7 Helpful Tips on Disinfecting
7 Helpful Tips on Disinfecting
What we can learn to help us live healthy.
M&V PRO SERVICES
Cleaning and disinfecting are important parts of the broad approach to preventing infectious diseases, as Commercial Cleaners in South Bend Indiana, we want to do our part to help slow down the spread of influenza (the common flu). The first line of defense is getting vaccinated, but other measures that individuals can take to stay healthy include:
Staying home when sick covering coughs and sneezes,
Washing hands often.
Avoiding touching common surfaces.
Businesses can also help play a part of preventing infectious diseases by hiring professional cleaning companies or by following these tips on how to slow the spread of flu specifically through cleaning and disinfecting.
We’ve gathered 7 Important Tips about Disinfecting from the CDC, and want to share them below:
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1. Know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing
Cleaning removes germs, Disinfecting kills germs, & Sanitizing lowers the number of germs.
Cleaning - can be defined as the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or commercial grade cleaning solution) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting - is defined by the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
Sanitizing - is a service that involves meeting health and safety requirements as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection, at M&V Pro Services, our sanitizing services include both cleaning and disinfecting.
2. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often
Typically, this means daily sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones, and toys. Other Standard procedures include disinfecting specific common use areas, like bathrooms, lounges and kitchens.
Always immediately clean surfaces and objects that are visibly soiled. In the case of surfaces or objects that are soiled with body fluids or blood: use gloves and other safety precautions to avoid coming into contact with the fluid. Remove the spill, and then both clean and disinfect the surface.
3. Do routine cleaning and disinfecting
It is important to match your cleaning and disinfecting activities to the types of germs you want to remove or kill.
“Most studies show that the flu virus can live and potentially infect a person for up to 48 hours after being deposited on a surface. However, it is not necessary to close schools to clean or disinfect every surface in the building to slow the spread of flu.
Also, if students and staff are dismissed because the school cannot function normally (e.g., high absenteeism during a flu outbreak), it is not necessary to do extra cleaning and disinfecting.”
- Center for Disease Control, USA
Flu viruses are relatively fragile, so standard cleaning and disinfecting practices are sufficient to remove or kill them.
Specialty cleaning and disinfecting processes can include:
Wiping down walls and ceilings.
Frequently using room air deodorizers and fumigating.
Chemically cleaning all toilet bowls, seats, and surfaces. (with Acid Based Solution)
High Dusting. (if not completed routinely)
Additional floor care.
While these services can provide a foundation for clean, they are not necessary or recommended when your facilities are being used daily as these processes can irritate eyes, noses, throats, and skin as well as aggravate asthma; and cause other serious side effects. We recommend only requesting specialty cleaning/disinfecting during low or closed seasons. Inquire about specialty disinfecting by calling your M&V Pro Services Professional.
4. Clean and disinfect the right way
It’s important to know that you’re cleaning and disinfecting the right way, follow these standards to make sure you’re in the clear:
Always follow label directions on cleaning products and disinfectants.
Wash surfaces with a general household cleaner to remove germs.
Rinse with water, and follow with an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill germs.
Read the label to make sure it states that EPA has approved the product for effectiveness against influenza A virus.
Use disinfecting wipes on electronic items that are touched often, such as phones and computers. (make sure that the electronics can withstand the use of liquids for cleaning and disinfecting)
If your surface is not visibly dirty, you can clean it with an EPA-registered product that both cleans (removes germs) and disinfects (kills germs). Always read the label directions carefully, as there may be a separate procedure for using the product as a cleaner or as a disinfectant. Disinfection usually requires the product to remain on the surface for a certain period of time (e.g., letting it stand for 3 to 5 minutes).
Also, pay close attention to the directions for using disinfecting wipes. It may be necessary to use more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the stated length of contact time.
5. Use products safely
Pay close attention to hazard warnings and directions on product labels. Follow these directions when it comes to using products safely:
Gloves should always be worn to protect your hands when working with bleach solutions.
Always use eye protection when working with bleach or chemical solutions, especially in tight, small, or cramped areas.
Do not mix cleaners and disinfectants unless the labels indicate it is safe to do so. (combining certain products such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners can result in serious injury or death)
Finally, ensure that all who use cleaners and disinfectants read and understand all instruction labels and understand safe and appropriate use. This might require that instructional materials and training be provided in other languages. M&V Pro Cleaners arrive at your facilities fully trained on the use and handle of chemical solutions or hazardous material in addition to our rigorous cleaning technique training.
6. Handle waste properly
Waste can create an unhealthy biohazard for your facility, to protect staff and others we recommend these standard procedures for handling waste:
Wearing gloves.
Place no-touch waste baskets where they are easy to use.
Throw disposable items used to clean surfaces and items in the trash immediately after use.
Avoid touching used tissues and other waste when emptying waste baskets.
Do not touch your face, others, or any surfaces when handling or emptying waste/waste baskets.
Wash your hands with soap and water after emptying waste baskets and touching used tissues and similar waste.
7. Learn more
Staying educated is the best thing we can all do to help play our part in getting our community healthy. Ask your supervisors or local businesses about who they use for cleaning or just read up on opportunities you have to stay healthy.
Here are some pertinent links to articles by the CDC on health and influenza:
Our goal is to keep everyone safe, we live to serve the local community and intend to continue doing so while we can. Please like, share, and comment to help us spread the message and continue being Northern Indiana’s #1 Building Maintenance Solution.
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