Disinfection and Cleaning Strategies for Reopening Commercial Buildings

Published on: 22 September 2020 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024

Cleaning and Disinfection have never been more important than amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And, with quarantine restrictions beginning to loosen, many businesses that were shuttered during lockdown will start resuming operations. As this happens, the biggest challenge for commercial building owners is being able and ready to return buildings to use swiftly and safely. Reducing the risk of exposure by cleaning and disinfecting is an integral part of reopening commercial buildings as the safety of occupants remains a key priority.

With this rising demand for clean environments, commercial buildings will have to come up with safe and effective cleaning strategies that will assure occupants of their safety even as the threat of the virus continues to linger in our minds. With so much uncertainty surrounding the spread of the coronavirus and how people can protect against it, it’s not worth it to take any risks. You can find professional cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting services at www.excelpestservices.com. Cleaning and disinfecting commercial buildings for reopening will involve developing a plan, implementing the plan, as well as maintaining and revising the plan.

Develop Your Disinfection Plan:

There’s no one-size-fits-all cleaning and disinfection plan as commercial buildings are structured differently and for different purposes. You will need to evaluate your building to determine the surfaces and materials that make up that area. This will guide you in choosing the appropriate cleaning and disinfection method suitable for each.

Implement Your Plan:

Once you have the right cleaning and disinfection plan for your building, it’s time to put it into action. We have mapped out a few key strategies that will help you navigate this issue and ensure optimal cleaning and disinfection service. Without further ado, let’s get started:

Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment):

Whether you are contracting a cleaning service or using in-house janitorial staff, the cleaning crew must wear appropriate PPEs like gloves, masks, goggles, and so on. That’s because they are at a higher risk of being exposed to COVID-19 (given that it can stay on surfaces for days) and the toxicity of cleaning/disinfecting products. Not wearing PPEs also means asymptomatic carriers could spread pathogens to clean areas. It’s also important for the cleaning crew to receive training on the proper use of PPEs, cleaning equipment, and cleaning products to ensure efficiency.

Apply normal routine cleaning on visibly dirty surfaces:

It’s important to clean surfaces and objects with soap and water before disinfecting. And, be sure to clean soft and porous materials according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Determine what you need to disinfect:

While some surfaces and materials are cleaned with just soap and water, others must be disinfected. Scientists have proven that coronavirus can also live on various surfaces for up to a couple of days. People can contract it by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.

Start by disinfecting high-touch surfaces as they are the main source of spreading pathogens. This includes doorknobs/handles, elevator buttons, restroom facilities, trash can lids, faucet handles, floor surfaces, light switches, tables/countertops/desks, handrails, and so on. Additionally, areas unique to your building may also require disinfecting. For instance, retail occupancy will require disinfecting shopping cart handles and payment touchpads while offices will need to disinfect computer monitors, keyboards, conference tables, etc.

Soft and porous materials in high-traffic areas like carpets, upholstery, and curtains can be germ reservoirs and will need to be disinfected as well.

Use EPA-Approved cleaning/disinfectant products:

Not all cleaning products are suitable for removing pathogens, particularly traces of COVID-19, from building surfaces. It’s important to look at EPA’s suggested products as they are both effective and non-toxic. If EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, you can use a diluted solution of household bleach or 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA).

Use products effectively:

It’s important to follow the directions on the label with regards to the application method (concentration and dilution), contact time, as well as any other precautions to take when applying like good ventilation and appropriate PPE to wear. This will ensure the effective and safe use of cleaning and disinfecting products. Avoid mixing cleaning and disinfection products as this can result in very dangerous fumes that could cause serious injury or even death.

Avoid over-disinfection:

It is possible to over-disinfect surfaces while trying to ensure no pathogens are left behind. And although these products are great at removing pathogens, their overuse can have serious side effects in humans. Disinfectants can pose an immediate risk to some people, including those who are asthmatic or suffer from migraines, allergies, suppressed immune systems, or immune disorders. They may experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting, irritability, difficulty breathing, mood swings, memory loss, seizures, etc.

Outdoor areas require normal routine cleaning:

Many outdoor surfaces will not be touched; as such, disinfecting them is a waste of supplies. However, some areas like bars and restaurants will require disinfecting. Pools and other water play areas must also be well-maintained, for example disinfecting with chlorine or bromine.

What about an unoccupied building?

Properties that have not been occupied for over 7 days will do with normal routine cleaning, meaning there’s no need for disinfecting. That’s because the coronavirus cannot survive on surfaces for longer than this time. But once you reopen, you will have to develop and implement a disinfection plan to keep everyone safe.

Work in zones:

It’s important to separate areas in the building by how likely they are to contain pathogens. Then start with low-risk zones moving into high-risk areas to help avoid cross-contamination.

Maintain and Revise the Plan:

Once you reopen, it’s important to maintain the above disinfection strategies to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other pathogens. This should be done in conjunction with other safe practices like social distancing, wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and more. Be sure to revise and update your cleaning and disinfection plan based on the current circumstances (level of COVID-19 exposure in your building) and updated guidance by the local and federal governments.

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Sheet Vinyl vs Vinyl Tile flooring

Nowadays, Vinyl flooring has become a popular choice for flooring. Due to its durability, practicality, value, and attractiveness, most people prefer to choose vinyl flooring for both residential and commercial purposes. You can find a variety of top-quality flooring options in the market, and one with such excellent quality is 651 vinyl flooring. There are mainly two common types of vinyl flooring, and they are sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles. However, there are some differences between these two types of vinyl flooring. It’s essential to know the differences between these two types of vinyl flooring so that you can easily decide which could be the best fit for your house or office. That is the reason why, in this article, we have come up with a comparison between the two common types of vinyl flooring. Comparison between Sheet vinyl and Vinyl title If you want to compare between sheet vinyl and vinyl tile the major things that you need to look at are its looks, style, costs, durability, stability, environmental impacts, as well as applications. The following are the detailed comparisons between the two types of vinyl flooring: Looks and style: The construction technology of both the sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles are almost similar. Both types of flooring come up with a huge variety of designs, and both have outstanding looks and styles. A difference that stands out between the two is that while the sheet vinyl is a little bulky, expensive and comes in one style, vinyl tiles are usually available in a number of styles. Another significant difference between the two is that sheet vinyl needs to be installed in one or two large pieces, but vinyl tiles have endlessly customizable designs and can be installed in any kind of configuration. Durability and stability: Durability refers to the hardness of the flooring, whereas stability is governed by the thickness of the layers and quantity of the materials used in flooring. Both durability and stability are important features of the flooring. When it comes to the difference between the sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles, it is generally found that sheet vinyl is comparatively less durable and stable than that of the vinyl tiles. Apart from that, it’s not easy to repair sheet vinyl, but you can easily replace the vinyl tile. Environmental Impact and applications: Both types of vinyl flooring are made up of materials that can be completely recycled. When it comes to application, one notable thing between the two is that while sheet vinyl is a little difficult to transport vinyl tiles can be easily transported without any issue. Apart from that, vinyl tiles can be easily replicable, but it is not so in case sheet vinyl. Cost: Cost is certainly an important feature that must be taken into consideration. While comparing the cost of sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles, it’s found vinyl tiles are a little more costly than sheet vinyl. If you want to purchase one square foot of sheet vinyl, it would cost around $1 to $4, but in the case of vinyl tiles, it would be $2 to $5. Read Also: How To Protect Your Wood Flooring In A Busy Household 7 Advantages Of Reflective Epoxy Flooring

Who Is Responsible For My Sewer Pipes?

The basic guidelines are the same across the world, if the sewer pipes are on your property then you are responsible for them. The only real exception to this is if the sewer pipe going through your property is shared. This means it is the main connection to the public sewer line for several houses and happens to go across your yard. This generally happens when several houses are clustered together and set back from the main sewer line. It is simpler and cheaper to connect the houses together and then direct the sewage to the mains pipes. However, this doesn’t mean you are not responsible. Joint sewer pipes do not become the responsibility of the water board. Instead, the responsibility is shared between the houses the pipe serves. This is something you should be made aware of when you come t purchase a house as it can be more complicated organizing repairs and especially emergency plumber. The reason for this is that all homeowners should agree on the plumber chosen and the costs before one can be called. This ensures that everyone will pay their fair share. But, as mentioned, it can be much harder to negotiate this, the larger the group of houses the more difficult it is. The simple solution is to have a fund that deals with repairs, including sewer pipe issues. Blockages: If you have a sewer pipe blockage then it will probably be your responsibility to sort it out. The easiest way to ascertain this is to have a sewer diagram done. This will help you to confirm that the pipe is your sole responsibility or that it is shared. You can then assess where the pipes run and, by using a sewer camera you can locate the exact distance into the pipe where the clog is. This will make it easier to decide the best course of action to remove the clog. Don’t forget that the simplest way to confirm it is your responsibility is to check with your neighbors to see if they have a clog. If it is just your home then the clog is in your pipes and you need to resolve the issue. If the clog is affecting several homes you can call the water board who will handle the issue for you. Dealing With Issues: Clogs are generally a result of damaged pipes. This can happen over time, especially if you have been digging in your yard and the pipes are getting old. It can also be the result of tree roots getting into your pipes. This damages the pipes and causes a clog, creating an array of issues. Knowing where your sewer pipes run will help you to consider the likelihood of root damage as you can assess how close trees are to your pipes. Don’t forget, a good plumber will sort these issues for you in no time and will save you a lot of hassle. Even if you prefer to resolve issues yourself, you may find a professional is the best option when dealing with sewer pipes. Read Also: 5 Best Type of Plumbing Pipe 5 Important Tools For Pipe Recovery Operations

The Ultimate Commercial Cleaning Checklist: Everything You For A Spotless Workspace

Maintaining a clean and organized workplace is a must for your well-being and productivity. However, it is no secret that office cleaning is a daunting task. There are so many things you need to consider, not to mention different areas and surfaces require different cleaning methods. Often, different methods require different cleaning equipment and cleaning supplies. In this entry, we will share with you the best practices and processes that the best commercial cleaning services use in their office cleaning service. Here's a commercial cleaning checklist to keep your workplace spotlessly clean. The basics of office cleaning services Before diving into the checklist, it is important that you understand the basic processes of commercial cleaning and how commercial cleaning companies deliver these practices. Most of these things are pretty self-explanatory. However, there is a reason why professional cleaners from commercial cleaning companies are efficient in their job – they know how to do things right. Knowing these practices will help you understand how to do them right too. Dusting Dirt, dust, and allergen particles accumulate quickly. If not removed from the business premises, these particles can get mixed into the indoor air and cause various health problems such as allergies, respiratory problems, headaches, etc. Commercial cleaning plans for office cleaning often include exhaustive dusting of all surfaces. This includes desks, shelves, electronics, windowsills, etc. A good commercial cleaning company uses microfiber cloth and a feather duster to remove dust effectively and safely. Vacuuming Vacuuming is the most efficient way to keep workplaces clean. It removes dirt, dust, and various outdoor debris from carpets, mats, rugs, etc. The advantage of hiring cleaning services is that a commercial cleaning company has access to industrial-grade and powerful vacuum cleaning machines that can truly and efficiently remove dirt, dust, and various debris. Nevertheless, when vacuuming your workplace, include cleaning the hard-to-reach areas, such as under the desks, tables, and chairs. Since they are hard to reach, these spots often trap foreign debris. Mopping Mopping is the best way to keep hard floors clean and shiny. It removes dirt, dust, and grime buildup from the floor. However, there is more to mopping than simply sliding the mop head back and forth on the surface of the floor. When mopping the floor, use a cleaning solution that is recommended for the type of floor you have. To ensure that all areas are covered, you need to mop in a back-and-forth motion. Trash removal and disposal No building maintenance will ever be complete without taking the trash out. When removing trash from your commercial premises, make sure to replace the bin liners as well. And when replacing the liner, make sure you clean the interior of the trash bin. Commercial cleaning services often include weekly disinfection of the trash bin. This is incredibly important in preventing bacteria buildup and odour in your trash bin. Disinfecting surfaces Another crucial aspect of commercial cleaning is surface disinfection. Disinfecting surfaces helps prevent the spread of disease-causing germs and bacteria in the workplace. When disinfecting your workplace, make sure you use a disinfectant spray or antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces. This includes desks, chairs, tables, countertops, light switches, office appliances buttons, and doorknobs. Commercial cleaning services often include disinfection and sanitation of surfaces in their cleaning service. Also, commercial cleaners, in particular, pay close attention to high-touch areas and surfaces, which are often breeding grounds for bacteria. These surfaces include hand railings, elevator buttons, light switches, and more. Bathroom cleaning Bathrooms are often the dirties and smelliest areas for commercial spaces. With that said, it is not surprising that they have become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. When cleaning bathrooms, make sure you clean and disinfect high-touch spots and items such as faucets, sinks, toilets, and even mirrors. Commercial cleaners often include towel replacement, hand soap refill, and bathroom supplies restocking to ensure your office bathrooms are clean and convenient to use. Breakroom cleaning The breakroom is where employees often gather to chit-chat, eat their food, drink their beverages, and rest. For this reason, breakrooms can become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. Thus, when taking care of your breakrooms, make sure you include the appliances, countertops, sink, tables, and chairs. Glass window cleaning Often, business owners neglect their windows, thinking they cannot clean surfaces they can’t reach. This is particularly true for tall building establishments. Professional commercial cleaners, however, have access to the right cleaning equipment and materials you need for a thorough and efficient window cleaning. They have tall ladders, power washers, longer hoses, and the right safety equipment and gears for a thorough clean. Floor care Floors, whatever type of flooring material it uses, must be swept daily to remove dirt and debris. Moreover, make sure you use the right floor cleaner that is recommended for the type of flooring material your business premises has. Carpet and upholstery cleaning Carpets and rugs are basically dirt traps. Aside from completing the look of a certain room, carpets function as dirt traps to minimize and even stop dirt and dust from entering the premises. While regular vacuuming can help, most office vacuums are not strong enough to rid carpets of deep-seated stains and bacteria. This is why commercial cleaning services invest in high-quality equipment so they can tackle difficult cleaning jobs like deep carpet cleaning. And like carpets and rugs, upholstered furniture is dirt, dust, and allergen traps too. Regular vacuuming of upholstery removes foreign debris. However, to ensure your carpets are actually clean, fresh, and disinfected, you can ask professional cleaners to take care of them. Most commercial cleaning service companies would suggest deep cleaning for carpets and furniture upholstery once or twice a year. Air vent cleaning Another incredibly important process for comprehensive commercial cleaning services includes air vent cleaning. Air vents accumulate allergens, dust, and foreign debris over time. When there is too much buildup of these particles in your air vent system, your indoor air quality will drop, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems such as asthma attacks. The Ultimate Commercial Cleaning Checklist for Your Workplace Daily Tasks: Desk and Surfaces Wipe down your desk and other surfaces daily with a disinfectant spray or wipe to remove any dirt, dust, or germs. Trash Empty your trash can daily, and ensure all rubbish is disposed of correctly. Floors Sweep or vacuum your floors daily to remove any dirt or debris. Kitchen/Breakroom Clean and sanitize all surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and appliances, daily. Weekly Tasks: Dusting Dust all surfaces, including shelves, pictures, and light fixtures. Glass and Mirrors Clean all glass surfaces, including windows and mirrors, to remove any fingerprints or smudges. Upholstery Vacuum all upholstery, including chairs and couches, to remove any dirt or debris. Disinfecting Disinfect all high-touch areas, including doorknobs, light switches, and handles. Floors Mop or steam-clean your floors weekly to remove any stains or buildup. Monthly Tasks: Windows Clean your windows inside and out to let in more natural light and improve the appearance of your workspace. Carpets Have your carpets cleaned by professionals to remove any deep-seated stains and odours. Deep Cleaning Perform a deep clean and complete disinfection of your entire workspace, including hard-to-reach areas and appliances. Office Equipment Clean and sanitize all office equipment, including computers, printers, and phones. Restrooms Thoroughly clean and sanitize your restroom, including the toilet, sink, and floors. Seasonal Tasks: Outdoor Maintenance If you have an outdoor space, clean and maintain it seasonally to keep it looking its best. HVAC Maintenance Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned seasonally to ensure proper airflow and reduce allergens. Furniture Maintenance Have any upholstered furniture professionally cleaned seasonally to extend its lifespan? The Takeaway As you can see, office cleaning is not a one-time thing. It is a continuous never-ending process. You can save yourself from all these troubles and opt for professional office cleaning instead. Cleanworks cleaning services is one of the few professional commercial cleaning companies that actually deliver the highest quality professional service. They have been in the industry of professional commercial cleaning for more than two decades, thus they have the track record to say they have “been there, done that”. Cleanworks cleaning services have a fully trained, extensively experienced, and completely equipped cleaning team to handle all sorts of cleaning. Their office cleaners are fully insured and up-to-date with the latest local cleaning requirements and COVID cleaning guidelines. Call Cleanworks commercial cleaning services now and get free quotes for your commercial cleaning needs. Their professional staff will be more than willing to help you. Read Also: Why Is A Janitorial Service For Commercial Establishments? 10 Pro Tips To Minimize Commercial Door Repair & Maintenance Cost The Hidden Damages In Workspaces: 5 Steps To Reduce The Risk Of Workplace Injuries!

Disinfection and Cleaning Strategies for Reopening Commercial Buildings

Develop Your Disinfection Plan:

Implement Your Plan:

Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment):

Apply normal routine cleaning on visibly dirty surfaces:

Determine what you need to disinfect:

Use EPA-Approved cleaning/disinfectant products:

Use products effectively:

Avoid over-disinfection:

Outdoor areas require normal routine cleaning:

What about an unoccupied building?

Work in zones:

Maintain and Revise the Plan:

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Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

Sheet Vinyl vs Vinyl Tile flooring

Who Is Responsible For My Sewer Pipes?

The Ultimate Commercial Cleaning Checklist: Everything You For A Spotless Workspace

Disinfection and Cleaning Strategies for Reopening Commercial Buildings

Develop Your Disinfection Plan:

Implement Your Plan:

Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment):

Apply normal routine cleaning on visibly dirty surfaces:

Determine what you need to disinfect:

Use EPA-Approved cleaning/disinfectant products:

Use products effectively:

Avoid over-disinfection:

Outdoor areas require normal routine cleaning:

What about an unoccupied building?

Work in zones:

Maintain and Revise the Plan:

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How To Save Money On Your Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

How does Junk Removal Work?

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related