Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting:
- Cleaning: Removes visible dirt, debris, and dust but does not kill microorganisms.
- Sanitizing: Reduces the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi but does not necessarily kill them.
- Disinfecting: Kills microscopic organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, on surfaces.
7 Tips for Disinfecting an Office:
- One-Way Wipe Down: Wipe surfaces in one direction to prevent recontamination. Focus on high-touch surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, and workstations.
- Color-Coded Cleaning: Use different colored cloths for specific areas to prevent cross-contamination (e.g., one color for restrooms and another for workstations).
- Know Your Chemicals: Understand the claims and limitations of your disinfectants. Check labels for efficacy against specific pathogens.
- Disinfect Technology: Regularly clean items like keyboards, phones, mice, and printers, as these are commonly shared and touched.
- Promote Hand Hygiene: Encourage proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Provide hand sanitizer with 60-95% alcohol content in accessible areas.
- Use Quality Cleaning Products: Invest in effective cleaning products that kill germs without posing health risks to humans.
- Hire Professionals: If in-house disinfection isn’t enough, consider hiring professional services to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection.