Recommendations for Commercial Cleaning For COVID-19 Safety 

By You've Got Maids of Annapolis

Growing concerns regarding COVID-19 safety and the emergence of new virulent strains combined with the reopening of businesses and community institutions make the implementation of a safety plan now more important than ever. What precautions is your business or organization taking to clean and sanitize your space? 

The health and safety of your clients, students, and employees are paramount when formulating your strategy. It can be overwhelming. Now is the time to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to implement your safety plan. Trained professionals are educated to follow the CDC recommendations for cleaning and sanitization. 

Here are some guidelines that can help your organization formulate your COVID-19 cleaning plan.

Evaluate and Formulate

Physically walk around your space and make note of the surfaces and materials that occupy the area. Some objects and surfaces require regular sanitizing, while others only need normal routine cleaning. Create two separate lists outlining which items require either of the two types of cleaning and sanitizing.

Note: Any objects frequently used by small children, especially things they may put in their mouth, should NEVER come in contact with disinfectants. Many of these chemicals are toxic when swallowed and must be avoided. 

Frequently touched surfaces and objects like light switches and door knobs will need to be cleaned and then disinfected to further reduce the risk of germs on surfaces and objects. Examples of frequently touched surfaces and objects that will need routine disinfection following opening are:

• tables
• doorknobs
• light switches
• countertops
• handles
• desks
• chairs
• phones
• keyboards
• toilets
• faucets and sinks
• touch screens
• thermometers used to check employees 
• pens and other office supplies

Furthermore, to ensure safety, consider what items can be moved or removed completely to reduce frequent handling or contact from multiple people. For example, soft and porous materials, such as area rugs and additional fabric seating, should be removed or stored. This reduces the challenges associated with cleaning and disinfecting them.

Communication is Key: Clear Cleaning Instructions

First and foremost address all surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by multiple people. Each business or facility will have different items listed. Therefore it is of utmost importance to clearly communicate with your cleaning staff specifically what requires extra cleaning and sanitizing.

Here are the directions to appropriately disinfect these surfaces and objects according to the CDC recommendations:

• First, clean the surface or object with soap and water.
• Then, disinfect using an EPA approved disinfectant.  
• If an EPA-approved disinfectant is unavailable, use 1/3 cup of 5.25%–8.25% bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions to disinfect. NEVER mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products. 
• Important to note: Bleach solutions will only remain effective for disinfection for up to 24 hours. So, make sure to create new solutions daily. 

Note: Your plan must be flexible, and any updates must be immediately communicated with your staff. Adjustments may be necessary according to any federal, state, or local updates and guidance. 

Continuation of Your Cleaning Strategy

Routine cleaning and disinfecting are an important part of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Whereas in the past, your workspace may have been cleaned weekly or bi-weekly, it may now require daily treatment. According to the CDC, this routine cleaning with soap and water alone reduces the risk of exposure. Additionally, it is also a necessary step as you cannot disinfect dirty surfaces.

Remember, safety guidelines suggest that surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, desks, phones, light switches, faucets, and toilets should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Further, certain surfaces and objects in public spaces, such as point of sale keypads, should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Professional Cleaning for Peace of Mind

Now more than ever should you consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Your regular staff is most likely strained, and should not be expected to carry out the extra safety precautions. You've Got MAIDS of Annapolis ensures all of its cleaning staff is trained in the latest CDC and local guidelines. We have all the FDA approved supplies and PPE. Allow us to assist you in creating and implementing your cleaning strategy and ensure the safety of your staff, students, clients, etc. Our team will do the work that provides you all with peace of mind that everyone will be as safe as possible.