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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It's Clean Ltd Joins Forces with Orian Solutions Group

by david • 29 October 2025

It’s Clean Ltd, has joined the Carlisle-based Orian Solutions Group, marking a major step in its continued growth and diversification. It’s Clean has been operating across North and West Yorkshire for 26 years and has clients in a wide range of sectors including offices, schools, GPs, care homes, manufacturing, hospitality and events. Based in Carlisle, Orian Solutions is jointly owned by Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council and provides contract cleaning and food services, predominantly to clients in the public sector. Orian has recently secured major multi-year contracts in the police and fire sectors, while It’s Clean continues to grow through new partnerships in the charity and insurance sectors. David Whan, Managing Director of It’s Clean Ltd, said the move would bring together Orian’s strong governance, service quality, and commitment to social value and It’s Clean’s commercial experience, enhancing the Group’s ability to deliver flexible, high-quality facilities services across both public and private sectors across the North of England. He said: “Orian’s wealth of experience in the public sector and standards of governance mean It’s Clean can now compete in new sectors. “When I met their new CEO, John Donnison, it didn’t take long to see the fantastic synergies between our businesses, and we reached an agreement to join the Orian Group within days.” Mr Whan said the move to join forces would bring additional benefits to long-standing employees of It’s Clean who would now benefit from Orian’s Pluxee discount card giving discounts across a variety of retailers, services and everyday spending. The deal was completed on September 1, with Orian Group acquiring the shares in It’s Clean Ltd, bringing together two trusted northern service providers with shared values of quality, reliability and community focus. John Donnison, CEO of Orian Solutions, commented: “It’s Clean Ltd has a terrific heritage and brand in the Yorkshire commercial cleaning market and brings a new dynamic to the Orian Group. We’re only six weeks in and already seeing huge mutual benefits. “By combining our strengths, we are well-positioned to become the commercial cleaning and contract catering provider of choice for businesses and organisations across the North of England, serving a broad customer base, supporting schools, councils, emergency services, charities and commercial clients across the North of England.” The It’s Clean office, branding and customer contact will remain the same, and David and his team will continue to lead the business, ensuring continuity as they build forward within the Orian Group.

Why Local Expertise Matters in Commercial Cleaning: Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon & Wetherby

by david • 22 October 2025

When it comes to maintaining a professional, hygienic workspace, businesses across Harrogate , Knaresborough , Ripon and Wetherby businesses trust It’s Clean Ltd for reliable, high-quality commercial and contract cleaning. Our local cleaning teams understand the needs of Yorkshire businesses — from spotless offices and sparkling showrooms to immaculate schools and care facilities. With over 25 years of experience, we provide flexible daily, weekly and monthly cleaning contracts designed to suit every environment. Why Choose It’s Clean? Local and Responsive: Based in Harrogate, we’re never far away — ensuring fast response times and hands-on management. Tailored Contracts: Every site is unique, so we create bespoke cleaning schedules around your business needs. Trained Local Teams: Our fully vetted, trained cleaners deliver consistent quality you can rely on. Comprehensive Services: From carpet and window cleaning to washroom and deep cleans — we handle it all. Serving Businesses Across North and West Yorkshire Whether you’re in a Harrogate office block, a Ripon school, a Knaresborough retail space or a Wetherby business park, It’s Clean Ltd helps you create a safe, welcoming, and professional environment for staff and visitors alike. 📞 Contact our Harrogate head office today or fill in an enquiry form online for a free site survey and discover how our contract cleaning services can keep your business spotless and stress-free.