Cleaning and disinfecting are vital routines for winter in order to prevent infectious diseases and keep your environment safe.

It is important to clean before disinfecting. Cleaning alone will not remove all the dirt, dust, and grime from the surfaces. Disinfecting surfaces that are already clean helps prevent the spreading of bacteria and viruses. By cleaning first, you reduce the number of chemicals needed to clean the surface. This saves on costs and supports the environment. Using environmentally cleaning supplies will also mitigate the risks associated with harsh chemicals that may be found in regular cleaning products.

Keep reading to learn more on the importance of cleaning before disinfecting and how to do it effectively!

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting? 

Cleaning is the removal of visible dirt and debris from surfaces. Disinfecting is the use of chemicals to kill germs. Although cleaning alone does not necessarily kill all germs, it does reduce their numbers and the risk of illness associated with these germs. Both cleaning and disinfecting are important for keeping surfaces safe and free of harmful germs.

Cleaning is the first step in the disinfection process. Surfaces must be free of dirt before they can be properly disinfected. If surfaces are not cleaned first, the disinfectant may not work effectively. In some cases, cleaning and disinfecting can be done at the same time. However, it is generally recommended that cleaning be done first, followed by disinfecting.

What needs cleaning and sanitizing?

There are a number of things that need to be cleaned and sanitized in public areas such as corporate and schools. This includes all surfaces that come into contact with people such as desks, chairs, door handles, and countertops. Electronic items like computers and printers should also be taken into consideration. In addition, any shared spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and break rooms need to be kept clean and sanitary. In order to prevent the spread of germs, clean and sanitize these areas on a regular basis.

How to clean with environmental cleaning supplies before disinfecting 

Before you get started, make sure that you wear the proper types of gear such as disposable face masks, gloves, and goggles to protect yourself. Next, it’s important to use the correct cleaning tools to optimize the cleaning process. On hard brick or wooden floors, a good old mop, broom, and dustpan will do the trick. For the carpet, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner to clear out the debris before using a carpet cleaning product. Ensure that the cleaning agents you use are carpet-friendly as some chemicals can damage your carpets. Our LEED-certified sanitary and disinfecting supplies will help maintain your space in top-notch condition while keeping your health and the environment safe.

Once the area is properly cleaned, use a disinfectant to get rid of the remaining germs. There are many different disinfectant types to pick from, depending on the surface you use. For small but high-touch areas such as doorknobs or light switches, it is recommended to use disinfectant wipes or spray. For electronic devices such as computers or copy machines, always spray the disinfectant onto a cloth first and then wipe those devices with the wet cloth, in order to avoid damaging them. Leave the surface wet for a proper amount of time depending on the product’s instruction, and don’t mix products or chemicals as they can react with each other and release toxins. The disinfectants are made with ingredients that can kill up to 99.9% of the germs.

At Busy Bee, we have a full range of environmental cleaning and disinfecting supplies that are not only good for the environment but also ensure your safety. Call us today at (604)-882-8711 or email us at orderdesk@busy-bee.ca.