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How To Prepare For A Home/Office Disinfection

Posted on by Gina Kasmas

Looking beyond its pest problems, Australia is a lovely place to live.

Pest management, however, is a requirement nowadays as pests become hazardous, territorial and invasive. Regular pest management is a must. After leaving a property or office unattended for some time, is a time that unwanted pests can begin to infest. Some pests may be hidden, you may not initially realise your home or office is infested with a mischievous pest once you return, so take note.

Among the most common pests found in Australian cities include flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, termites, rodents, and bed bugs. These pests are not only aggravating, but they may also cause structural damage to your home or office and pose health concerns to you, your family and staff members.

The good news is that a skilled pest control treatment may permanently eradicate your pest issues, including the invisible threats that go with them. If you’re thinking about hiring a pest control company, make sure you know what to anticipate and how to prepare your premises.

Besides performing pest treatments, sanitising your home or office is equally important considering the current COVID-19 situation that has affected millions. COVID-19 spreads mostly by contact with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. If they come into contact with an infected individual, the droplets may fall directly into their eyes, mouth, or nose.

COVID-19 can also be transmitted through the air, indoors, congested and improperly ventilated spaces, which poses the highest danger. If a person touches a surface contaminated with the COVID-19 virus and then touches their own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands, they may get infected or sick.

And according to research, the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for prolonged periods.

When someone from your family is sick, or if someone has tested positive for COVID-19 within the confines of your home or office, disinfecting regularly can kill any remaining germs on surfaces and therefore reduce the spread of germs.

Pest Police office sanitising services utilise the most reliable and safe chemicals available today, so call us to discuss your issues and the best choice for your business.

Because of the heightened dangers connected with bacterial and viral pollutants such as Covid-19, our sanitisation and disinfection services for your office may assist to prevent the spread of germs and keep employees safe in the workplace.

 

Assess The Risk

Frequent and thorough cleaning is important for infection prevention, especially in work environments, since dust, dirt, and microorganisms on surfaces can spread infection. 

Check for indications that sub-par cleaning systems are present in your workplace:

  • Accessible floors that are not completely dry.
  • Unattended waste disposal and spills.
  • An accumulation of any product washing residues (reduces slip resistance).
  • Poor cleaning equipment utilised, unsuitable or filthy.
  • Products and processes for improper cleaning.

 

Cleaning

Cleaning is the process of physically removing germs (bacteria and viruses), dirt, and grime from surfaces with a detergent and water solution. A detergent is a surfactant that is used to dissolve oil and grease with water. Anything labelled as detergent will suffice.

Cleaning should begin with the cleanest surface and move to the unclean surface. Surfaces should be left as dry as possible after cleaning to decrease the danger of slips and falls and the spread of viruses and germs through droplets.

It is critical to clean a surface before disinfecting it because dirt and grime can limit the effectiveness of disinfectants to kill bacteria. If the surface has not been cleaned with a detergent beforehand, the disinfectant may not kill the virus.

 

Disinfecting

After cleaning, disinfect the surfaces. On filthy surfaces, disinfectants may not function as well.

Prepare a chlorine-based (bleach) disinfectant or utilise a ready-made disinfectant that promises to destroy viruses. Always follow the label’s directions.

Disinfecting refers to the use of chemicals to destroy microorganisms on surfaces. Cleaning before disinfection is essential because dirt and grime can limit the capacity of disinfectants to kill bacteria. 

Alcohol with a concentration of at least 70%, chlorine bleach in a concentration of 1000 parts per million, oxygen bleach, or wipes and sprays containing quaternary ammonium compounds are suitable for use on hard surfaces (that is, surfaces where any spilt liquid pools and does not soak in). 

These chemicals will be labelled as “disinfectant” on the package and must be diluted or used following the directions on the box to be effective.

 

Bleach Solutions

While chlorine (bleach) solutions are useful, handling bleach can be hazardous. If at all feasible, use a safer alternative.

If you prefer to use a bleach solution, follow these steps:

  • Adhere to the label’s directions
  • Work in a well-ventilated environment and avoid using it in conjunction with other products such as toilet bowl cleaners, acids (including vinegar), or anything containing ammonia.
  • When handling or preparing the solution, use gloves.
  • To protect your eyes from splashes, use protective eyewear.
  • Make the solution regularly and use it mostly on hard, non-porous surfaces – it can harm fabrics and metals.
  • Wipe the surface with the bleach solution using a disposable paper towel or cloth.

 

Protecting Yourself

Take precautions while cleaning or disinfecting. To reduce your chances of contracting coronavirus, you should:

  • maintain excellent hygiene
  • Wear disposable impermeable gloves, a surgical mask, and eye or facial protection.
  • Hands should be washed with soap and water (use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is not available) before and after, and following the use of protective equipment
  • Put gloves and masks in a leak-proof plastic bag and toss them.
  • Wear a full-length disposable gown if you encounter respiratory secretions or other body fluid on surfaces.

If a confirmed case or a person in isolation is in a room that needs to be cleaned, request that they wear a surgical mask.

 

What places should be cleaned and disinfected, and how often should they be done?

Surfaces that are often handled, such as tabletops, countertops, door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, desks, toilets, taps, TV remotes, kitchen surfaces and cabinet handles, phones, EFTPOS machines, and office amenities, should be cleaned first. 

Surfaces that are unclean or have a spill should be cleaned as soon as possible, regardless of when they were previously cleaned.

Surfaces that are often touched should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Workplaces with regularly touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at least once daily. 

If your company has a high volume of clients or visitors each day, it is important to clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly. If your business is only visited by the same small work team every day and has minimal interaction with other people, routine disinfection in addition to daily cleaning may not be necessary.

 

Getting Your House Ready For Disinfection

Here are four ways you may prepare for your home from professional disinfection or sanitation.

1. Safeguard your pets

It’s best to be cautious than sorry when it comes to your pet’s safety. Before starting any home disinfection, take steps to keep your pets safe.

 

Dogs and Cats

If you have pets, consider relocating them for the day or a few hours. If you have neighbours, acquaintances, or family members who can care for the animals while you are undergoing disinfection, please do so. Wet disinfectants can attract curious pets, who will lick them up.

The procedure can also be stressful for a pet’s mental well-being. When visitors in cumbersome gear enter their homes, many domestic dogs suffer anxiety, tension, and fear. Dogs, in particular, may become agitated and disturb the cleaners.

Remove pet beds, water bowls, and toys before your home disinfection to avoid chemicals clinging to them. All pet treats and food should be covered.

 

Caged Animals

Pesticides have the potential to damage fish, snakes, and birds. Caged pets should be relocated or securely covered. Pet food and supplies should also be covered or stored away.

Because certain birds’ respiratory systems are fragile, they may need to be removed from the house during disinfection. If you’re unsure what to do with your caged pet during home disinfection, consult your veterinarian.

 

2. Cover open items

All open objects must be covered or put away before the cleaners come.

Disinfectants can collect on any object left out in the open. It’s preferable to get everything out of the way as soon as possible. Toss out stray items and stuff toys and clothing into closets. Before putting your items away, you might wish to wrap them in plastic.

Brushes, cosmetics, and hairbrushes should all be put away in the restrooms. Take any open food in your kitchen off the counter or table. Keep loose food in your refrigerator or pantry. Silverware, dishes, glasses, and appliances should be covered or packed away.

All bedding and personal items should be removed from the bedrooms. When handling used linen, cleaners should always exercise caution and use personal protective equipment (PPE) – see the section PPE for cleaners below for more information.

Linen does not require particular care, although it should be washed at the highest temperature feasible.

 

3. Rearrange the furnishings

Your cleaners require easy access to your property. After you’ve cleaned up the contaminated areas, rearrange things to make your cleaner’s task simpler.

Remove all of your furniture and appliances from the vicinity of your walls. Large items should be kept at least three to four feet away from walls and windows. This provides greater room for cleaners to disinfect your space.

 

4. Scrub your carpets and floors

For home disinfection, clear hardwood floors and vacuum carpets should be removed. Mopping increases the efficiency and the long-term effects of your home disinfection. Focus on cracks and points of entry.

Once the cleaning is complete, don’t forget to clean your vacuum and other cleaning instruments. Take any clothes and vacuum pouches from outside. Wrap them with plastic before throwing them in the garbage.

 

Cleaning Guidelines

Cleaners should not enter a room while the person in isolation or quarantine is present.

  • Cleaners should wait at least 60 minutes after the individual in isolation or quarantine has left the room before entering the room for cleaning. This ensures that any drops have landed.
  • When possible, open windows, curtains, and balcony doors when cleaning.
  • Remote controls, air conditioning controls, light switches, door handles, and drawer/cupboard handles in the accommodation or residence must be properly and regularly (at least daily) cleaned using a physical wiping motion from the top down.
  • Vacuum soft furnishings such as couches, chairs, and bed heads. If a more thorough clean is necessary, steam cleaning should be utilised.
  • Unless they can be cleaned, all consumables, such as unsealed toilet paper or tissue boxes, should be thrown.
  • Before using the space again, it should be left to air dry.

 

Tips for Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safely and Effectively:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Once you’ve entered the guest room, don’t touch your face or change your face mask or eye protection.
  • Your mask should be entirely on or off and should not dangle from your neck. Always use a mask that covers both your nose and mouth.
  • Ensure that disposable PPE is disposed of immediately after use in a single-use bag that is properly knotted and deposited in the general garbage.

 

Waste Management

  • Under the Queensland Environmental Protection (Trash Management) Regulation 2000, waste from a residence where someone has been isolated due to COVID-19 illness or quarantine is not regulated as medical waste. However, it is still critical that garbage from these locations be treated with care before being discarded.
  • Personal trash, including used tissues, packaging, and masks, should be placed securely within disposable garbage bags in the same room as the individual in isolation or quarantine.
  • Avoid touching the interior of the bag when dealing with garbage. Make sure the trash bag isn’t full to avoid overflowing and use two bags if the contents are moist in case it spills.
  • This garbage can be placed with other general waste (no recycling or green containers) for regular waste collection.
  • Household waste containers should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. If you’re going to use a pedal bin or a plastic bucket, a bin liner is a smart option. Bin liners keep the bin clean and sanitised by preventing it from becoming soiled.
  • After handling trash, it is critical to thoroughly wash your hands and dispose of any personal protective equipment.

 

Key Points

You may not want to be in the house while the cleaners are disinfecting your place. While the disinfectants used are generally safe to you and your pets, you may not want such chemicals mixed with edibles and your aquarium. If you have an aquarium, keep it closed for the duration of the procedure. The general idea is to keep you and your space safe and sound.

Depending on the scope of the challenges that the cleaner must address, the work may take more than it should. Preparing the place helps finish the disinfection process faster and subsequently cause as little disruption as possible to your schedule.

To gain more insight, contact us on how to prepare for a home/office disinfection.