Why Our Coronavirus White Paper Is Still So Pertinent

Earlier this year, we released a White Paper, Cleaning in the Post-Coronavirus Environment.

At that time, it appeared we had gotten on top of this pandemic. Cases, at least in Illinois, were down significantly, schools and businesses were reopening, and overall, there was a general belief we would be getting back to normal relatively soon.

That does not appear to be the case today. 

Whether we are experiencing a “new wave” of the pandemic, or just a powerful resurgence of the first wave, we do not know. However, what is clear to me is that many of the points made in this White Paper are as important today – and moving forward – as they were several months ago.

For instance, in the White Paper, we highlighted the following:

1.   Why building owners and managers can no longer accept "good enough" cleaning of their facilities

2.   Why we can no longer select cleaning contractors based on price alone

3.   Why cleaning procedures, methods, and products used need a complete review

We also pointed why the following are so crucial, especially at this time:

Supply Stability: The importance of having the necessary supplies on hand to address an emergency. We learned from COVID that some of the supplies we use all the time could become exceedingly difficult to acquire. Further, emergencies can result in a higher demand for the supplies we do have in stock. This can rapidly result in product shortages, which can negatively impact cleaning effectiveness.

Product Analysis: Along with ensuring we have enough products on hand for an emergency, we must also be sure we have the right products in stock to address a crisis and know how to use them. This especially applies to disinfectants. These products often differ as to the application, dilution, what pathogens they kill or do not kill, how long they must dwell on surfaces, and other factors as well as if they have been approved for use to kill the pathogens that cause COVID-19.

Credential Analysis: Going forward, training and education of cleaning workers will become imperative, and when hiring a cleaning contractor, building owners/managers must be sure their workers have the credentials and certifications necessary to prove they have undergone proper training.

Frequency Analysis: All too often, facilities that should be cleaned five nights per week are only cleaned two or three times per week. This reduces cleaning effectiveness and with it puts building users at risk. Due to COVID, building owners/managers may need to increase cleaning frequencies to ensure surfaces are cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected as often as they should be.

I also emphasized that the sooner we move from price-based cleaning to quality-based effective cleaning, and in particular, cleaning for health, the better we all will be.

Always remember:

View quality cleaning as an investment. It pays dividends by protecting the health of building users and by keeping businesses and facilities functioning. 

To read the White Paper in its entirety, click here.