The lasting impact of COVID-19 on the cleaning industry

COVID-19 HAS vastly changed the way that we do things based on the latest government guidelines, restrictions and public concern over the spread of viruses. As we begin to move into the so-called “new normal”, the cleaning industry will need to continue to adapt to ensure that all necessary steps are taken for an effective clean and to ensure that the disinfection of surfaces is done correctly to get rid of unwanted microorganisms. 

One of the biggest challenges brought on by the pandemic, has been the increased demand for the visibility of cleaning. Whilst cleaning regimes have always been in place for businesses in all sectors, the increased public awareness of how germs and viruses can spread has put pressure on businesses to be more visible in their cleaning activities. Rather than after hours cleaning, which has generally been the norm, having a physical presence when people are making use of facilities has become key to instilling and maintaining the confidence of customers. 

Sanitising and disinfecting

With the influx of disinfectants, there has been an increased focus on the difference between sanitising and disinfecting. The key difference is that sanitising lowers the number of germs on a surface level to a safe level for human use, reducing 99.9% of germs. However, sanitising alone does not remove viruses. For the removal of viruses, it is essential to use a disinfectant after cleaning.

The chemicals within disinfectants are able to eliminate 99.999% of bacteria, germs and viruses. Moving forwards, the focus on disinfecting as well as sanitising that has been brought into effect by COVID-19, is likely to continue as facility owners expect a continued level of deep cleaning. Disinfecting without thoroughly cleaning first is ineffective.

To support businesses uncertain of the impact of germs, preventative and intermediate cleaning should be introduced. Preventative cleaning is more effective that just daily cleaning alongside intermittent deep cleans and ensures that the levels of germs within key spaces are reduced to a safe level.

Prevention is better than a cure!

The essentials

When making use of disinfectants as part of intermediate cleaning the correct processes must be followed to safeguard results. It is essential to first clean with water and detergent to remove impurities, such as dust and dirt, only then can disinfection, the process that destroys and reduces the number of pathogenic micro-organisms, take place. 

For effective application of disinfectants over large spaces, products such as Kärcher’s PS 4/7, can ensure an even distribution over a vast area. Misters spray disinfectant under pressure to deliver excellent performance on all surfaces by providing an even and consistent spray rate that covers surfaces and floors without interruption. The spray is able to get into inaccessible nooks where disinfection is difficult to achieve with wiping, adding an additional layer of surface cleaning for hard-to-reach areas. 

As mentioned previously, it is essential to ensure that you first clean with water and detergent prior to disinfecting with a mister.  Skipping the cleaning stage will leave impurities on the surface you wish to disinfect, preventing you from being able to carry out the disinfection stage with confidence. Whilst lockdown restrictions begin to ease, ensuring public spaces and facilities are cleaned effectively is a must. An emphasis on correct practice and maintain the disinfection of surfaces will go a long way to building public confidence as they look to reuse facilities.  

Daniel Took is head of professional product marketing at Kärcher

For more information visit www.karcher.co.uk