Good information goes a long way in fighting fear. As an educated consumer, you can choose the right methods and professionals to fight COVID-19 in your home or office. While professional disinfecting is the surest way to combat bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19, not all professionals have the same licensure, experience, and equipment to properly fight COVID-19. So, before you hire someone to disinfect your home or office, check out these must-knows when it comes to cleaning for coronavirus.
#1 Know the difference between Cleaning, Sanitizing or Disinfecting
More than ever, we are seeing and hearing terms like cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting in the news and online. Consumers should understand that products and processes have varying effectiveness against viruses and bacteria.
- Cleaning is done with water, a cleaning product, and scrubbing. Cleaning does not kill bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which are generally referred to as “germs.” Cleaning products are used to remove germs, dirt, and other organic material by washing them down the drain.
- Sanitizing and disinfecting products are chemicals that work by killing germs. These chemicals are also called antimicrobial pesticides. They are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Disinfecting kills more germs than sanitizers. In most cases, a cleaning product is used first. Then the surface is either sanitized or disinfected when it is necessary.
#2 Expect an Evaluation and Cleaning Plan
If you are not told upfront, you should always ask what to expect from the home or office disinfecting process. A reputable company like Carpet Tech will walk through steps similar to these:
- Assess the areas/spaces needing treatment and assemble all necessary info
- Create a detailed cleaning plan and communicated to all necessary personnel
- Any areas to be treated will be set up as needed with proper control procedures to protect any and all personnel and ensure proper and effective treatment
- Clean & Treat services will be provided based on the cleaning plan following all manufacturer’s recommendations
- All treatments will include a written proposal prior to cleaning and a summary of all services provided when the work is complete. Further, Carpet Tech will provide a Certificate of Completion for any businesses as requested.
#3 Use the Right Products
The EPA has a published list of disinfects for use against coronavirus. Ask your cleaning and disinfecting company if they are using an EPA approved disinfectant and if that disinfectant is effective against coronavirus.
Carpet Tech uses ProKure 1, a ClO2 Deodorization & Disinfection System to combat coronavirus as well as other harmful pathogens. This ClO2 Deodorization & Disinfection System is a chlorine dioxide-generating product and is proven effective against bacteria, molds and viruses, including COVID-19.
#4 Understand Disinfecting Applications
- Carpet Tech uses an electrostatic sprayer that adds a charge to a chemical as it is sprayed, making it more likely to adhere to a surface for the amount of time necessary to neutralize pathogens there.
- Additionally, Carpet Tech has the ability to chemically fog a home or facility for use against the coronavirus and other harmful contaminants. Carpet Tech suggests a combination of both fogging and spraying for best results.
Decon Office - Sprays and fogs are effective for floors, air ducts, HVAC units and soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
- It’s also important to know that steam will disinfect and kill germs and viruses at a temperature above 132°F. Carpet Tech uses a hot water extraction process to clean carpets and hard surfaces using deionized, purified water that is free of any added minerals or contaminants. Carpet Tech’s steam process is heated to over 220 °F.
#5 Choose One Time Solution or Multiple Applications
- It’s unclear exactly how long COVID-19 can remain on a surface. Early evidence suggests that the virus can survive for several days at room temperature. This is why wiping down commonly touched surfaces helps to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu.
- A one-time “deep clean” may not be enough. Disinfectants kill or inactivate germs on a surface, but as soon as that surface is touched, it can be recontaminated. Be aware of companies with lengthy time guarantees to kill the virus.
- Depending on your individual needs, work with your disinfecting company to establish a routine disinfecting protocol that best serves your employees, customers, and family.
#6 Measure Cleanliness
Don’t just take clean at face value. Ask your cleaning company to show you the proof that their disinfecting process has left your home or facility cleaner.
Carpet Tech’s ATP Monitoring allows our IICRC certified and trained technicians to measure and evaluate contaminants on a surface before and after cleaning and disinfection. Carpet Tech technicians will take a sample using a special swab and then inserting into the ATP meter. A numerical value is returned and allows us to measure cleanliness based on pre-defined ranges of values.
#7 Apply a Protective Shield
While no one can guarantee that you will remain completely germ-free after professional disinfection, you can take steps to maintain germ protection.
Carpet Tech’s CT Shield is a process that applies a chemical shield to disinfected surfaces to help prevent the growth of new microbes.
#8 Preparing your Home or Office for Disinfecting
- Whether using the direct spray method, or chemical fog, no one is allowed in the building at the time of application for up to 4 hours.
- The area must be free of debris and excessive dust
- Remove or relocate paper goods/paper documentation and remove or protect sensitive items
- Ensure proper operation of the HVAC system and proper or adequate ventilation when necessary
- Ensure all areas to be treated are accessible
#9 Take Safety Precautions
Biohazard companies like Carpet Tech are used to suiting up with proper protecPPEtive gear to keep themselves and others safe.
Be sure you have a discussion about personal protective equipment with any cleaning professionals that you allow inside your door.
#10 Keep it Local
As an essential business, Carpet Tech is fortunate to be able to continue working, serving Lubbock and providing jobs. For more than 25 years Carpet Tech has been here, and nothing about that has changed. If we can help give some peace of mind and help keep your family and employees healthy, please allow us the opportunity. Good information goes a long way in fighting fear. As an educated consumer, you can choose the right methods and professionals to fight COVID-19 in your home or office. To find out more, click here or call Carpet Tech at 888-343-9650.
Carpet Tech has been cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing commercial, industrial and governmental buildings for more than two decades. Carpet Tech has the proper equipment, training, and licenses for biohazard clean up. They are also 100% OSHA compliant to clean biohazard materials and restore the property. Carpet Tech trained technicians are certified by the IICRC and use special truck-mounted equipment that allows us to clean using a hot water extraction method. All of Carpet Tech’s chemicals and processes are EPA approved.