While cleaning for the coronavirus is not that different from disinfecting for other viruses, WHO guidelines for health and safety at workplaces require commercial spaces to step up in their cleaning protocols. Surfaces play a major role in the spread of this virus. Here is how: when an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets of infected fluid fall on nearby surfaces and objects. In an office set up, we are talking about different surfaces – from desks, telephones, door knobs, computer parts, etc. If someone else touches the contaminated surfaces then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they’ll likely catch the virus. This is why deep and frequent cleaning in offices is mandatory during this period.
Your office most likely receives regular cleaning but in this season, commercial spaces need more than just regular cleaning. To keep your employees and customers safe, a combination of basic cleaning and disinfecting is critical. Let’s first differentiate the two, so we see how each plays a role:
Cleaning means physically getting rid of dirt and germs from surfaces. Disinfecting, on the other hand, means using chemicals to kill germs on the surfaces. While cleaning can remove the virus, it will not necessarily inactivate it. However, before disinfecting a surface, one should first clean it. This is because cleaning reduces the soil load on the surface and this increases the effectiveness of the disinfectant.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning an office space includes washing down, vacuuming, mopping, and sweeping. It starts with dusting which involves the removal of dirt particles from every surface in the office. Floor cleaning involves using fiber mops and the right cleaning solution that doesn’t damage the floors. All carpeted floors are vacuumed to remove dirt and dust particles. Toilet cleaning should include cleaning basins, showers, splash backs, and mirrors. Deep cleaning the kitchen includes cleaning the worktops, kitchen door units, and basics. For walls and ceilings, periodic cleaning will do. Our team usually pays particular attention to the most neglected areas in the offices that harbour the most germs. Our cleaning services also include some maintenance activities such as emptying and cleaning bins, picking up litter, and washing of coffee/tea cups.
Disinfecting in the COVID-19 season
Our team is trained to bring back the sparkle on every surface they touch. But during this period, more frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required. High-touch surfaces including light switches, tables, door knobs, desks, faucets, keyboards, and sinks need to be wiped with disinfectant regularly. One way to have surfaces disinfected regularly is to have a standby cleaning professional who constantly disinfects high-touch surfaces. Also, provide disposal wipes to your employees so they regularly wipe down high-touch surfaces such as desks and computers. WHO also recommends putting sanitizing dispensers all around the workplace where employees, contractors, and visitors can access them with ease.
For consistent office cleaning services in Winnipeg that promote employee safety during this season, call us at (204) 594-4666.