In the wake of the global pandemic, it is crucial that we are all more vigilant about cleaning spaces for coronavirus. The virus that causes COVID-19 can land on surfaces, and if a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes, they can become infected. To help limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect ourselves, follow these guidelines to clean and disinfect public areas. These tips apply to any space where people meet, gather, and spend time, such as offices, co-working environments, communal areas in homes, living accommodation and apartments, and community settings.
Cleaning Spaces for Coronavirus
Before disinfecting for COVID-19, communal areas should be thoroughly cleaned with products that contain soap or detergent to remove dirt and contaminants and reduce germs. Do not just spray a surface with disinfectant spray without cleaning it first because dirt can harbor bacteria.
Use a cleaner that will remove grime, fat, oil, grease, and soap scum so that bacteria has no place to hide. A general-purpose cleaner should be sufficient if you want a good product that does the job effectively. Spray and clean with sponges and warm water according to the product’s instructions.
Disinfecting for COVID-19
Once you have cleaned the area and the surfaces, you can disinfect for COVID-19. Use a disinfectant product from the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) List N effective against COVID-19. To check if a product is suitable, locate the EPA registration number on the product label and see if it is on the EPA’s list of approved disinfectants on the EPA’s website.
If you cannot source an approved product, you can use a bleach solution on appropriate surfaces. However, bleach products can be harsh and leave an unpleasant smell. If you prefer, you can choose products that are far more gentle and use natural ingredients, such as thymol.
- Read and follow the instructions on product labels. You must adhere to the contact time in the disinfectant’s directions. You usually spray the disinfectant and leave the area alone for a period of time. Some may need to be rinsed or dried.
- Check the product’s shelf-life, whether you need to wear gloves, goggles, or other PPE when using the disinfectant, and whether you need to open windows.
- You do not need to spray cleaning products or disinfectants in outdoor areas or on wooden surfaces outside. However, you should clean high-touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as play structures, even if they are outside.
What to Use
For fast, efficient coverage of larger areas or entire rooms when disinfecting for COVID-19, you can use special spray bottles with spray wands for hard-to-reach areas. Also available are backpack sprayers and mobile misting carts that are pulled along the ground behind you. These large bottles are designed to make the job easier as they store more product. That means you won’t have to keep stopping to refill the bottle with disinfectant. For surfaces and small areas, use a spray bottle.
How Often Should You Clean and Disinfect a Public Space?
Keep on top of germs and viruses in communal areas by cleaning once a day, as long as no person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 has been in the space. If someone has been in the area and has tested positive for COVID-19, clean and disinfect the room. However, you should wait at least several hours before you do. If more than three days have passed since the infected person was in the space, you only need to clean as usual; deep-cleaning isn’t necessary.
If an area is subject to high traffic, you might want to clean more frequently than once a day. You might also choose to clean more often if COVID-19 cases are particularly high, vaccination rates are low, or high-risk individuals occupy the space. In addition, areas or surfaces that are frequently touched should be cleaned as often as necessary. For example, you should regularly wipe door handles, keyboards, phones, toilets, faucets, and exercise equipment.
Accommodating Everyone
When cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19 in communal areas, keep in mind who will be using the space. If the communal area is frequented by babies, children, those with allergens or sensitivities, and the elderly, you will want to use non-toxic products suitable for everyone. If people eat and drink in the area, it will be even more important that no unpleasant smell or harmful residue is left behind. Keep in mind that some cleaning and disinfection products can even trigger asthma.
With PathoSans, it is possible to use all-natural solutions to clean and disinfect for coronavirus. PathoSans solutions are effective, non-toxic, and non-irritating to eyes and skin and have no added fragrance. The products leave no harsh chemical residue behind and are safe for everyone, whether they come into contact with the products in the communal area or use them to clean. They are so safe, no gloves or other PPE is required.
Providing a two-pronged approach to cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19, Pathosans offers a multi-purpose cleaner and separate disinfectant. You only need these two products to clean and disinfect nearly every surface in your home, communal area, or workplace.
Pathopure is a powerful cleaner and degreaser that removes dirt from floors, carpets, rugs, tiles, walls, furniture, textiles, wood, hard surfaces, and more. WoolSafe® and CleanSeal® approved and independently tested for performance, Pathopure also meets Green Seal® Standard GS-8 for its minimal use of packaging, which is recyclable. Pathopure leaves no chemical residue and reduces the risk of skin sensitivities or allergic reactions.
Pathosans’ other product, Pathonex disinfectant, is 99.9% effective against germs and viruses. A hospital broad-spectrum disinfectant, Pathonex is a virucide and sanitizer for food contact surfaces and is effective against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. Pathonex is one of the best household disinfectants for surfaces during COVID-19.
To protect ourselves and one another from coronavirus, we must all be more cautious in communal areas. We should wear face coverings where necessary, be more mindful of what we touch, and be more conscious about washing our hands. If spaces where people meet or gather are regularly cleaned and disinfected to kill the virus, we can help to stop the spread of COVID-19. The best way to do this is to clean and then disinfect with a product approved by the FDA for use against SARS-CoV-2. For pure cleaning and disinfecting without toxic chemicals, check out the products online at Pathosans.