In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, infectious disease experts have placed a heavy emphasis on handwashing protocols and social distancing practices to help limit the coronavirus’s spread. As businesses in many states begin to reopen, this becomes even more crucial. To protect your customers and employees, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends keeping the workplace clean and disinfected. Every time someone enters the building, there’s potential to bring germs inside. Whether you hire a health-assured cleaning service or have your staff tackle the task, be sure to consider the following precautions.

Workplace Disinfecting Guidelines to Protect Against Viruses

The Importance of Disinfecting 

First, you must recognize that there’s a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. While cleaning removes dirt, dust, allergens, and other contaminants, disinfecting is necessary to actually kill bacteria and viruses that cause illness. Studies have found that the COVID-19 virus can last on a variety of surfaces anywhere from a few hours up to seven days. Therefore, it’s essential to incorporate proper sanitization methods into your regular cleaning service routine. 

Areas to Target

When disinfecting, pay special attention to high-touch areas. These are items and surfaces that are touched often throughout the day, posing the greatest risk of harboring harmful germs.

Be sure doorknobs, light switches, conference room tables, appliance handles, break room countertops, faucets, toilets, remote controls, phones, and computer keyboards are included in your disinfecting to-do list multiple times throughout the day. When possible, it’s best to let surfaces remain wet for several minutes before drying them off.

Approved Disinfectant Products 

Not all cleaning products will work to eliminate COVID-19 germs, so it’s important to know which ones are approved. The Environmental Protection Agency provides a list of disinfectant options that have proven to be effective. If you don’t have access to any of these disinfectants, you can use a diluted bleach solution as long as it’s safe for the intended purpose.  

Caution is vital as businesses start to reopen after the COVID-19 shutdowns. If you own or manage a commercial property, trust the professionals at Pro Squared Janitorial Services to help keep it germ-free. For more than a decade, they’ve offered high-quality cleaning services throughout the Atlanta, GA, metro area and are committed to assisting clients in their efforts to maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Call (678) 374-8130 to schedule a consultation or visit their website for more information on how they will protect your workplace.