7 Things to Know About the Best Way to Disinfect an Office

Keeping our surroundings clean and safe is crucial. When it comes to the best way to disinfect an office, understanding the ins and outs of this common practice is important.

During the pandemic, the purchase of disinfectant wipes and cleaning products rose by 12%. However, disinfection is not always necessary, and in some cases, it can actually be overkill to the point of being harmful.

Disinfecting is typically only necessary in healthcare settings as it kills 99.999% of viable pathogens, whereas sanitizing kills 99.9% of microorganisms.

For more information on the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting, check out our blog on Sick Building Syndrome.

In this blog, we’ll explore seven important things you need to know about disinfecting, examining both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this critical practice.

1. Knowing When Disinfecting is Necessary:

One of the first things to understand is when disinfecting is necessary. The purpose of disinfecting an office is to eliminate harmful microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of infections.

Disinfection also helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases in crowded spaces. However, it is important to note that disinfecting is not cleaning; it is important to clean the surface first, before applying a disinfectant.

2. Different Types of Disinfectants:

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to disinfecting. Various disinfectants are available, each with its pros and cons. Common options include alcohol-based disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach.

While they effectively kill germs, they each have advantages and disadvantages, such as their potentially harmful fumes or the need for proper ventilation during use.

3. Contact Time Matters:

One critical factor to consider is the contact time needed for disinfectants to work. The best way to disinfect an office is to ensure that the disinfectant stays in contact with surfaces for the recommended duration.

Chemical disinfectants are heavy-duty and need to rest on a surface for 10 minutes for optimal effectiveness. Rushing the process might result in inadequate disinfection.

4. Surface Compatibility:

Not all disinfectants are suitable for every surface. Using the wrong disinfectant on a particular material can damage it. It’s essential to read product labels and understand the compatibility of disinfectants with various surfaces.

5. Overuse and Resistance:

While disinfecting is sometimes necessary, overusing or misusing disinfectants can have adverse effects. Excessive use can lead to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms.

This can cause antibiotic-resistant germs and can make them harder to eliminate in the long run. It’s a delicate balance between maintaining a clean environment and avoiding the overuse of disinfectants.

6. Environmental Concerns:

Disinfectants can have an impact on the environment. Some chemicals in disinfectants can be harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems if not disposed of properly.

It’s important to follow guidelines for safe disposal and consider using eco-friendly disinfectants whenever possible.

7. The Human Factor:

Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that the best way to disinfect an office, or any space, is with the involvement of everyone in the area.

Educating employees or family members about proper hygiene practices and the importance of disinfection can contribute significantly to maintaining a clean and safe environment.

The best way to disinfect an office, home, or any public space involves a thoughtful and informed approach.

While disinfection effectively eliminates harmful microorganisms, it’s essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks, including the risk of overuse and environmental concerns.

By understanding these aspects of disinfection, we can strike a balance that ensures our surroundings remain clean, safe, and sustainable.

If you’re interested in contracting commercial cleaners who are knowledgeable about when disinfecting is needed, or when cleaning or sanitizing will suffice, look no further than Metropolitan. With over 40 years in the business and an average customer retention of 14 years, we’re a safe bet!