It is important to understand the differences between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing in order to maintain a healthy and clean environment for your business. The three levels of cleaning are used to remove dirt, reduce germs, and prevent the spread of disease. You will need to clean your office, warehouse, or medical facility, depending on what type of business you run and who you serve.
Stratus Building Solutions offers janitorial and cleaning services that meet the needs of your business. There are three levels of cleaning:
- Cleaning In the first stage of cleaning, you will remove visible dirt, dust, and debris. This first step is often called cleaning and involves removing the visual elements from surfaces. Cleaning techniques include vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, and mopping. Cleaning improves the appearance of an area by eliminating visible contaminants. It also creates a pleasant and welcoming environment. This helps to maintain cleanliness standards by removing loose particles which can cause respiratory discomfort or allergies. The first cleaning tier focuses on surface dirt. It lays the foundation for the subsequent stories that sanitize and disinfect to promote a healthier and more hygienic environment.
- Sanitizing Sanitizing is the second level of cleaning. It focuses on reducing bacteria and germs to a safe amount on surfaces. Sanitizing targets microorganisms, which may not be visible to the naked eye. Sanitizing involves the use of sanitizing products, such as wipes or sprays, that inhibit bacteria growth. Sanitizing surfaces is important for areas that require a high level of hygiene, like kitchens, bathrooms, and shared spaces. Sanitizing surfaces like doorknobs and light switches can reduce the risk of illness transmission and cross-contamination. Sanitizing surfaces does not necessarily remove all germs, but it is vital to maintaining a healthier and cleaner environment for the occupants.
- Disinfecting The highest level of cleaning is disinfecting. It is designed to kill or inactivate a variety of germs, including viruses and bacteria. The third level of cleaning, disinfecting, is the highest. It aims to kill or inactivate a wide range of germs, including viruses and bacteria. Disinfectants are used, either as wipes or sprays, to kill pathogens. In high-risk zones or during outbreaks, disinfecting is essential to stop the spread of infectious diseases. To maintain a safe, hygienic, and clean environment, surfaces that many people frequently touch, like doorknobs and, handrails, and shared equipment, should be disinfected regularly. Implementing the third level of cleaning will reduce the risk of infection and improve the safety and health of your occupants.
Understanding these three tiers and implementing them correctly will help you maintain a clean environment and protect the health of your employees.
What cleaning level is right for my business?
For some businesses, a high level of sanitation is required. Others with lower foot traffic may rely on an appearance that is dust-free and neat in order to run their business efficiently. Your business’s level of foot traffic and interaction should determine the type of cleaning services you hire. All companies should perform traditional cleaning tasks every day.
Stratus offers a range of affordable services, including janitorial and day porter services, that will help you achieve the three levels of cleaning. We can help you create a cleaning schedule that will keep your business clean and free of germs. Contact Us for a Free Consultation to discuss your cleaning needs.
The EPA released List N: SARS-CoV-2 Disinfectants. This is a primary EPA chemical list that has been deemed effective in combating “Emerging Pathogens,” which are viruses harder to kill or similar to the coronavirus, COVID-19. The EPA has two methods to verify that the chemicals in your facility have been listed: either by looking for the Emerging Pathogen disclosure/badge or by comparing the first and second sections of the EPA registration number with chemicals on List N.
It is important to know that Stratus Building Solutions uses EPA List N chemicals when performing professional disinfection. Our website contains more information about our services.
If you have questions regarding our disinfection services, please get in touch with us. Stratus Building Solutions takes pride in being your partner for keeping your workplaces productive and clean, as well as your employees and customers safe during these unprecedented times.
Contact your local regional office for a quote on disinfecting your facility. Recurring services are also available. We look forward to working with you.