At Spotless Solutions, we understand the importance of keeping your home or business safe and clean, especially after an illness outbreak. Whether it’s the flu, a cold, or something more serious like COVID-19, disinfecting properly can help reduce the spread of germs and keep everyone healthy. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the best practices for disinfecting after an illness outbreak to ensure a safe, germ-free environment.
1. Start with a Thorough Cleaning
Before you start disinfecting, it's essential to clean surfaces first. Dirt, dust, and grime can block disinfectants from doing their job effectively. Cleaning with soap and water or a multi-surface cleaner removes visible debris, making it easier for disinfectants to reach and kill harmful germs.
What Works: Use a gentle cleaner for everyday surfaces and a specialized cleaner for tougher grime. Remember to clean high-touch areas like light switches, door handles, and countertops.
2. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces
Germs spread easily through high-touch surfaces, so these areas need special attention. Items like doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, countertops, sinks, faucets, and handrails should be disinfected regularly, especially after someone in your home or workplace has been sick.
What Works: Wipe down high-touch surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray that is proven to kill viruses and bacteria. Make sure to follow the product’s contact time instructions to ensure effectiveness.
3. Use the Right Disinfectants
Not all disinfectants are created equal. Look for products that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and germs. For illness outbreaks, it's important to use EPA-approved disinfectants that meet the criteria for killing specific pathogens, such as the flu virus or coronavirus.
What Works: Choose disinfectants labeled as “virucidal,” or those that are effective against specific viruses. Always read labels to ensure they meet the necessary guidelines for killing germs effectively.
4. Disinfect Soft Surfaces and Fabrics
Fabrics and soft surfaces, such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and bedding, can also harbor germs. If someone has been sick, it’s a good idea to disinfect these areas as well.
What Works: Wash all fabrics, including bedding, towels, and clothes, using the hottest water setting safe for the material. For carpets and upholstery, use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray or steam cleaner to ensure a deeper clean.
5. Don’t Forget Electronics
Electronics like phones, tablets, laptops, and remote controls are often overlooked when disinfecting, but they are major carriers of germs. Touching these devices after someone has been ill can spread the infection.
What Works: Use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with a disinfectant-safe solution for cleaning electronics. Be sure not to oversaturate the devices. You can also use alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) to safely disinfect screens and keyboards.
6. Consider Air Quality
Germs can linger in the air, so improving air circulation and quality is an essential part of your disinfecting process. Ventilating your space by opening windows and running fans helps expel contaminated air. Air purifiers can also help reduce airborne pathogens.
What Works: Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter if possible, and ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained to reduce the spread of germs through the air.
7. Follow Up with Regular Maintenance Cleaning
Once the initial deep clean and disinfecting are done, maintain a regular cleaning routine to keep germs at bay. Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces, as well as keeping up with general cleaning, will reduce the chances of illness spreading.
What Works: Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces daily or at least every other day to minimize the risk of germs building up. Don’t forget to clean and disinfect your bathroom, as this is often a high-risk area for germs.
8. Don’t Forget Personal Hygiene
In addition to disinfecting your home or office, personal hygiene plays a major role in preventing illness. Encourage everyone in your household or workplace to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the restroom or touching common surfaces.
What Works: Place hand sanitizers and soap in visible areas, and remind everyone to wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Why Choose Spotless Solutions?
At Spotless Solutions, we are experts in deep cleaning and disinfecting, offering comprehensive services that go beyond just wiping down surfaces. We use EPA-approved products and follow strict protocols to ensure your space is sanitized and safe after an illness outbreak. Whether it's your home or business, we are here to help you create a healthy environment for your family, employees, or customers.
If you need professional help disinfecting after an illness outbreak, don't hesitate to reach out to Spotless Solutions. We're committed to providing thorough, reliable cleaning services that prioritize your health and safety. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning!
