The COVID-19 Disinfection Misconception

David Whan • 11 March 2021

In the mad dash to leave no stone unturned in the battle against COVID-19, businesses are quick to insist on disinfecting anything stood still in a work environment, and no doubt some things that aren’t. And yet a popular misconception exists, which misses the fact that routine cleaning is just as effective as disinfection in reducing the chances of passing on the COVID-19 virus.

Fundamentally, cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing. Even if you already know that, you might not understand why cleaning can be more effective, as businesses start the process of returning to work as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Disinfection: is the killing or inactivating of microorganisms and reducing them to an acceptable level
Cleaning: is removing dirt and the microorganisms it contains

Why is cleaning better than disinfecting?

Typically, we disinfect areas when clinical cleanliness is required, in welfare areas generally, in work environments such as healthcare, care homes and in the food industry. Most other environments, such as retail, offices or schools, we simply clean.

But under the threat of COVID-19, and with more vulnerable and ‘at risk’ people around, it is understandable that we seek to take the extra step in our hygiene controls, when actually we don’t need to.

There are two issues with automatically disinfecting areas to combat COVID-19 infection:

It is done for emotional reasons, not based on a rational prognosis or on a risk assessment of a suspected infection.
It is done incorrectly. You need to clean an area first and then disinfect. A lack of training in many cases leads to using disinfecting agents only (not disinfection) and missing areas on a surface or not leaving enough contact time for the substance to have the right effect.

So, the problem with disinfecting is that whilst it can kill viruses and microorganisms, this status only lasts until someone else touches that same surface, then it is infected again. Therefore, proper cleaning with normal detergent removes harmful levels of microorganisms, including virus particles. Over time, the rest will die out, so cleaning is more effective and offers more of a sense of security for an employer and their employees, if a formal system is introduced in the workplace.

The benefits of a good office cleaning regime

COVID-19 particles, and any viruses like it, cannot multiply on a surface, only bacteria can do that. Instead, COVID-19 needs a host to infect, i.e. a person. So, a dry surface maintained at room temperature will become a hostile environment to the virus, while it exists and isn’t picked up by someone. Therefore, in addition to social distancing and hand hygiene, an intensive cleaning of surfaces is sufficient. Personal discipline is the answer to combatting COVID-19, hence why employers are so keen to introduce such measures in to the workplace, in tandem with a strict routine cleaning regime, to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Call It’s Clean Ltd commercial cleaning in Harrogate, Leeds and York to discuss intensive cleaning of your work environment before your staff return to work, and about maintaining these standards with routine cleaning when normal work resumes. We are a professional commercial cleaning company experienced in all different industry sectors and environments, and we can recommend the correct course of action to protect your employees and keep your business open, as the fight against COVID-19 continues.

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Professional Healthcare Cleaning: Why People Trust It’s Clean Ltd as Contract Cleaners for Medical Practices and Clinic Settings

1 December 2024

Healthcare settings such as dental surgeries, GP clinics and other medical practices are busy environments with a particular need for reliable professional cleaning to very high standards. Hygiene is essential for these kinds of premises, which is why professional healthcare cleaning is so important, both for safety reasons and to create a calm and effective environment for patients. Keeping your medical practice spotless maintains a safe and professional space for both patients and staff but it relies on having a contract cleaning company in place that understands the unique requirements of healthcare cleaning. That’s where our professional cleaning for medical and dental surgeries and clinics comes in. Our clients in this sector see us as a trusted partner to ensure their practice or clinic is thoroughly cleaned, without disrupting operations or compromising patient care. At It’s Clean Ltd, we specialise in contract cleaning for healthcare clinics and understand the unique requirements of medical settings. Our expert team provides cleaning services outside core hours, ensuring your practice is always pristine when your staff and patients arrive. Why You Need Specialist Cleaners for Medical Practices In a medical setting, cleanliness is not just about appearance—it’s about safety. You need a cleaning service that understands the intricacies of maintaining a sanitary and compliant space. Here are some of the key ways we meet the needs of organisations looking for expert cleaners for medical practices: Safety First: Cleaning in a Medical Environment When hiring cleaners for a dental surgery or medical clinic, it’s vital they have experience with the safety protocols specific to healthcare environments. Your cleaning team must know how to handle equipment, sharps bins and other items properly. It’s Clean Ltd ensures our cleaners are fully trained in the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. We work closely with you to understand the specific safety concerns in your practice, so that our cleaning solutions won’t harm equipment or jeopardize patient safety. Our team uses cleaning products that are suitable for medical settings and our teams are fully up to date with the latest best practice for maintaining hygienic healthcare premises. A Local Provider for Outstanding Service As a local cleaning firm, we are often the first choice for healthcare environments because of their particular need for a responsive service. We only work with clients within a 50-mile radius of our head office and this local focus that allows us to have fast response times and outstanding service levels. This is a huge advantage for clinics that feel it is important to build a good relationship with their contract cleaner and to have a supplier they can trust. Compliance with Regulations Trust is a fundamental element of any professional cleaning partnership, especially when dealing with confidential patient information. Your cleaning service should adhere to strict data protection and confidentiality regulations, such as GDPR and the Data Protection Act. At It’s Clean Ltd, we prioritise compliance and maintain strict protocols to ensure the safety and privacy of your patient records and medical data. Our team undergoes background checks, and we follow all relevant safety guidelines to ensure your clinic remains compliant at all times. Professionalism and Pride Your cleaning team will sometimes be working while your staff are still in the building, so professionalism is key. Cleaners should be uniformed, courteous and fully equipped when delivering any type of cleaning service, particularly GP surgery and health centre cleaning . Our team at It’s Clean Ltd takes pride in delivering reliable and professional healthcare cleaning. We ensure our staff are fully trained and always prepared to tackle any challenge. If sickness or other absences occur, we’ll ensure that your cleaning schedule is covered, so you never have to worry about the cleanliness of your practice. Check Out Reviews and References When looking for a contract cleaning supplier for your clinic, it’s important to check reviews and seek references from other businesses in the industry. Look for a cleaning service that has a proven track record of working in similar settings. At It’s Clean Ltd, we have a long history of serving dental and medical professionals with exceptional cleaning services. Our clients trust us because we consistently deliver high-quality, reliable service. We invite you to read all our testimonials Relationship Building A good cleaning service isn’t just a one-time solution—it’s a long-term partnership. Over time, your cleaning team should become familiar with your clinic's specific needs and provide a personalized service that evolves with your business. With It’s Clean Ltd, we strive to build strong, lasting partnerships with our clients. We pride ourselves on being a reliable partner that can be trusted to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. The Benefits of Choosing It’s Clean Ltd for Your Medical Practice At It’s Clean Ltd, we specialise in professional cleaning for healthcare practices. Our team is local and committed to offering flexible, efficient, and compliant cleaning solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free survey and quotation to discover how we can help maintain a safe and clean environment for your clinic.