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Contributed by CloroxPro

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a spotlight has been shone on disinfecting, as well as the teams that execute disinfecting protocols. Knowing the heightened attention and pressure janitorial teams are now under, as well as the emphasis on disinfection, CloroxPro offers five tips to help cut through the noise.

Ben Walker, CloroxPro partner, professional cleaning consultant and chief strategy officer for ManageMen, Inc., shared the following tips for cleaning crews to help implement effective and efficient cleaning and disinfection protocols:

Get back to basics

Develop and implement a standardized, everyday cleaning protocol for teams to follow. This allows for an easier training process and teams know what to expect each day.

Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting

Educate your team on the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting, including when each is appropriate. This understanding will facilitate the proper implementation of protocols.

Standardize the disinfecting products your team uses

Limit the number of cleaning and disinfecting products your team uses where possible. For example, select a broad-spectrum disinfectant with appropriate kill claims that can be used throughout multiple areas of your facility. By doing so, your team does not need to be trained on numerous products reducing risk of error, improper use and/or breaches in protocol because teams can focus on learning and knowing one or two products in depth vs. having to know several products.

Implement training sessions on each product

Consistent training is imperative for the success of janitorial teams to ensure they know how to properly use cleaning and disinfecting products. Trainings should cover what each product is (e.g. an all-purpose cleaner, germicidal cleaner, or a disinfectant) and the differences between them to how to read product labels to where and how to use each product.

Treat disinfecting as part of the cleaning process

Cleaning is a wholistic process and disinfection is only one part of the process. It is imperative your team follows Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for disinfection amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but remember the first-step of cleaning is equally as important. Without cleaning and the removal of soil and gross matter, disinfectants may not work as intended.