COVID-19 has led to an uptick in businesses using various cleaning services to protect their workspaces and visitors. However, not all types of cleaning are effective at killing the virus and stopping its spread. To reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 in an office environment, it’s helpful to understand which cleaning solutions keep you the safest.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning is the most basic form of sanitation and the least effective at killing the virus. It refers to organizing areas of an office and wiping down surfaces to remove stains.

While it’s necessary to make an office look appealing, it doesn’t protect against viruses. All-purpose cleaners and wipes are designed to lift visible smudges, spots, and stains. In the process, it’s possible to wipe away some germs and other organic material, but that is not the intended use of these kinds of cleaning products. 

Sanitizing

Sanitizing actively reduces the germs on any given surface, making it a more effective cleaning service for decreasing the risk of infection. The CDC classifies sanitizers as a “chemical that kills 99.999% of the specific test bacteria.” Sanitizing is recommended in any communal areas where food is prepared because it reduces germs and fungi that can get into food and drinks.

Other areas of the office to sanitize include shared keyboards, doorknobs, and faucet handles. People come into contact with these regularly, so sanitizing them throughout the day reduces accumulated germs.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting eliminates all pathogens and disease-causing microorganisms besides bacterial spores. You can disinfect an area using a chemical cleaner, such as chlorine, or a physical agent, like UV radiation and heat, to kill germs.

Disinfecting agents should be used in the most highly trafficked areas of an office building, like conference rooms and bathrooms. Objects touched often, like doorknobs or keypads, likewise need frequent disinfection.

However, you don't need to use disinfectants as frequently as other products. Disinfectants must stay on a surface for a specified amount of time to effectively kill the virus, so it’s best to do it once or twice a day when the building isn’t at capacity. Check the disinfectant container for directions on how long it must remain on the surface.

Keep your office building safe for workers by scheduling professional cleaning services from Kleenco Group. For more than 45 years, the team has provided Honolulu-area business owners with a variety of building maintenance and sanitization services. Visit them online for more information on their offerings, or call (808) 831-7600 to request a quote.