There is no definite answer to the question, “what is cleaning?” However, the experts have already spoken during the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) symposium.
An industry expert, Dr. Michael Berry, shared his definition of cleaning during the event. He said that cleaning is the removal of visible and invisible soil through mechanical and manual processes. In his book Protecting the Built Environment, he also reiterated that health is always the primary benefit of cleaning.
Cleaning Is More Than Just for Aesthetics
With the aforementioned definition, we can now appreciate add-on cleaning services such as disinfecting. Today, cleaning should be more than just organizing your furniture or dusting off your appliance. Your space must be free of bacteria, germs, and viruses to ensure that everyone is healthy.
A good cleaning company like Clean My Space follows the CDC guidelines for disinfecting homes and offices. Contact us right now for available schedules.
While it’s recommended that you hire professional cleaners to disinfect your homes, we also encourage you to understand the best practices. Doing it on your own is also beneficial, especially for everyone in your home.
How to Disinfect Your Home
Whenever you are about to use disinfecting products, read the label and check if you can use it on surfaces. As you must know, some products may not be suitable for certain surfaces, and it can lead to damage. Before applying your disinfecting product, clean the surface first with soap and water. The key is to remove the dirt at the get-go. Make the surfaces dust-free before disinfecting.
As you disinfect, do not forget the high-touch surfaces like tables, doorknobs, and even the light switches. If someone in your household or office gets sick, we encourage you to disinfect more frequently. Below are more tips to help you properly clean and disinfect your space.
Laundry
For your laundry, it is recommended that you use the warmest water possible. Do not forget to dry your items thoroughly. When handling clothes from a sick person, you must wear gloves and a mask. Also, make it a habit to clean your laundry basket every time you use it. And as always, wash your hands after doing the laundry.
Soft Surfaces
Soft surfaces include drapes, carpets and rugs. You can clean these surfaces using soap and water. There are also cleaning and disinfecting products specially made for these items. Make sure to read the labels first. When done, you may vacuum as usual.
Electronics
Your electronics must be cleaned and disinfected too. After all, these are commonly used and considered high-touch items. These include keyboards, remote controls, tablets, smartphones and computers, to name a few.
You may place wipeable protective covers on your gadgets so you can easily clean it. But before you do, read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage.
Which Disinfecting Products Are Effective
Remember that not all disinfecting products are the same. It’s best to refer to the EPA List N to ensure that your chosen disinfectant meets the high standards. You may also use bleach solutions if you can’t find the suggested products from the list. The question now is, how can you clean and disinfect using bleach? This is a must and not following the right steps might endanger your health. Read the following section and learn more.
Note that if you are sensitive to chemicals, it’s a good reason to call professionals to clean and disinfect your space. Call Clean My Space and our representatives will accommodate you as soon as possible.
How to Disinfect Using Bleach
As a rule of thumb, always wear gear like gloves or eye protection. Also, remember not to mix bleach with other cleaning products or disinfectants as it can release vapors that are dangerous to one’s health.
When disinfecting, it’s important to keep the space well-ventilated. Open your windows and door to let the fresh air pass through. Keep in mind that household bleach should contain 5%-9% sodium hypochlorite. If yours isn’t between the range, it might not be appropriate for disinfecting.
How to Disinfect if Someone Is Sick
If someone from your home is sick, provide separate disinfecting and cleaning supplies for them. However, if they cannot do the cleaning and disinfecting themselves, the best solution is to always wear protective gear. You must also limit your cleaning to avoid contact with the sick person.
How To Clean and Disinfect After a Person Is No Longer Sick
When someone is already well and does not need to be isolated, you must wait as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting the area.
If you must clean the space within less than 24 hours, disinfect all the items and areas the sick person used. Do not forget to wear a mask and keep the area well-ventilated.
What To Do After Disinfecting
After disinfecting, wash your hands for 20 seconds. Do this immediately after removing the gloves. If soap and water aren’t available, you may use a hand sanitizer. Just make sure it has 60% alcohol.
Why Hiring Cleaning Experts Is Recommended
General cleaning is already a challenge for most people considering our schedules and truckload of responsibilities. And with the health situation across the globe, disinfecting your home or office must be added.
While we’ve provided tips on how you can do it on your own, it will take time. Plus, you have to understand the proper cleaning and disinfecting processes. It’s not as easy as you think unless you have done it several times in the past. That’s where hiring cleaning and disinfecting experts will come into play. They can save you a significant amount of time while ensuring that your space is healthy and safe.
Get Clean My Space, Get the Best Type of Cleaning
If you are looking for a team that will thoroughly clean your residential and commercial spaces, Clean My Space is here to help. We will exceed your expectations with our years of experience, top-tiered cleaning equipment, unparalleled skills, and excellent customer service. Have your space cleaned by the experts! Call us right now, request a quote and book a schedule.
