked. Install hand sanitizer stations and disinfecting wipes in convenient locations to encourage their use.
Promote Hand Washing
Hand washing continues to be the best way to prevent the contraction and spread of germs. Make sure to regularly communicate expectations and best practices to employees. Have employees wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds as needed.
Reduce Contact Points
Upgrading technology can go a long way toward reducing the number of high touch surfaces in the workspace. For example, you can prevent the spread of disease by installing motion sensor bathroom fixtures. Changing over to wireless devices removes hazardous wires that make cleaning more difficult.
If you have the budget to provide individual laptops, phones or other office devices, you can limit disease transmission by making the investment. Look around the office to find unique ways to reduce high touch surfaces and make cleaning easier. You can even remove unnecessary doors to conference rooms or offices.
Work with a Professional Cleaning Company
Equipped with commercial technology, cleaners and training, professional cleaning companies operate by the highest quality standards. Schedule a complete cleaning at least 1-2 times annually to keep your office refreshed and healthy.
Allied Facility Care is the premier provider of commercial cleaning services in the Dallas area. If you are in need of cleaning and disinfecting services or information on keeping your employees safe during these uncertain times, contact our team of experts today.
