Cleaning and disinfecting commercial spaces are essential practices for both the health and productivity of visitors. Navigating the complexities of properly disinfecting a public environment is essential as spaces such as offices, retail stores, warehouses, and healthcare facilities have different requirements.

Why does proper disinfection matter? Aside from a tidy appearance, a well-maintained commercial space prevents the spread of germs, improves air quality, and ensures health regulation compliance. After COVID, proper disinfection has taken a heightened sense of urgency. Commercial spaces are high- traffic areas, leading to a spread of bacteria, virus, allergens, etc. Additionally, the practice of proper disinfection becomes a legal obligation to spaces in industries such as healthcare or food service.

Difference between cleaning and disinfecting commercial spaces

Cleaning and disinfecting commercial spaces require more than wiping down surfaces. Wiping surfaces with a cloth that has been used repeatedly may only spread germs around rather than eliminate them. Every commercial space requires unique disinfecting needs based on the function. For example, a retail store may require different cleaning procedures than an office building or hospital. High-touch surfaces including door handles, elevators, light switches, and countertops need frequent disinfecting to prevent cross-contamination. Different spaces require different needs. Examples include:

Offices- Office work environments require routine cleaning of desks, cubicles, common meeting areas, and restrooms to ensure proper hygiene.

Retail stores- The high-traffic environment of retail stores require attention to proper disinfection of areas including shopping carts, fitting rooms, and check-out counters.

Healthcare facilities- The cleaning crew of healthcare settings must be trained to address specific areas—such as waiting rooms, examination rooms, or operating theaters—where contamination risks are higher. Strict disinfection protocols and medical-grade disinfectants are needed to reduce the risk of patient cross-contamination.

Selecting the appropriate cleaning products is important as using the wrong ones can do more harm than good. Cleaning products are not all created equally. While many products clean visibly, they may not effectively disinfect pathogens. Products that are EPA-approved are proven to kill harmful viruses and bacteria. Additionally, considering the specific materials within the commercial space is important when choosing cleaning products, surfaces such as stainless steel require specific cleaning agents to avoid damage. Understanding the correct products for each material helps preserve the longevity of your space while ensuring cleanliness.

Many businesses are opting for green cleaning products. Not only is this approach beneficial for the environment, but it can also help improve air quality in indoor spaces, which is particularly important in offices and healthcare facilities.

Cleaning and disinfecting commercial spaces are not tasks to be taken lightly. With the ongoing challenges of maintaining health and safety standards, businesses must take a proactive approach to ensure their environments are hygienic, safe, and conducive to productivity. By considering factors like space-specific needs, appropriate cleaning products, proper cleaning techniques, staff training and sustainability, businesses can ensure they are meeting the diverse demands of a clean and disinfected commercial space.