FROM Stratus Building Solutions
7 Steps to Sanitization
‘Fight the Twindemic’ Battle Plan
- Learn the difference between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting. The CDC provides an easy definition.
- Cleaning removes germs and dirt from surfaces. Cleaning can be done with simple soap and water.
- Sanitizing reduces the bacteria identified on the cleaning product’s label on surfaces and in laundry. (Or cloth desk chairs)
- Disinfecting destroys both bacteria and viruses identified on the product’s label on hard, nonporous surfaces.
- Disinfecting is the most important step and is the only step that kills germs!
- Pre-clean the surface
- The best way to guard against the Flu and coronavirus is to clean the surface first. Do this with soap and water and make sure it’s visibly dry before using a disinfectant chemical.
- Know what products to use
- The flu and coronavirus can both be killed using similar products. As a general note, any household cleaner containing bleach or at least 70 perfect alcohol will work.
- Use the EPA’s list N to see if a product works against coronavirus. These products will also kill the flu virus.
- Use different cloths for disinfecting different services.
- Microfiber cloths work best for disinfecting.
- Unlike standard cotton towels, microfiber towels can pick up bacteria and germs without the use of chemicals.
- Be sure to use separate cloths for the bathroom, kitchen area and desks.
- Stratus Building Solutions uses a color-coded system which helps to avoid mix-ups.
- Wipe in one direction!
- Wipe in one direction when cleaning and sanitizing.
- Wiping in circles can cause dirt and germs to be recycled to areas that were just cleaned.
- Practicing wiping in one direction will allow dirt and germs to be removed and not replaced.
- Make high touch surfaces a priority.
- This cannot be overstated. There are some surfaces that are touched hundreds of times a day and can be a breeding ground for the flu and coronavirus.
- Stratus Build Solutions uses an electrostatic sprayer which disinfects evenly and doesn’t always require a wipe down.
- Doorknobs, water fountain buttons, faucets, computer keyboards, phones, countertops, and breakroom tables should all be cleansed and disinfected every single day.
- Don’t forget about the air. Research from the CDC shows that, like coronavirus, the flu virus can travel through the air.
- A do-it-yourself method for cleaning the air includes providing ventilation, such as opening doors and/or windows, and using a portable air purifier.
- Look for a model with a HEPA filter which must remove 99.97% of the tiniest of particles, including the flu virus, from the air.