Disinfecting

CEO Shares Home Cleaning and Disinfecting Tips

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Good Morning Arkansas

Interview with Corvus Janitorial CEO Justin Douglas

Corvus Janitorial Systems’ founder and co-CEO, Justin Douglas, sat down with KATV ABC7: Good Morning Arkansas’ Alyson Courtney to discuss cleaning and disinfecting your home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This interview aired on April 13, 2020.

Reporter:

Well, now more than ever cleaning services and cleaning thoroughly are vital. Cleaning expert Justin Douglas has been in the cleaning and janitorial business for more than 20 years and has some helpful tips to keep you from making some cleaning mistakes.

Courtney:

Justin, yes you guys are vitally important. The janitorial services that we just kind of took for granted for a long time. Really now, at the forefront of this pandemic, we need those cleaning services now more than ever. For people at home, what are some of the things that we need to keep in mind as we’re trying to clean our own homes?

Douglas:

Well, I think one of the big things that people need to be aware of is their schedule, what they’re cleaning, how often, and being aware of those high touchpoints. That’s where the germs and the disinfecting, of course, need to take place because everyone in your home is handling those items and objects.

Courtney:

There’re some mistakes out there that I’m sure that you notice as a professional in this business that a lot of us at home are making. Talk about some of those big mistakes.

Douglas:

Yeah, I think the biggest mistake that people are making has to do with the chemicals as well as the application of them. So, you want to clean a surface, but then you need to disinfect it. And when you’re doing that, you need to let the chemical dwell to have enough time to kill whatever it needs to kill–in this case, it’s a virus or bacteria. So, that two-step process is critical.

The other thing that I think people are making mistakes about is re-infecting areas that are clean. So, the frequency of cleaning those surfaces, how you’re cleaning them, again just being mindful of the fact that you may clean something in the morning, but it may need to be hit again in the afternoon and the evening as many times as possible. You know, avoiding re-infecting areas.

Courtney:

The dirtiest parts of our homes might not necessarily be where we think they are.

Douglas:

That’s right. I mean, what people have typically thought about cleaning–vacuuming the floors, trash–that, of course, is also still important, but you know, it’s become very different now.

I think that appliances are probably the dirtiest places in the house. And specifically, washing machines, dryers, and quite frankly, your trash bin because that’s where soiled materials are going to go. It’s just not a part of our regular routine so we’re reminding people that of course, you’re hitting the appliances as we said, but anywhere that soiled materials–rags, cloths, paper towels– that you’ve used to clean are going now needs to be cleaned too.

Courtney:

Let’s talk about the products that we use to clean and disinfect our homes. It’s been hard to find some of those products lately because everyone has gone out to get the Lysol and the disinfecting wipes. What should we be using and what should we use if we can’t necessarily find what we would typically like to use?

Douglas:

Yeah, so I think the supply chain is catching up. But certainly, people went out and bought in bulk and that’s understandable. In terms of a disinfectant, you want to be using an EPA certified disinfectant. The CDC is a great resource for people out there, and they have a list of all of these types of cleaning chemicals that you can use.

You know, in the event that you can’t get something at the store, there are home remedies. I think the thing that your viewers should be very careful about is mixing those home remedies, just as a disclaimer. But bleach is a disinfectant that you can use that the CDC is recommending and you need to dilute it with water correctly. And so is hydrogen peroxide.

Then, there are some more basic remedies, but I don’t think that they’re ideal for this sort of pandemic. White vinegar, for instance, has some disinfecting properties, but EPA certified disinfectant followed by bleach and hydrogen peroxide.

Courtney:

Let’s talk about disinfecting things that we bring into our homes. First off, we have our shoes on. Should we be leaving those outside? Then, as we bring in mail, packages, groceries, should we specifically be disinfecting each of those items?

Douglas:

Yes. And, I think that’s where people break down in terms of their vigilance, if you will. When groceries arrive, when packages come, I mean, frankly, it’s almost the only interaction we’re having with the outside world right now and I think people get excited. But the delivery people who are just as critical, I think, as janitors right now are out in the world and not social distancing.

So, what I think is really important is to set up almost a manufacturing line in your home. If you get home and you get packages, if you can leave them outside for a period of time, put them in your garage, put them somewhere safe. Quarantine those packages, quite frankly, for a period of time and then once that’s elapsed go out and disinfect it with a Lysol or a disinfectant. Then, also, get rid of the packaging that whatever you’ve ordered has come in. Or, if in the case of groceries, if you can take your strawberries from one of those plastic containers and put them into clean Tupperware, that’s what you really need to be doing. So, it’s the chemical, but it’s also the awareness about [the] order of operations for bringing outside objects into your home.

Courtney:

And Justin, are you guys still working as much and how does someone know when they do need a professional to come in?

Douglas:

We are an office cleaning company. Because so many of our customers are now quarantined and sheltering in place, we’re trying to provide home cleaning tips. You know, I think it’s a tricky situation that we’re in, obviously, that’s an understatement. But, for the time being, being aware of who is in your home and who’s not is probably the best and first line of defense. Therefore, if you can do your own cleaning at home, that’s probably the right thing to do. And you know, we’ve all got a lot of people at home these days, so you want to press your family into service and make it a team sport.

Courtney:

Justin, thanks so much for your time. I know you guys are certainly teaching us a lot as we learn to do it ourselves at home and make sure we’re doing it correctly. We appreciate you.

Douglas:

Thank you, it’s a pleasure.

Corvus Janitorial

If you’re looking for a commercial cleaning company that uses only the highest-quality products and proven techniques, Corvus Janitorial is it. For all of your cleaning, purifying, and disinfecting needs, trust Corvus Janitorial. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.

The High-Level Disinfecting Method Trusted by Airlines and Hotels

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By now, we all know how important it is to give extra attention to high-touch surfaces and high-traffic areas. And that’s not just in your home and or your office space. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world’s busiest passenger airport, sees 107.4 million passengers each year. To keep up with the high demand, there are over 700,000 hotels and resorts across the globe. Settings like airports and hotels that see near-constant traffic can be hard to keep effectively clean and disinfected, but it’s not impossible if you know how to do it right.

These are a few settings where it’s incredibly important to keep everything clean and disinfected. High-traffic locations can easily spread germs and viruses to millions of people if they’re not properly maintained. Even if the coronavirus changed the way we do it, it’s clear from recent data that we’re not done traveling. So, what are the recommended cleaning and disinfecting procedures for places that see the highest amounts of traffic and have the most high-touch surfaces? The answer might be one you’re not very familiar with yet. Luckily, Corvus Janitorial is.

Disinfecting with Electrostatic Sprayers

Some of the largest airlines in the world are relying on high-level electrostatic sprayers to sanitize every flight and ensure their passengers’ safety. Delta is one of them, reporting that electrostatic spraying “provides a safe and effective way to thoroughly clean an aircraft cabin from floor to ceiling.” Next time you take a flight, you can find comfort in the fact that all high-touch surfaces, including your seat, screen, armrest, tray table, door, and restroom will be disinfected this way. They’ll be used in crew cabins, airline offices, and other settings there, too.

How Electrostatic Sprayers Work

The sprayers work by electrically charging and dispersing high-level liquid disinfectants via fine mists into the air and onto surfaces. This is a highly effective technique used to attack germs, bacteria, and viruses. For years, electrostatic spraying has been used in healthcare settings. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities have long recognized the benefits of employing this method to stop the spread of dangerous germs and infections. But since the coronavirus outbreak, airlines and hotels have broken into the space, too.

An Emerging Trend

Delta’s not the only one that has caught on to this germ-killing super method. Southwest Airlines is also making use of this highly effective method of disinfection, along with United Airlines, and Singapore Air. One of the largest lodging companies in the country, Marriot, has recently upgraded its cleaning procedures to include electrostatic spraying. Another large hotel chain, Hilton, is considering following suit. As we progress further into the year and travel becomes more widely acceptable again (and eagerly anticipated), it’s highly likely that we’ll see this list continue to grow.

Cleaning and Disinfecting for the Future

These high-traffic airlines and hotels are making use of one of the most powerful disinfecting methods we currently have available. And they’re using it in conjunction with other important cleaning and disinfecting methods. We can expect to see more options for virtual, contact-free check-ins, digital room keys, booking buffers, and limited shared spaces (where possible) going forward. The pandemic has changed a lot of things about the ways we all live. While many of the impacts are negative, increased comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting through methods like electrostatic spraying is a huge positive.

This potent disinfectant application is allowing airlines and hotels to take control back from the coronavirus. You can use it to take back control in your office, too. We can’t put our lives on hold forever. But as we begin to return to “normal life,” we might have to make some adjustments. From summer vacations to daily office life, small adjustments can get us back to where we need to be. Corvus Janitorial is offering electrostatic spray services for high-level disinfecting that gives you peace of mind when you need it. Use it to keep your office safe and to reduce the spread of both the coronavirus and other viruses, too.

Corvus Janitorial

If you’re looking for a commercial cleaning company that uses only the highest-quality products and proven techniques, Corvus Janitorial is it. For all of your cleaning, purifying, and disinfecting needs, trust Corvus Janitorial. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.

How Coronavirus Will Change Your Office

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Now that restrictions are lifting, most of us are left wondering what post-coronavirus life will look like. The CDC is urging businesses, schools, and other facilities to follow updated practices as they re-open. Until we have a better understanding, an effective vaccine, and pre-COVID numbers, it’s up to us to ensure the health and safety of ourselves and the people around us. If you’re wondering how the coronavirus outbreak will change your office, there’s a lot here to consider.

Why Offices Employers and Employees Need to Adjust

We all need to continue doing our part in slowing the spread and ending this pandemic. If the numbers have gone down enough for your town to feel comfortable re-opening, that’s a good sign. But it doesn’t mean that we’re entirely in the clear yet. By following updating practices, keeping our distance, changing our office setups, and increasing our cleaning and disinfecting processes, we can keep ourselves and each other safe.

For the last few months, the majority of America’s workforce has been working from home. In a recent survey, 66% of workers reported that they’re not comfortable going back to their workplace the way things are right now. But if you work for a company that requires your physical presence at work each day now that restrictions are lifting, employers and employees will have to compromise. It’s up to employers to make their valued employees feel more comfortable, safe, and valued.

In the same survey, 64% of respondents would prefer the ability to wear a mask at work; 61% hope to maintain social distancing in the office, and 49% want to see limited numbers in workplace meetings. These are a few things that are easy to implement as offices reopen. And they’re a great start. But we all have to do more.

Why Office Spaces Need to Change

Most traditional office spaces have been set up in a way that doesn’t align with proper social distancing. After all, this is something that we didn’t see coming. But now, it’s time to adjust. Office spaces with open layouts, large conference rooms, shared workspaces, and a clear lack of division won’t survive the post-coronavirus world. Unless employers want to see their offices shut down again while their employees fight the virus at home, office spaces will have to change. They’ll need to create more space between cubicles or workspaces, break meetings into smaller groups, and operate at a reduced capacity until we know it’s safe again.

The CDC is recommending:

• Hazard assessments in the workplace
• Cloth face coverings at work (or more drastic protection measures if the area is deemed hazardous)
• Keeping six feet of distance between each individual
• Immediately sending symptomatic employees home
• Increasing air circulation in shared spaces
• Cleaning and disinfecting routinely

What the Post-Coronavirus Office will Look and Feel Like

The good news is that many offices are already implementing a lot of the changes we’ve talked about. In the short-term, many are occupying their offices at a reduced capacity. Some are suggesting that employees alternate their schedules so that only 50% of them are in the office at the same time. This would mean that in one workweek, 50% would be working in the office while the other 50% work from home. The following week, they’d switch. Large meetings are being canceled, moved to virtual, shortened, or broken up into smaller groups. Temperatures are being checked at the door. Face masks are being worn throughout the day.

Another change you’ll notice immediately is that your cubicle probably won’t look the way it did three months ago. At least some of them won’t. Ones with thick, high walls may remain. But others that serve as flimsy dividers that end at your chin will likely be improved or replaced. The same way fast-food chains, convenience, and grocery stores have implemented shields made of plexiglass or similar materials, we can expert similar enclosures from our office cubicles.

These are excellent changes to make until we have more substantial processes to rely on. But now that we know how quickly a simple virus can come along and shake up the whole world, we have to consider long-term changes, too. For experts, businesses, and many others, long-term requirements are clear. And one of the largest ones is updated and increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures. This is where Corvus Janitorial and our incredible franchisees come in.

The Bottom Line

For the foreseeable future, it’s important to follow the CDC’s updates closely. Changed office spaces, reduced capacities, consistent use of masks and social distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures are all current recommendations. Almost all offices will need more cleaning and disinfecting services now that the scope of work has changed. What used to be a schedule of casual vacuuming, dusting, and light cleaning for many companies has now evolved into a true medical need. We need increased attention and care to keep ourselves, workers, our families, and our communities safe.

Corvus Janitorial can help meet these goals and mitigate the spread of the virus by providing more thorough, regular disinfection programs. Both the methods and the frequencies must be updated. In an ongoing effort to help fight against the spread of COVID, we’ve implemented a high-impact disinfection system with highly effective techniques that have been proven in other settings. These systems have been used in hospitals, clinics, and airlines to thoroughly and properly disinfect high-touch and high-traffic areas. We’re thrilled to be bringing these systems to your offices to keep you, your employees, and your families safe.

Our new disinfection processes include:

• Electrostatic sprayers
• ULV fogging
• UV light disinfection

Electrostatic sprayers use an electrical charge to apply a high-quality coating, cleaner, or disinfectant to the chosen surface. This makes it easier to cover more surface area, disinfect hard-to-reach areas, and eliminate any human error involved in manual disinfecting. This way, all surfaces are properly disinfected, not just the high-touch ones. Additionally, when disinfectants are applied this way, they don’t have to be wiped down. This eliminates the dwell time and increases its effectiveness.

ULV fogging is another service that is used by major airlines. This is a similar process, in which a pump and blower are used to atomize the cleaner or disinfectant and spread it in the air. This allows for greater coverage, disinfection or larger areas, and an efficient, effective process. Lastly, UV light disinfection stops germs, bacteria, and viruses in their tracks. Without the use of chemicals, this method relies on wavelengths of UV light that give you rapid and effective results. Our cleaning and disinfecting processes are a step above the rest. Call us today to see what we can do for you.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit corvusjanitorial.com or corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.

Corvus Disinfecting Programs: Electrostatic Spraying

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Corvus Janitorial System and its Franchisees have been honored to participate in the fight against COVID. We are working to make workspaces clean, healthy, and safe. In an ongoing effort to support that mission, Corvus is pleased to announce its HIGH IMPACT DISINFECTING program. This disinfection process is centered around the use of ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYING systems, a highly effective technique employed to attack germs, bacteria, and viruses. Already in use by major airlines to disinfect planes between flights and also employed by medical and hospital type environments, Corvus is thrilled to bring this service offering to our valued customers.

What is Electrostatic Spraying?

Electrostatic spraying is a method of applying a coating, cleaner, disinfectant, or other liquid to a surface by applying an electric charge to the liquid solution. Electrostatic spray technology was invented in the 1930s to improve spray disposition. It was popularized in the 1940s by the auto industry, where it was used to more efficiently paint cars and trucks. In the 1980s, the technology emerged in the agriculture industry as a method to apply pesticides to crops. Over the last few years, electrostatic spray technology has found its way into the cleaning industry as an efficient new way for cleaning professionals to apply cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants across facility types and surfaces.

How Does Electrostatic Spraying Work?

At the most basic level, electrostatic spraying works by applying a positive electric charge to a liquid as it passes through a nozzle. The liquid is then sprayed onto a surface that is grounded or has a negative electric charge. Excess protons in the positively charged atoms of the spray are attracted to the electron fields of other atoms, causing those atoms to become polarized.

As Coulomb’s Law states, opposite charges are attracted to one another and similar charges repel each other. In essence, this means that a positively charged liquid is attracted to a neutral or negatively charged target surface. At the same time, as each particle of the liquid carries a positive charge, the particles naturally repel each other, creating a wider dispersion. As the liquid passes through the nozzle, it becomes atomized into a fine spray. The droplets disperse from each other, becoming finer and finer, and seek out a negatively charged surface to bind with.

Electrostatic spraying provides a full, even coat of liquid across a surface. The droplets will cover the entire visible area, including the underside and backside of surfaces. Surfaces that have already been covered by the disinfectant will repel additional spray, maximizing the efficiency of delivery. Conventional sprayers use air pressure to break down the particles in a liquid solution. This leads to a high spraying velocity that can cause overspray. Electrostatic sprayers do not use air pressure in the atomization process. This leads to a vastly improved transfer efficiency, which limits chemical consumption as well as the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) into the environment.

Electrostatic Spraying vs Traditional Disinfecting Techniques

Electrostatic spray technology provides many advantages during the disinfection process. In order to properly disinfect a surface, it must be fully coated with the disinfectant and needs to remain wet for the proper dwell time, usually around 10 minutes. Traditional methods of disinfecting, such as spray and wipe, mopping, and cloth applications are not only time consuming – they also lend themselves to human error. To truly disinfect an area, all surfaces must be disinfected. Traditional disinfection methods require the cleaner to manually apply and remove the chemicals, which can take a lot of time and requires acute attention to detail. Additionally, hard to reach areas are often overlooked, though they could still be soiled and carry dangerous germs and pathogens.

Electrostatic sprayers eliminate these barriers to effective disinfection. Because they are able to cover a large surface area relatively quickly, they are both time and monetarily efficient. Surfaces that are hard to reach by the human hand are easily reached by an electrostatic sprayer. This enables cleaning professionals to disinfect every surface in a room rather than just “high-touch” areas. Traditional disinfection methods, particularly spray and wipe, are rendered ineffective if the disinfectant is not allowed to dwell on a surface long enough.

Oftentimes, a surface will get sprayed with a disinfectant and wiped down almost immediately. This is a problem, as disinfectants need time to work properly. The proper dwell time varies by chemical, but 10 minutes is a good rule of thumb to reference. Disinfectants applied with an electrostatic sprayer solve the problem of inadequate dwell times. After applying disinfectant with an electrostatic sprayer, the surface does not need to be wiped down. In facilities such as childcare facilities, schools, and healthcare facilities where germs can spread like wildfire. Disinfection is of utmost importance to them, and electrostatic disinfection techniques are a game-changer.

Electrostatic Spraying in the Cleaning Industry

As mentioned above, traditional disinfecting spray equipment and methods come with a suite of issues. In addition to allowing for a proper dwell time, making hard to reach areas easily accessible, and shortening the time it takes to disinfect an area, electrostatic spray technology also addresses transfer efficiency problems. Transfer efficiency is a measure of how much chemical reaches a surface versus the percentage lost to the floor and surrounding environment. Just as the agricultural industry adapted electrostatic spray technology from the auto and painting industries, the commercial cleaning industry has adapted it to suit its needs. Because almost any liquid can be electrically charged, electrostatic sprayers are highly versatile in their applications.

With improvements in the past decade in the portability and simplicity of use of electrostatic sprayers, they have become a reasonable, cost-effective, and practical tool for professional cleaners to add to their arsenals. Cleaners, sanitizers, deodorizers, and disinfectants can all be used with electrostatic sprayers. In the current pandemic climate, there has been a massive surge in interest and demand for electrostatic disinfection services. Many companies are utilizing the technology to keep their businesses running and their stakeholders safe. For example, United Airlines has implemented electrostatic spray disinfection on their aircrafts after each flight.

Disinfectants Used in Electrostatic Sprayers

Since most liquids can be used in electrostatic sprayers, many common disinfectants can be applied using the technology. For use against COVID-19 specifically, the EPA has released “List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2”. All of the products on List N meet the EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19. At Corvus, we use the hospital-grade disinfectant Q.T. Plus, which has demonstrated effectiveness on hard, porous surfaces against viruses similar to the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Conclusion

At Corvus Janitorial Systems, we understand that a clean and sanitary workplace not only protects people’s health. It also gives them peace of mind. With these needs in mind, Corvus has implemented the use of electrostatic sprayers into our service offerings. Call or email today to learn more about this exciting and effective service offering.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit corvusjanitorial.com or corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.

Corvus Guide to Reopening: Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Medical Office

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With more and more states lifting, or planning to lift, stay-at-home orders, business owners and office managers across the country are exploring the safest – and most practical – measures to reopen their facilities to employees and customers alike. Medical offices, such as doctor’s offices, dental facilities, and specialty clinics, should begin to see an uptick in foot traffic as in-person visits start to increase and elective procedures resume. It is critical that these facilities implement cleaning and disinfecting regimens that go above and beyond the pre-coronavirus standard.

As medical offices begin the process of reopening their operations, decision makers must determine how they can create the safest environment for their staff and for their patients. At Corvus Janitorial, we understand the vital role medical professionals play – both during this pandemic and outside of it – to ensuring that our communities are healthy, happy, and safe. With that in mind, we are here to provide advice on procedures that should be implemented in medical offices and facilities in order to successfully reopen in the safest, most sanitary way.

Perform a Deep Clean and Disinfection Before Opening the Office

According to Tommy Petagna of Corvus of New Orleans, “Before opening the office to staff and patients, both a thorough, deep clean and facility-wide disinfection should be performed. We’re seeing more and more of our medical office clients ask for this type of deep clean even before we recommend it”. Though they are often thought of as the same, cleaning and disinfecting are two distinct processes. During a general clean, the intent is to remove dirt and dust. This step must be completed before disinfection because germs can lurk in grime and soiled areas. Once an area is clean, it must then be disinfected.

Disinfection can be done in numerous ways. With COVID-19, the disinfection of all areas using commercial grade chemicals is critical. Typical disinfecting is done using EPA approved medical grade chemicals that are applied to a surface using a spray bottle (or as a mop solution for floors). The disinfectant is then given “dwell time”, which is time to sit on the surface and kill microorganisms. Though this method is effective at killing germs, it can be a time-consuming task to disinfect every surface in a facility, and hard to reach areas are often missed.

Disinfecting Techniques to Combat COVID-19

To address the issues with common disinfection methods, it is advisable to use a machine, such as an electrostatic sprayer or an ultra-low volume (ULV) fogger. This will ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness.

Electrostatic sprayers work by giving the disinfectant solution a positive electric charge. Because surfaces typically carry a negative or neutral charge, once the disinfectant is sprayed, the positively charged chemicals are attracted to the negatively charged surfaces and will bind to them. The droplets will cover the entire visible area, including the underside and backside of surfaces. Surfaces that have already been covered by the disinfectant will repel additional spray, maximizing the efficiency of delivery.

ULV fog machines work in a similar manner to electrostatic sprayers. ULV fogging works by compressing disinfectants through a nozzle that produces a fine mist or aerosol. The droplets that are produced are incredibly small and concentrated, therefore fewer chemicals need to be used. These droplets will linger in the air for approximately ten minutes, allowing them to bind to any visible surface area.

At Corvus, we have begun utilizing both electrostatic sprayers and ULV foggers in our service offering to customers. We believe these methods are both effective at eradicating viral pathogens as well as safe for use in our customer’s facilities and for our franchise owners. We are happy to provide a free quote for these services as either a one-time work or as a part of a routine, recurring service offering.

Routine Cleaning is Not So Routine Anymore

Though businesses are beginning to open back up, we are still nowhere close to “business as usual”. With stay-at-home orders being replaced with safer-at-home guidance, there is still the looming threat of COVID-19 community spread. Additionally, a high rate of asymptomatic carriers means that an individual who shows no signs of infection could visit your office during a routine checkup. Thus, inadvertently exposing your facility to risks. Because of the virus’s high infection rate and the number of potentially asymptomatic carriers, decision makers must account for this risk and take preventative, precautionary steps in their facilities.

Was your medical office being cleaned twice a week before the coronavirus pandemic? If so, it may be a good idea to increase that frequency to three, four, maybe even five times per week. In medical facilities, it is never a bad idea to be overly cautious. As these facilities are more likely to interface with individuals at a greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, they must be even more proactive in their cleaning procedures than any other businesses. As society adjusts to a “new normal”, cleaning and disinfecting are more important now than ever before.

Reopening Reminders and Checklist

Your cleaning regimen is not the only facet of your office that is likely to change once you reopen. For example, some states and localities are requiring reduced on-premise staff, alternating work schedules for at-risk workers, or other social distancing procedures in the workplace. Below, we highlight some important items that all facility managers and decision makers should account for as they get back to business:

1. Prepare a list of obvious and overlooked high touch objects such as appliances in break rooms, telephone handles, sinks and basins, trash cans, and communal printers.

2. Thoroughly clean AND disinfect those high touch points with an EPA certified disinfectant allowing for a proper dwell time of the chemical (click here for additional resources)

3. Engage with your team to comply with an appropriate headcount for your office space as well as discussing protocol for potential distancing in office. Some states are mandating reduced concentration of personnel or alternating schedules, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on these regulations.

4. Engage an outside cleaning company or delegate your own personnel to provide a thorough top to bottom clean and disinfection regime prior to re-opening.

5. Prepare to have appropriate cleaning tools, supplies, and equipment such as clean rags or wipes, proper chemicals and clean, and well-working vacuum cleaners.

During these unprecedented times, it is crucial that we take unprecedented precautions to maintain the health and safety of everyone. When it comes to reopening medical offices, we, at Corvus Janitorial, strongly urge you to take the right measures in cleaning and disinfecting your office. Doing so will ensure the safety of your staff, your patients, and their families. If you are interested in a free quote or would like more information about the appropriate cleaning and disinfection of your medical office in preparation for reopening, please feel free to contact us today!

This piece is meant simply to inform, not to provide any legal or medical advice.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit www.corvusjanitorial.com or www.corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.

Disinfecting and Cleaning to Open Your Daycare Facility

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As we inch toward the end of shelter-in-place orders, it’s important to be ready when our businesses open back up. We don’t want to be left scrambling when the time comes. For businesses that focus on the young and old, such as daycare and childcare centers, keeping things clean is particularly important. And that’s true now more than ever before. Following compliant, safe, and healthy cleaning practices will help us avoid preventable illnesses while we work on getting back to normal.

These practices will keep you, your staff, and the kids you care for healthy. If you’re not sure where to get started with disinfecting and cleaning to open your daycare, here are some tips from the friendly experts at Corvus Janitorial:

Give Everything an Initial Deep Clean

Before you open back up, it’s important to give everything a thorough, deep clean. This helps remove dirt, germs, and debris before you sanitize. This can be done with regular soap and water. Just scrub all of the surfaces, wash, and rinse. Make sure you hit all of the high-touch surfaces like bathroom fixtures, light switches, desks, and cubbies. Any toys or teaching tools that are shared should be cleaned, too. This will make sanitizing and disinfecting much more effective when you get there.

Give High-Touch Surfaces Some Extra Attention Moving Forward

The words cleaning and sanitizing are often used interchangeably, but they mean two different things. When you clean, you remove surface dirt, debris, and some germs. When you sanitize, you use a product that will kill 99.9% or more of the germs on these surfaces. Both cleaning and sanitizing are important when you want to keep your daycare truly clean, healthy, and safe. You’ll want to give those high-touch surfaces we mentioned earlier more attention than you used to. Any other areas that are handled a lot or shared should get extra attention.

When you’re dealing with kids, things can get messy. You’ll want to clean and sanitize throughout the day if you can. Durable, plastic toys that have been chewed on can be run through the dishwasher when you can sneak them away. Other toys can be disinfected and left to air dry. Instead of chasing children around to sanitize their toys during the day, it may be easier to sanitize these after pickup and focus on surfaces, counters, and cubbies during the day instead.

Look at the number of children you care for, the number of staff members you employ, and the number of high-touch surfaces you have, then use your best judgment to determine the right cleaning schedule for you. You can also build off of your old cleaning schedule – use it as a baseline and add additional steps from there. Once open, daycare facilities should be cleaned and sanitized at least once per day moving forward.

Use the Right Cleaning Supplies, In the Right Ways

Whether you’re gearing up for your initial clean before you open or you’re looking for ongoing cleaning practices to follow, it’s important to use the right products. Using them the right way is important, too. Before all of this happened, casual home cleaners might wipe a counter with a watery paper towel and call it a day. This won’t be enough anymore. Using an EPA approved disinfectant and following the proper dwell time is key to keeping things truly clean.

Read the label of your preferred cleaning products or check the EPA’s website to see if they’re approved. You can also find the answer to how long you should let the product dwell on a surface before you wipe it away. Many cleaning supplies have a 10-minute dwell time for maximum efficiency. For others, it might be two minutes or five. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results.

Create an Efficient and Safe Cleaning System

Many daycares are dealing with baby colds and shared toys, so you may already have a cleaning system you prefer. But with everything going on right now, it’s a good time to revisit it; there are ways to make it safer that you may not have thought of before it was a necessity. First, try to limit cross-contamination. This means keeping the mop you use for the bathroom in the bathroom and using a separate one in the hallway or playroom. If you use cleaning rags or dish towels, keep these separate, too. Limit exposure wherever you can.

With some extra effort, the right supplies, and an effective routine, we can keep our daycares and other businesses safe. We’re all in this together. And when it starts to feel overwhelming, give the experts at Corvus Janitorial a call. We’re always available to help. For ongoing cleaning once centers reopen, we’ve got our own updated practices in place. Just keep in mind that the process may have changed a bit since we last visited your facility. We’ll need a bit more time to sufficiently clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces to keep everyone safe. We’re also focusing more on power-scrubbing bathrooms and ceramic floors, and carpet cleaning. These areas harbor germs and could benefit from a slightly more aggressive scope of service.

How Corvus Can Help Your Childcare Facility Reopen

At Corvus, we understand the pressure and uncertainty that has arisen from the coronavirus pandemic. Thorough cleaning and disinfecting procedures matter now more than ever. To that end, our dedicated franchise owners and teammates have added new tools to our cleaning arsenal. These tools include electrostatic disinfectant sprayers and disinfectant fogger machines. Both tools enable Corvus professionals to sanitize and disinfect large spaces and areas that are often missed with standard disinfection practices, such as the underside of tables and chairs.

The Corvus Janitorial Systems team is here to help as America begins the process of reopening businesses and facilities. Cleaning and disinfecting are critical to open up daycare centers. If your daycare or childcare facility is in need of a professional cleaning partner, or if you simply require a deep clean and disinfection before opening up, inquire here for a free quote or give us a call at (855) 919-1346. We are happy to help!

This piece is meant simply to inform, not to provide any legal or medical advice.

About Corvus Janitorial Systems

Founded in 2004 to make people’s lives better, Corvus is a full-service commercial cleaning franchisor that offers cleaning services through reputable local Franchisees. Corvus has been guided by its mission to transform people and transform places by consistently delivering independence, security, and freedom to Franchisees who deliver high-quality cleaning to offices, educational buildings, medical buildings/offices, recreational centers, industrial parks, and other spaces. The company has 17 regional support offices across the United States with nearly 900 Franchisees. For more information regarding Corvus, visit www.corvusjanitorial.com or www.corvusjanitorial.com/franchise for franchise information.