Written by: Jim Flieler, VP of Sales
Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment has never been more crucial, especially in the wake of global health concerns. Identifying and prioritizing critical surfaces and substrates for regular cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection is paramount in reducing the risk of infections and promoting overall human wellness.
At Charlotte Products Ltd., we are committed to reducing the risk of infections and viruses across various public sectors including healthcare, education, hospitality, and more. Our mission is to provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to create a clean and safe environment.
Janitorial Industry Focus
The janitorial industry plays a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Our tailored Enviro-Solutions® products empower janitorial professionals to tackle the unique challenges they face. We understand the importance of their work, and we provide the tools and training necessary to enhance the efficacy of their efforts.
The Importance of Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting:
Preventing the Spread of Pathogens:
- Pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, can linger on surfaces and contribute to the spread of illnesses. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt and debris, while sanitizing and disinfecting kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, reducing the risk of infections.
Reducing Cross-Contamination:
- High-touch surfaces are potential hotspots for cross-contamination. Identifying and prioritizing these surfaces in shared spaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and communal areas, is essential to breaking the chain of infection transmission.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations:
- Certain surfaces are more critical in environments where vulnerable populations, such as hospitals or nursing homes, are present. Prioritizing cleaning and disinfection in these settings is crucial to protect those with weakened immune systems.
Identifying Critical Surfaces:
Frequently Touched Surfaces:
- Focus on areas that experience high human contact, such as elevator buttons, handrails, and shared electronics. These surfaces are more likely to harbor pathogens due to constant touching. Keep in mind that the porosity of surfaces make a difference. More porous surfaces can harbor pathogens deep down in the pores making it more difficult to address and eliminate the risk. Pre-cleaning, respecting dwell times, using the correct cleaning brush or cloth, and following instructions on labels is paramount.
Food Preparation and Consumption Areas:
- Kitchens, dining tables, and food preparation areas are breeding grounds for bacteria. Regular cleaning and sanitization are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Personal Items:
- Surfaces like mobile phones, keys, and wallets are frequently handled and often overlooked. Incorporate these items into your cleaning routine to reduce the risk of contamination.
Janitorial Tools of the Trade
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your tools, mop buckets, wringers, mop heads and microfiber cleaning cloths and your recovery tank of your automatic scrubber is also recommended. Stop the spread throughout facilities.
Cleaning First Matter!
Pre Cleaning surfaces first is the first step to proper disinfection or sanitizing. Cleaning removes impurities such as dirt, germs and more. This allows the disinfectants or sanitizers to work more efficiently.
Enviro-Solutions® innovative and customized General Purpose and Specialty Cleaners offer concentrated or ready-to-use options to clean the impurities to allow for optimal sanitizing/disinfecting to follow.
Proper Use of Disinfectants and Sanitizers
Unfortunately, the misuse and overuse of disinfectants have become common, highlighting the need for a thoughtful approach to surface hygiene.
Effective use of disinfectants and sanitizers is paramount in preventing infections. Our experts have curated guidelines to ensure that these products are utilized correctly, maximizing their efficiency while minimizing risks. From choosing the right products with the correct detergency for the soil load to implementing proper application techniques, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Common Mistakes with Disinfectant Use:
Overuse of Disinfectants:
- While disinfectants are effective, overusing them can lead to negative consequences. Excessive residual can create a host environment and may contribute to the development of resistant strains of bacteria and harm surfaces, human health and the environment.
Incorrect Application:
- Understanding the proper application of disinfectants is crucial. Many people mistakenly believe that a quick wipe is sufficient, but disinfectants require proper dilutions (always check PPM) and a dwell time to be effective.
Follow the 5 Critical Elements of Disinfectants
Education and Awareness:
- At Charlotte Products, one of our core values is knowledge transfer. We offer training and education on the proper use of cleaning agents and disinfectants. Our Charlotte Product experts are available to help
- We also encourage the adoption of good hygiene practices, such as handwashing, to complement surface cleaning efforts.
Identifying and prioritizing critical surfaces for cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection is key to preventing the spread of infections and promoting human wellness. A thoughtful, balanced approach, coupled with education and sustainability, can lead to healthier environments and communities. By addressing high-risk surfaces and avoiding the overuse of disinfectants, we can create spaces that prioritize human health without compromising the well-being of our planet.