Common Questions Answered COVID-19 Cleaning

Our commercial cleaning team continues to support over 300 sites across Australia during the pandemic and customers are always reaching out with questions. Most are asking about how they can affordably protect their staff, their facility, and their customers from the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Whilst our number one recommendation is always to maintain good hygiene and a clean workplace. We thought we would share some of the most asked Questions and Answers here.

#1. What is the best way to clean surfaces during COVID-19?

A combination of general cleaning and disinfection will be most effective in removing the COVID-19 virus.

General cleaning means physically removing germs, dirt and grime from surfaces using a detergent and water solution or surface sanitiser.

Disinfecting means using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. It’s important to clean before disinfecting because dirt and grime can reduce the ability of disinfectants to kill the germs. The following disinfectants are suitable for use on hard surfaces (alcohol in a concentration of at least 70%, chlorine bleach in a concentration of 1000 parts per million, oxygen bleach, or wipes and sprays that contain quaternary ammonium compounds). Chemicals are labelled ‘disinfectant’ on the packaging and must be diluted or used following the instructions on the packaging to be effective.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has published a list of disinfectant products that are permitted to claim they are effective against COVID-19.

#2. Are there any products that offer extended protection after cleaning?

Yes, in addition to regular cleaning and disinfection practices, facilities can choose to apply an added layer of protection to surfaces using a surface protectant such as ZOONO® Z-71 Microbe Shield. This type of product works by coating the surface with a layer of positively charged molecular pins. The protective layer attaches to the surface using a covalent bond that attracts and kills negatively charged pathogens by rupturing their cells.

When pathogens touch the surface, they pop and are destroyed, which means they can’t affect you, and they can’t evolve or mutate into superbugs. What’s more, this clever popping action is effective on 99.9% of germs. Look at Z-71 latest test results against Coronavirus strain MHV-3, Genu Betacoronavirus (same genus and family of species SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2/COVID19 and MERS), Influenza Virus A (H1N1) and Norovirus (MNV).

#3. How frequently do we need to clean and disinfect a space?

Safe Work Australia recommends facilities are cleaned daily. Cleaning with detergent and water is usually sufficient for general cleaning. Once clean, surfaces can be disinfected to assisting in the removal of harmful contaminants. When and how often your workplace should be disinfected depends on the prospect of contaminated material or substances being present. We always recommend that our customers prioritise cleaning and disinfection of surfaces considered high touchpoints (many people touching during 24-hour period).

#4. What surfaces are considered high touchpoints (HTP)?

Any frequently touched surfaces can be considered HTP and should be regularly cleaned and disinfected (once per day is preferred). These areas can include tables/desks, counters, door and cupboard handles, light switches, elevator buttons, toilets, tapware, lockers, trolleys, TV and AC remotes, kitchen surfaces, phones, EFTPOS machines and workplace amenities.

What should we do if we have a case of COVID-19 in our facility?

If your facility has a case of COVID-19, your state or territory health authority should provide you with advice on what you need to do. We recommend you follow these instructions and contact our team if you need emergency decontamination support. Your facility will need to be comprehensively cleaned and disinfected before people reoccupy the premises.

If you need any advice or commercial cleaning and facility support, get in touch with our highly experienced team on 1800 807 057 or via enquiries@eatons.com.au