The COVID-19 Disinfection Misconception

David Whan • Mar 11, 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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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live and work in all sorts of ways and the commercial cleaning sector is no exception. However, whereas technology can improve safety, efficiency and security, professional contract cleaning is still a people business. So, how far is AI likely to impact commercial cleaning, what improvements might we see and where will human involvement remain an essential part of the job? Robots, smart systems and automation We have already seen a huge amount of innovation with the introduction of smart cleaning technology and devices. Robotic floor cleaning, air quality sensors and smart systems that create alerts when dispensers need refilling are all improvements that have enhanced quality and improved facilities management. At It’s Clean Ltd we have knowledge and experience of all the latest innovations and can incorporate the use of smart systems for customers whose premises would benefit from them. Data and management The data that can be collated through the use of smart systems, like those described above, is another aspect of the progressive innovation we are seeing in the cleaning sector. The ability to analyse how often things need cleaning and refilling leads to greater knowledge for budgeting and will in turn result in wider innovation and opportunities for artificial intelligence. Virtual training In many industries, virtual reality is used to help train engineers and operatives in a simulated setting. Whilst this may become more widely used in commercial cleaning settings, we are proud to already be using technology to enhance the knowledge and expertise of our staff. Our online training programme can be accessed anywhere by staff and keeps them updated on all the latest techniques, products and processes. You can read more about our training programme here . The human touch AI technology will evolve to support cleaner and healthier buildings in situations where it makes sense to spend time and money innovating - where there is a significant positive impact on public health, safety and efficiency, for example. This is why much of the change is coming in the form of smart sensors, data collection and the automation of repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Anyone who has ever engaged a commercial cleaning company will know that the real value comes from having people on site who know the building, understand the needs of those using it and have the ability to adapt quickly to manage the unexpected. At It’s Clean Ltd we take time to survey every building before we embark on a contract. We get to know the business so that we understand the expectations and needs of the customer. Our cleaning teams are fully aware of what is expected of them but they are also adaptable, which is extremely important. Commercial cleaning involves a lot of routine work but it also presents challenge and change. We pride ourselves in adapting, exceeding expectations and solving the many challenges that we face as a team during our day to day work. We also focus on developing strong relationships with our customers, which allows us to review, adapt and evolve so that we are always delivering the very best service possible. No matter how much technology and artificial intelligence change the machinery and processes involved in our industry, commercial cleaning is, and always will be, a people business. Contact us to arrange a site survey.