Which Products and Methods Disinfect Best?

February 23, 2021

Image One provides exceptional commercial cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing services. With over three decades of leading the janitorial industry, we know which commercial cleaning products and methods are best for disinfecting. 

Since COVID-19 became a worldwide issue, it’s become clear that cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing are of utmost importance to keep people and businesses safe. We want to encourage facility owners to keep themselves educated and stay on top of evolving trends and industry standards. 

Cleaning, Disinfecting & Sanitizing: Understanding the Difference

As America moves forward with opening places of businesses, there are processes we should all get into the habit of implementing to prevent the virus from spreading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in order to reopen, public spaces will require careful planning to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfection.

There is a clear distinction between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. Commercial cleaning professionals are experts in the process, as well as in the commercial cleaning products necessary for each step.

Cleaning is a process that uses detergents and surfactants to physically remove dirt, grime, and germs from the surface. Cleaning does NOT kill germs; it removes them. Proper cleaning has been found to remove 99% of germs. 

Disinfecting (according to EPA standards) must kill 99.999% of germs. Disinfecting is a necessity in the high point of contact spots such as doorknobs, faucets, or other areas that are known to have bacteria like toilets and urinals.  

Sanitizing reduces the number of germs on hard surfaces to what is considered a safe level when over 99.9% germ-free. Sanitizing is typically completed on items or in areas that are best cleaned without the use of harsh chemicals, including children’s toys, food prep tools, and food preparation areas.  

Products 

There are many different commercial cleaning products for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. Not all are created equal, and each serves a specific purpose in the process of killing germs.

When using commercial cleaning products, all label directions should be followed. Commercial cleaning professionals should always utilize the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and NEVER mix cleaners and or disinfectants with each other unless the labels indicate it is safe to do so. 

Green Products: According to the EPA, research has found that some products, even though they are labeled and marketed as green, often have as many toxic chemicals as conventional cleaning products. Be wary of which products you choose if being green is your preference. At Image One, we have chosen green products that are the least toxic but still provide the deepest clean possible.

Disinfectants: Any chemicals that kill bacteria, viruses, and mold must be labeled; as required by the EPA. Other cleaning products are not required to disclose all ingredients on the labels. 

General Cleaning Chemicals: If not used carefully, many general cleaning chemicals used for daily cleaning and sanitizing can cause health problems. 

Scented vs. Unscented Products: A pleasant fragrance or smell is not a good indicator of whether it cleans or disinfects well; a cleaning product or disinfectant doesn’t have to contain a fragrance to be effective.  

Methods 

For the many products available for cleaning use, there are just as many methods to provide a clean and safe environment. While this list is not exhaustive, here are some essential cleaning techniques for effective maintenance.

Wiping or cleaning is perhaps the most common and efficient way to clean by spraying with an appropriate cleaning chemical and wiping surfaces with a microfiber cloth.  Most of the time, this process is more than adequate for most surfaces. 

Disinfecting should take place after a surface is cleaned. The process involves applying a disinfectant to the surface and allowing the appropriate amount of dwell time as required by the manufacturer.  

Fogging is a method of spraying large areas with a fine mist that is directed by a blower. The vapor is kept airborne and settles on the surfaces in the area to allow for disinfection.

Electrostatic spraying is a method of spraying large areas to fully cover a surface. The technology has been around since 1940 and is perhaps the most effective method for quickly disinfecting large areas. 

Contact us today to learn more about how the commercial cleaning professionals at Image One can serve the cleaning needs of your business.