These past few months we have all been hyper-aware of the threat of illness, but as we enter into cold and flu season, it’s more important than ever to stay diligent about cleaning and disinfecting to keep your family and employees healthy. According to the CDC, while cold and flu viruses are detected year-round, viral infection is most common in the winter and fall months, beginning in October and peaks in December.
Health experts tell us we can make efforts to stay healthy in the upcoming months by doing the following:
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Eat a wholesome diet of plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Get sufficient sleep.
- Exercise regularly.
- Stay home if you don’t feel well.
Additionally, keeping your environment clean and disinfected can also play a major role in keeping homes and offices safe. It’s important to know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing.
- Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
- Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.
- Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
CLEAN AND DISINFECT HIGH TOUCH SURFACES
Keeping high touchpoints like desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, faucet handles, phones, and toys disinfected will help slow the spread of germs and viruses. But keep in mind that disinfection on a high touch surface doesn’t last long. As soon as it is touched with dirty hands or coughed on, it becomes recontaminated.
Consider applying an antimicrobial shield like Carpet Tech’s CT Shield. CT Shield coats surfaces with a protective barrier to prevent the growth of microbes, protecting your home or office for up to 90 days after disinfection.
ROUTINE PROFESSIONAL DISINFECTING
Most studies have shown that the flu virus can live and potentially infect a person for up to 48 hours after being deposited on a surface. Even daily wipe downs cannot reach all the germs on all the surfaces.
Professional disinfecting companies like Carpet Tech use electrostatic sprayers. Electrostatic sprayers apply a positive charge to liquid disinfectants as they pass through the nozzle. This generates charged droplets that repel one another and actively seek out surfaces, which they stick to and even wrap around to coat all sides. This is an effective and effective means for routine disinfecting to maintain a healthy environment.
Further, professional disinfecting can provide security and peace of mind for employees and families. Don’t miss the value of communicating the steps you are taking internally and externally to keep your family and business patrons healthy during this cold and flu season. People want to know the building they are entering is safe and increasingly they only do business with those who care enough to clean.
Consider how you can best protect and communicate safety this cold and flu season. Carpet Tech can help develop a customized cleaning and disinfecting plan for you and give you the resources to communicate cleanliness and safety in your business.
