“Thorough cleaning is required by high-level disinfection and sterilization.” Too often, in offices and our homes, we think wiping down with a paper towel is sufficient to clean an area. Not so! Viruses, bacteria, or infectious disease lurk in our keyboards, worktops, and throughout our homes.

Effective cleaning and hygiene require following the best practices, from using high-quality disinfectants to wiping with a microfiber cloth.

This article will cover 10 best practices for cleaning to prevent infectious conditions. Follow these practices to protect your colleagues, friends, and family from it.

What are Contagious Diseases?

It refers to any condition caused by an organism — like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. While some microorganisms live in and on our bodies, most are harmless (or beneficial). Some, however, will cause a disease, alerting the immune system and becoming transmitted from person to person.

There are four main types of infectious agents:

1. Viral infection: Caused by viruses, such as the common cold, flu, monkeypox, and COVID-19.

2. Bacterial infection: Caused by bacteria, including strep throat, urinary tract infections, and Lyme disease.

3. Fungal infection: Resulting from fungi, like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections.

4. Parasitic infection: Caused by parasites, such as malaria, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis.

Effective cleaning practices play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of these infections.

10 Cleaning Tips for Preventing Infectious Diseases

Implementing effective cleaning practices can significantly reduce the risk of it in your home or workplace. Here are 10 essential cleaning tips to help prevent the spread of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections.

1. Use High-Quality Cleaning Products

Choose EPA-registered home cleaning services that utilize cleaning products to eliminate various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. For optimal results, carefully read the labels and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper use, dilution, and recommended contact time.

2. Keep Rooms Ventilated

Good ventilation helps reduce the concentration of airborne pathogens and promotes better air quality. Open windows and doors whenever possible to allow fresh air to circulate. Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove particles and contaminants from the air.

3. Try a Microfiber Cloth

Utilizing microfiber cloths instead of traditional clothes or rags is essential for effective infection control as they are highly efficient in capturing and eliminating dust, dirt, and germs. These versatile clothes can dry or dampen with water or a cleaning solution. It is important to wash microfiber cloths to ensure their ongoing effectiveness regularly.

4. Sanitize After Disinfecting

Disinfecting kills pathogens on surfaces, but sanitizing reduces their numbers to a safe level. After using a disinfectant, follow up with a sanitizer to minimize the risk of it. Remember to use sanitizers safe for food contact surfaces, like kitchen countertops.

5. Clean High-Touch Surfaces

Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, railings, buttons, and light switches. Multiple people frequently touch these areas and can harbor germs that contribute to the spread of contagious diseases.

6. Launder All Fabrics

Wash bedding, towels, and other fabrics regularly to remove dirt, dust, and potential pathogens. Use the warmest water setting recommended by the manufacturer and dry items thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean and disinfect laundry hampers and baskets as well.

7. Disinfect Carpets, Rugs, and Drapes

Carpets, rugs, and drapes can trap and harbor allergens, dust, and pathogens. Vacuum them regularly using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Periodically steam clean carpets and rugs, and launder or dry clean drapes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

8. Wear Gloves and Other Protective Equipment

When dealing with a viral infection or contagious situation, it is crucial to prioritize personal safety by wearing disposable gloves and other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). These precautions safeguard you from direct contact with pathogens and harsh cleaning chemicals. After use, dispose of the gloves diligently and adequately wash your hands with soap and water to ensure thorough hygiene.

9. Sanitize Countertops Twice a Day

Kitchen and bathroom countertops can accumulate germs quickly, especially in busy households. Clean and sanitize them at least twice daily, particularly around sinks, faucets, and appliances.

10. Avoid Paper Towels and Towelettes

While they may seem convenient, paper towels and disposable towelettes can be less effective in removing pathogens from surfaces compared to reusable microfiber cloths. They also contribute to waste and can be more expensive in the long run.

Why You Should Hire Professional Cleaning Services

While maintaining a clean environment through regular cleaning practices is essential, hiring cleaning services can provide extra protection against diseases. Professional cleaners are trained and equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle deep cleaning tasks and ensure a comprehensive approach to infection control.

Expertise and Experience

They have extensive experience in dealing with a wide range of pathogens and are up-to-date with the latest cleaning techniques and industry best practices. They can identify potential problem areas and implement targeted cleaning strategies to minimize the risk of infection.

Access to Advanced Equipment and Products

Professional cleaners with advanced equipment and commercial-grade products are crucial in preventing hospital-acquired infection. These specialized tools and solutions, often inaccessible to the average consumer, provide an additional advantage in achieving meticulous cleaning and disinfection of the space.

Customized Cleaning Plans

They can tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of your home or business, considering factors such as the size and layout of the space, the type of surfaces and materials, and the level of activity or foot traffic.

Time and Resource Savings

Using a specialized cleaning service can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other important tasks or simply enjoy a clean and healthy living or working environment.

United Restoration — A Deep Cleaning Company

Preventing the spread of an infectious disease involves a mix of routine cleaning and focused deep cleaning efforts. At United Restoration, we offer exceptional home and commercial disinfection services that adhere to the highest standards of preventing and controlling diseases.

Our skilled team employs premium products, cutting-edge equipment, and tried-and-true methods to create a clean and secure atmosphere for your home or office.

Contact us today if you seek expert cleaning services to safeguard your loved ones, employees, or clients from infection risks.