Coronavirus Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Workplace

David Whan • 12 April 2021

Coronavirus cleaning and disinfection to stop COVID-19

There is no doubt that the Coronavirus has changed every aspect of working life in the last 12 months, and whether your workplace has been empty, half-full, or still fully occupied, as an employer you now have a duty to design and implement strict new health and hygiene procedures, as restrictions are lifted and working life begins to return to normal.

Of course, this involves many different procedures relating to social distancing, hand hygiene, health monitoring, wearing of PPE, and work-flows around the premises. Fundamentally, workplace cleaning has become a high priority, and is the key starting point as you prepare to open up the workplace again. After all, reducing the risk of infection and having adequate procedures and controls in place, could be the critical difference between being able to open the business or not. So, what is involved in this new regime of post-COVID workplace cleaning?

Understanding your new cleaning requirements

There is a vast difference between the infrequent workplace cleaning you used to pay for in commercial premises, and what is required now. And whilst a periodical deep clean was always recommended for commercial organisations, it is now an essential starting point in combatting the spread of COVID-19 and creating a safe and hygienic workplace for your employees.

It is important to start this process with a thorough deep clean of all areas of the workplace, and to decontaminate areas where there is a risk of infection spreading. This includes areas and surfaces that are regularly touched or occupied, as well as ‘dead’ areas that are not, but are still open to germs settling and spreading.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

The difference between cleaning and disinfecting is a very important distinction that you need to understand. Cleaning removes germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces, but it doesn’t kill germs, it just removes them. But by removing these germs you are reducing the risk of them spreading and infecting people. Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs outright, but it doesn’t necessarily clean the surface or remove the germs. Therefore, it is best to use both processes in tandem to ensure an effective programme of hygiene. Ideally you should clean first and then disinfect.

Where should I undertake workplace cleaning and disinfecting?

Basically, this needs to take place in any workplace where there is a risk of contact with someone with COVID-19, and therefore the infection spreading. Many workplaces such as healthcare and in the food industry, already have specialist cleaning procedures and standards, but non-healthcare settings should also now undertake deep cleaning and disinfecting prior to re-opening, along with frequent repetition when buildings begin to be more regularly occupied.

These kind of workplaces include offices, schools, retail, hospitality and all public buildings.

What cleaning and disinfecting procedures should I put in place?

Deep Cleaning: Ideally you should start with a deep clean of your premises to ensure that all areas initially have the same standard of cleanliness. This will also ensure that non-occupied ‘dead’ areas get the same treatment as regularly touched or occupied areas.
Touch Point Cleaning: This is a programme of cleaning which identifies key locations and areas that are most frequently touched and therefore present a high risk of carrying infection. These can be light switches, door handles, telephones, hand rails, bannisters etc. and can be frequently cleaned and disinfected.
Fogging: You should consider fogging large areas of the workplace which is a practical method of comprehensively disinfecting large areas safely and quickly. This is ideally done after touchpoint cleaning for the best effectiveness.
Frequent Cleaning: Daily cleaning of surfaces, floors and equipment as normal.

What are the benefits of cleaning and disinfecting my workplace?

Reduce the spread: Fundamentally we all have a duty to reduce infection rates of COVID-19 and keep ourselves and our colleagues safe.
Practical: Following these guidelines and using a professional commercial cleaning company will allow this to be done in the most practical and least disruptive manner.
Visual: These new procedures are a visual sign that different standards are in place and need adhering to.
Specialist: Peace of mind that you are using the specialist materials and techniques to bring effective results.
Professional: High standards of cleaning and resulting hygiene from a dedicated and professional cleaning company.
Safe and able to operate: Your workplace will be left clean and hygienic and with procedures in place which, when followed, will enable your business to open, operate and get back to normal.

For expert coronavirus cleaning and workplace disinfection across Harrogate, Leeds and York, call It’s Clean today on 01423 566785.

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Common Questions About Our Contract Cleaning Services

by david • 10 March 2025

At It’s Clean Ltd, we understand that choosing a reliable contract cleaning service is an important decision – and one that’s going to help you maintain a spotless and hygienic workplace. Whether you manage an office, a healthcare facility, or a retail space, a clean environment is crucial for staff productivity and customer satisfaction. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our commercial cleaning services. 1. What is contract cleaning? Contract cleaning refers to regular, scheduled cleaning services tailored to your business needs. Rather than hiring in-house cleaners, businesses partner with professional cleaning companies like It’s Clean Ltd to ensure their premises remain hygienic, presentable, and compliant with health and safety regulations. Outsourced contract cleaning also means businesses don’t have the headache of managing extra staff and rotas for cleaning personnel. 2. What types of businesses do you provide contract cleaning for? We provide commercial cleaning services for a wide range of industries, including: Offices and Corporate Buildings – A clean office promotes a professional image. We provide scheduled cleaning to keep your workspace tidy and hygienic. Healthcare and Medical Facilities – We understand the importance of maintaining strict hygiene standards in medical environments. Our team is trained to follow industry-specific cleaning protocols to ensure patient, client and staff safety. Retail Stores, Shopping Centres and Showrooms – First impressions matter. We help keep retail spaces spotless, enhancing the shopping experience for your customers and maintaining a welcoming environment. Schools and Educational Institutions – Clean and sanitised learning environments contribute to better student health and focus. We offer flexible cleaning schedules to accommodate school hours and term times. Industrial and Warehouse Spaces – Industrial areas require a carefully planned and fully compliant approach due to the nature of the work environment. Our team is equipped to handle everything from dust control to heavy-duty floor cleaning. Hospitality, Leisure and Event Venues – Hotels, restaurants, entertainment and event venues rely on cleanliness for customer satisfaction. We provide discreet and efficient cleaning to keep your establishment looking its best. You can read our video testimonial with the Yorkshire Event Centre here . As we work exclusively with local clients, we offer unparalleled flexibility in scheduling and services, ensuring that our cleaning plans fit seamlessly into your business operations. 3. What cleaning services are included in a contract cleaning agreement? Our contract cleaning services are tailored to your specific requirements and may include: Daily Office Cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, sanitising surfaces) – Routine maintenance ensures a clean and pleasant workspace, preventing the build-up of dust and germs. Washroom and Hygiene Services – From soap dispensers to deep-cleaning toilets, we ensure your washrooms remain spotless and fully stocked with hygiene essentials. Carpet and Floor Cleaning – We provide specialised treatments for carpets, hardwood floors, and tiles to maintain their appearance and longevity. Window and Glass Cleaning – Our streak-free window cleaning service keeps your premises looking bright and professional, inside and out. Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Services – We offer periodic deep cleans to target high-touch surfaces and areas prone to bacteria build-up. Waste Management and Recycling Solutions – We assist in efficient waste disposal and recycling programmes to help your business meet sustainability goals. Because we only work with local clients, we can quickly adapt to your changing needs, offering additional services at short notice and ensuring our cleaning schedules remain flexible and convenient for you. 4. How often can I schedule contract cleaning? We offer flexible cleaning schedules, including daily, weekly and monthly cleaning services. Whether you need a full cleaning service every day or a deep clean periodically, we work around your business hours to minimise disruption. 5. Are your cleaners professionally trained and insured? Yes! All our cleaning staff are fully trained, DBS-checked, and insured. We ensure our team follows industry best practices and uses the latest eco-friendly cleaning products to deliver a safe and effective service. 6. Do you use eco-friendly cleaning products? Absolutely! We are committed to environmentally friendly cleaning, using sustainable and non-toxic products that are safe for employees, customers, and the planet. 7. How much does contract cleaning cost? The cost of contract cleaning depends on several factors, including: The size of your premises The frequency of cleaning The specific services required We provide a free, no-obligation quote based on your needs, ensuring competitive pricing for high-quality services. Request a free survey and quote 8. Can I customise my contract cleaning package? Yes! We offer bespoke cleaning solutions tailored to your business. We will create a package that suits your budget and cleaning requirements. 9. What happens if I need additional cleaning services? We understand that business needs can change. If you require extra cleaning services due to seasonal demands, special events, or unexpected circumstances, we can adjust your cleaning plan accordingly. 10. How do I get started with contract cleaning services? Getting started is easy! Simply contact us for a free consultation and site assessment. Our team will discuss your requirements, visit your site(s), provide a customised cleaning plan and arrange a start date that works for you. If you’re looking for reliable contract cleaning services in Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripon, Knaresborough, Leeds, York and the surrounding areas, It’s Clean Ltd is here to help. Our professional team is committed to delivering exceptional commercial cleaning solutions tailored to your business needs. Call us today at 01423 566785 or visit www.itsclean.co.uk to request a free quote.

Harrogate Homeless Project becomes 10th charity to benefit from our birthday fund

by david • 3 March 2025

Harrogate Homeless Project has become the 10th charity to benefit from a fund launched by Harrogate commercial cleaning firm It’s Clean Ltd to celebrate its 25th birthday.