Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, And Sanitization

We’re more concerned about hygiene and cleanliness than ever before. A clean space is a healthy space, but not all cleaning jobs are undertaken equally.

Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitization all help reduce the spread of infectious bacteria, viruses, and diseases that cause illness and death. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are important and noteworthy differences in the roles they play.

Cleaning VS Sanitization VS Disinfecting

Cleaning

Cleaning removes germs and substances such as dirt and other impurities from an object or environment, typically using soap and water. Cleaning does not kill all germs, bacteria, or viruses. It simply removes or lowers the germ number, which reduces the risk of infection and transmission.

Even if you are later going to disinfect or sanitize an area, it is recommended that you clean with soap and water first to remove any dirt, dust, or particles.

Cleaning is typically used for surfaces such as floors, walls, carpets, and clothing.

Sanitization

Going a step beyond cleaning, sanitization actively kills germs and bacteria to a safe level set by public health and safety standards. Sanitization is required when cleaning a surface that’s come into contact with food but doesn’t protect against all viruses and diseases.

Sanitization is typically used for areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere food has been.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting is used when you need a surface or space clear of ANY bacteria and viruses. A disinfectant kills 99.99% of all microorganisms on contact and is the most effective way to prevent infection and transmission of diseases such as influenza, salmonella, and COVID-19

A disinfectant may not remove dirt or stains, but it will fully decontaminate important high traffic areas such as door handles, chairs, desks, phones, computers, toilets, and sinks.

Fogging For Whole-Room Disinfecting

If you need to disinfect an entire building or room, fogging is one of the most complete and comprehensive ways to remove 99.99% of harmful microorganisms. A ULV (Ultra Low Volume) fogger sprays a fine mist of all-natural disinfectant solutions throughout the room.

Fogging is the only method that guarantees to disinfect every surface and the air. A fogging treatment from Bison Janitorial ensures total and complete disinfection compared to regular cleaning methods that often miss hard to reach areas.

Protection Against Disease And Illness

COVID-19 and other diseases spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Simply touching the same surface or breathing in the air of an infected person can transmit the disease to you and others.

A key way to reduce the risk of exposure, infection, and transmission is through a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection strategy. A thorough and accessible cleaning plan, which may include whole-room fogging, protects you, family, friends, and co-workers from preventable illness and disease.

To keep a safe and hygienic environment, make sure you have a range of cleaning, sanitization, and disinfecting products on hand and make clear guidelines easily accessible.

Bison Janitorial has been serving the Winnipeg community for over 25 years. Our expert team of trained professionals can help you with any janitorial service across any buildings or residence. Our focus is on quality care and customer satisfaction, assuring you that your space will be cleaned and disinfected right the first time.

The post Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, And Sanitization first appeared on Bison Janitorial.

How Fogging And Disinfecting Can Reduce Illness In The Workplace

Hygiene and sanitation standards in the workplace have recently risen to new heights. As employees start returning to work, safe and sanitary workspace have become a top priority. A comprehensive fogging treatment from Bison Janitorial is one of the best ways you can disinfect your workspace, and reduce the chance of illness and absenteeism.

Though it’s been around for years, fogging has gained in popularity as a way to achieve the highest levels of disinfection and sanitation through an entire room.

In this time of heightened sanitary awareness and demand, fogging treatment is a fast, safe, and affordable way to decontaminate your space, and give peace of mind to your employees and customers.

In this article, you’ll learn why fogging is one of the most comprehensive methods for whole room disinfection.

What Is Fogging?

Fogging is the method of disinfecting a space by spraying an ultra-fine mist of disinfectant droplets through the air and onto surfaces.

Originally used to treat highly specialized areas such as hospitals and food processing plants, fogging historically used harsh and toxic chemicals; unsafe for widespread applications. But modern advancements in biotechnology have made it possible for some fogging disinfectants to be 100% organic and non-toxic.

Today’s fogging solution is completely safe for both humans and the environment. Fogging safety has driven the service into the mainstream for use as a standard cleaning method in any business or residence.

Fogging achieves whole room decontamination by it’s even and comprehensive disinfectant application reaching every corner of a room. The mist easily reaches difficult to access areas such as cracks, ceilings, cupboards, and high walls. A fogging treatment eliminates all harmful surface and airborne bacteria and viruses.

How Does Fogging Work?

Fogging uses a UVL (Ultra Low Volume) Fogger machine to convert liquid disinfectant into an ultra-fine vapor. The particles made by the fogger are so small they linger long enough to kill 99.99% of airborne bacteria and microbes in the air as well as surfaces.

Hard to reach areas are often overlooked by traditional cleaning methods but can harbor and spread viruses for long periods. Fogging treatments find and eliminate bacteria anywhere they try to hide.

Fogging is an incredibly effective disinfectant, which protects against a range of bacteria and viruses including:

• Corona Virus (COVID-19)
• Influenza
• Salmonella
• Tuberculosis
• Staphylococcus
• Listeria
• Rotavirus
• Rhinovirus
• Norovirus
• Adenovirus
• HIV

What Are The Benefits Of Fogging?

Germs linger in all spaces, but especially in public and high traffic areas. Over time, all homes, offices, factories accumulate dust, viruses, and bacteria. Fogging applies disinfectant to large areas quickly and evenly, lowering the chance of germs being spread through surfaces or the air.

Some other advantages of fogging include:

Disinfecting Large Areas

Over-the-counter cleaning solutions and sprays are generally ineffective at cleaning larger areas. Cleaning wipes only disinfect easy to access surfaces, and generic spray bottle mist droplets are too large to properly disinfect the air. Fogging treatment sprays an entire room in a fraction of the time other cleaning methods take and kills 99.99% of germs.

Wide Range Of Applications

Fogging can be used in almost any commercial or residential space. Some businesses that benefit from fogging treatment include:

• Schools
• Offices
• Factories
• Homes
• Retail Outlets
• Public Transport
• Aged Care Facilities
• Hospitals
• Restaurants
• Gyms
• Community Centers
• Public Spaces
• And more…

Is Fogging Safe?

Gone are the days of harsh and artificial fogging chemicals. Today’s fogging agents are all-natural, water, and salt-based solutions safe for humans and animals.

Bison Janitorial only uses all-natural organic Anolyte as a fogging solution. Anolyte is food grade, non-corrosive, and safe around your electronics and other non-porous surfaces. Anolyte is completely environmentally friendly, clear, and odorless.

Fogging is a safe, cost-effective, and quick method to disinfecting and decontaminating your entire workspace. Give your employees and customer’s peace of mind to know that the space they occupy has been disinfected using the most comprehensive measures possible.

Bison Janitorial has been serving the Winnipeg community for over 25 years. Our expert team of trained professionals can help you with any janitorial service across any buildings or residence. Our focus is on quality care and customer satisfaction, assuring you that your space will be cleaned and disinfected right the first time.

The post How Fogging And Disinfecting Can Reduce Illness In The Workplace first appeared on Bison Janitorial.

Fogging – Create a Safe Working Environment For Your Employees

As employees begin to return to work, business owners and managers must ensure their working environment is safe and sanitary. Now more than ever, employees and customers are demanding higher sanitation standards for the places they work and visit.

Fogging has quickly emerged as one of the most popular measures an employer can take to quickly and effectively disinfect an entire workspace fast.

Studies have shown that an infected person can spread germs and viruses to an entire office in just 2-4 hours.

You may have cleaners come in for routine cleaning, but eliminating viruses and bacteria that cause illness requires professional services. A fogging treatment is a safe, affordable, and fast way to disinfect even hard to reach areas and the air.

Creating a safe work environment for your employees is easier and safer than it’s ever been. Eliminating viruses, bacteria, and pathogens from the should include a fogging treatment as part of your overall sanitary plan.

What Is Fogging?

Fogging is the method of disinfecting a space by spraying an ultra-fine mist of disinfecting droplets through the air and onto surfaces.

Whole room decontamination with fogging is quick and easy, reaching difficult to access areas such as cracks, ceilings, cupboards, and high walls. A fogging treatment can be used to treat almost any workspace and eliminates surface and airborne pathogens.

It’s essential when returning your workers to the workplace to do everything possible to eliminate any viruses that could be suspended in the air or hiding in hard to reach areas. Fogging plays an essential role in protecting people from a range of diseases and viruses including Salmonella, Influenza, and COVID-19.

Workplace Sanitation Questions

As owners and managers, you’ll need to ask some basic questions including:

• Is my premise virus-free?
• Are the surfaces in my premise safe to touch?
• Is the air clean and free from airborne pathogens?
• What hygiene procedures and bacteria control measures do I need to put in place?
• What is my strategy to implement comprehensive hygiene standards?
• What do I need to do to comply with new sanitization regulations?
• How do I adapt to new and evolving social sanitation standards?

A fogging service will first survey the site using trained specialists. The site survey will provide:

• Risk assessment of the site
• Method statement
• Safe operating procedures

How Does Fogging Work?

A fogging specialist will sanitize the entire site using a ULV (Ultra Low Volume) fogger, spraying a fine mist of all-natural and food safe solution called Anolyte. A trained professional applies the solution throughout the entire premise using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The service systematically cleans every room and reaches all areas and touch-points.

Fogging droplets are so fine that they linger long enough to kill all airborne bacteria as well as on any surface it touches. Fogging is perfect for large areas and disinfects an entire room in under 30 minutes.

When completed, you can be sure that the fogging treatment has eliminated 99.99% of pathogens, bacteria, and viruses from every corner of your workspace. A completion report will provide further detail and assurance that you and your team are maintaining the highest standards of hygiene for your staff and customers.

Bison Janitorial has been serving the Winnipeg community for over 25 years. Our expert team of trained professionals can help you with any janitorial service across any buildings or residence. Our focus is on quality care and customer satisfaction, assuring you that your space will be cleaned and disinfected right the first time.

The post Fogging – Create a Safe Working Environment For Your Employees first appeared on Bison Janitorial.

Tips for Keeping Office Washrooms Clean

Having a clean and sanitary office washroom is essential to operations. This will also show your employees and customers that you truly care about them. If your office bathroom is dirty, people will form an opinion about your company in a negative way. Keep a clean washroom by following the tips below.

 

Create a Schedule

 

It is important to make a schedule for cleaning your office washrooms that you can stick to. Having a schedule will help you in keeping up with the appeal and maintenance and not falling behind. It is important to clean the office bathroom multiple times a week unless you have a significant number of employees and visitors. If that is the case, your washrooms may need to be cleaned daily.

 

Gathering Supplies

 

You should create a list of all cleaning supplies you would like utilized in the cleaning of your office washroom. Some of the items that are essential include color coded cleaning cloths (for different surfaces to avoid cross contamination), glass cleaners, disinfectants and toilet bowl cleaners. Utilize more environmentally friendly options that both are effective and yet easy on  the environment and your employees’ health.

 

Cleaning the Toilets

 

There are many methods that can be utilized for cleaning your toilet bowl. The best way to clean the inside of the toilet is to apply some toilet bowl cleaner into the water, scrub aggressively with a toilet brush being sure to get into all the corners. Let it sit for 2 minutes and then completely flush the solution.  If the toilet does not sparkle simply repeat.  Do not leave this solution in the toilet overnight as it will form a ring in the toilet (dye from the toilet bowl cleaner).  Spray the outside parts of the toilet with disinfectant then wipe it down. Being sure to clean all around the 2 anchor bolts at the base of the toilet.  The toilet has to be clean for sanitation purposes. Many customers will not return if a toilet is not clean and sanitary.

 

Cleaning the Sink

 

The goal of cleaning the sink should be to achieve a shiny sink that is free of debris. Remove hard water stains with a lemon. Use comet to clean the bowl,  if removing coffee stains and toothpastes. Use bathroom cleaners that are environmentally friendly that do not have harsh smells. Make sure that the smell is clean and that there are disinfectant properties in the cleaning supplies.

 

Cleaning the Mirror

 

Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove any smudges from the mirror, including fingerprints, makeup stains and water stains. A more environmentally friendly option is to brew black tea, spraying it and using it as a cleaner on the mirror. Utilize various options until you find one that works for your business’ needs.  There are many environmentally friendly glass cleaners on the market.

 

Cleaning the Floor

 

In most instances, bathroom floors are tile or laminate. You need to ensure that the office or business bathroom does not have that sticky feel to it. Use your floor chemicals as instructed, do not add too much floor soap as this will leave soap residue and cause your floor to become soiled quicker.  Sweep and mop your bathroom at least once. Ensure that all debris comes off of the floor and use a good urine deodorizer to eliminate smells around toilets. These will allow for clean, shiny floors.

 

Utilize the tips listed above to develop a great bathroom cleaning strategy for your business or office. Ensure that customers and employees have a great experience while at your business. A clean bathroom is the way to appeal to both customers and employees.

 

How Cleanliness in The Workplace Leads to Increased Productivity

People understand the importance of keeping their home environments clean, but cleanliness is also an important factor in the workplace. Even relatively clean operations can create a buildup of dust, dirt and molds that make a working environment unhealthy and less productive. Here are a few important facts to know about how important a clean workplace can be to your operation.

 

Cleanliness Fosters Less Clutter & Greater Safety

Workers attend to their organizational habits a little more when they have a clean workplace. The clean work area makes them feel more comfortable doing their daily tasks and try a little harder to maintain a tidier work area. This habit allows them to work more productively, keeping track of needed materials so they are available when they need them. In addition, dirty work areas can cover up safety hazards that can cause injuries to workers. Regular cleaning helps to ensure that hazards do not get overlooked.

 

Workers Can Focus on Serving Customers

A clean workspace also allows them to focus on their daily tasks, serving customers or providing the support needed to ensure that clients are taken care of in a timely manner. Workers don’t have to stop what they are doing to “dust off” work items or stop to remove dirt from their clothing to maintain a good appearance. As a result, cleanliness allows increased productivity and better customer relations.

 

Cleanliness Improves Safety and Worker Health

Dust and dirt from the outdoors can accumulate quickly in a business environment. The constant opening and closing of doors and carrying dirt on shoes in from the outdoors can spread easily throughout frequently used work areas. Dust and germs can increase the risk from respiratory problems in some individuals, which can mean more asthma attacks, lung infections and other illnesses that can mean missed workdays. Molds that grow on surfaces can also cause respiratory and skin problems. Breakrooms may be particularly susceptible to germs because of food debris that can harbor salmonella or other contaminants. Bathrooms are another source of germ outbreaks. Routine cleaning in these areas can help to reduce the likelihood that outbreaks of illness will affect your workplace.

 

Cleanliness reflects on the business and the people who work there. An employer that ensures workers have a clean work environment shows respect for their workforce, their customers and their own image. The benefits of a clean workspace extend to worker’s health and wellbeing, making it an important way to ensure a happy and productive workforce. 

 

Tips to Keep Your Office Clean

Having a clean office is the key to maintaining a healthy environment. Customers do not want to come into an unsightly office and employees do not want to work in one. Follow the office cleaning tips below to ensure your office remains clean.

 

1. Cluttered Desks

 

Maintaining a clutter free desk will assist in the cleanliness of the office and will assist you in remaining organized. Clutter only makes your job more difficult. At the end of each day, be sure to organize your desk to ensure that it is clutter free.

 

2. Food Mess

 

Eating at your desk can cause more to clean as crumbs and spills accumulate. These spills could turn into stains and larger messes as well. Try to eat where there are designated areas to eat such as outside or in the break room.

 

3. Attack on Germs

 

Germs are everywhere, especially when dust accumulates. Dust can accumulate on many surfaces including electronics, desks and shelves. Be sure to wipe down the dust from these areas with a multipurpose cloth at least weekly in order to maintain a healthy office.

 

4. Learn the Word Antibacterial

 

Germs spread easily in tight environments, including office environments. Utilize antibacterial products throughout the office including hand sanitizer to keep employees’ hands clean. Also use antibacterial sprays and wipes for cleaning purposes to rid the office of germs.

 

5. Common Areas

 

Everyone should do their part in maintaining the cleanliness of common areas such as break rooms. If you notice clutter or crumbs in the area, take a few minutes to straighten the area or wipe it down. If you notice dishes, you could even do some of the dishes.

 

6. Trash

 

Trash should be emptied daily in order to eliminate the spread of bacteria and bad odors. Every individual should do their part in ensuring trash is taken out including taking out the trash at their own desks. Rotate who takes it to the dumpster if your office does not have janitorial services.

 

7. Clean All Spaces

 

Ensure that you are cleaning every space and that every space is easily within reach. Avoid hard to reach areas such as gaps between furniture. Make the office as easy to maintain cleanliness as possible.

 

8. Floors

 

Office floors can easily become cluttered and dirty with many people walking across them and office supplies falling on them. Be sure to sweep or vacuum daily and mop weekly. This will keep office floors safe and will give them a good appearance for employees and visitors.

 

9. Your Area

 

You should not expect anyone else to have to clean up your area. It is your responsibility to keep it organized and clean daily. If everyone does their part in their area, the office will have a much cleaner environment.

 

10. Hire Janitorial Services

 

Many employees are so busy that they often neglect cleaning. Hire janitorial services to maintain cleaning services such as Bison Janitorial Services LTD. Follow these office cleaning tips and contact Bison Janitorial Services LTD. to ensure your office maintains a good appearance and remains clean.

 

Tips on Keeping Commercial Kitchens Clean

Cleanliness is key in a commercial kitchen. This is important for restaurant kitchens, hotel kitchens and corporate kitchens. Keeping a commercial kitchen clean is essential to preventing the spread of illnesses and food borne illnesses. It is important to clean certain parts daily, weekly and monthly. Follow the tips on keeping commercial kitchens clean below.

 

1. Countertops and Other Surfaces

 

Countertops and hard surfaces are where most bacteria grow. These areas need to be cleaned at least a few times everyday. Wipe down the entire area, including under items stored on the surfaces, with disinfectant and a microfiber cloth. You can also utilize a dish brush and soapy water to scrub the surface to remove dried food and spills. Tiles can be cleaned with tile disinfectants.

 

2. Appliances and Equipment

 

There are specific steps that need to be taken to clean each of your appliances and equipment. Fryers should be boiled once or twice per week and ovens should be wiped down weekly. Cooktops should be scrubbed with disinfectants daily and grills should be brushed off after every use. Refrigerators should be cleaned every week for spills. They should also have their condenser coils cleaned and vacuumed every few months.

 

3. Exhaust Hoods and Vents

 

Airflow can be limited when there is built up grease and grime in the hoods and vents. These should be washed out at least monthly but more if fryers are used daily. Filters should be cleaned according to the owner’s manual. If the filters are damaged, replace them as soon as possible.

 

4. Floors, Walls and Ceilings

 

Grime and grease can get on floors, walls and ceilings as well. Floors should be cleaned daily by sweeping, mopping with vinegar and water or cleaning solutions and degreasers if there are major spills. Walls and ceilings should be cleaned every couple of weeks by scrubbing with degreasers and cleaning solutions via microfiber cloths and bristle brushes. Any splatters that go on the walls and ceiling should be cleaned immediately.

 

5. Sinks

 

Keep sinks spotless as they are utilized to clean dishes and ingredients. Daily use disinfectants and microfiber cloths to clean off the sinks. De-lime the sinks weekly. Degreasers can be utilized to clean out pipes and drains every few months as it is certain that grease and grime will go down the drains.

 

6. Storage Areas

 

Storage areas should be cleaned twice a year. Storage areas include racks, shelves, closets and cupboards. Remove all items, dust the area and wipe off any crumbs with a microfiber cloth. Scrub away stains with a cleaner and bristle brush. Vinegar and soapy water will also clean away stains.

 

Maintaining a clean commercial kitchen is essential to the success of the food sector part of your business. Whether you own a restaurant or corporation, cleaning the commercial kitchen will ensure health and safety to all employees and customers. Utilize the tips listed above to clean every part of your commercial kitchen on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.