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UV Light Cleaning and Disinfecting

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Before, during, and after the coronavirus outbreak, the main priority of Corvus Janitorial Systems is the health and safety of our customers and the community at large. Now that we all know how important advanced cleaning and disinfecting strategies are, we’re shedding light on some of the ways that our services help combat this virus, other viruses, and everyday germs and bacteria. One method that has been gaining a lot of attention recently is ultraviolet (UV) light cleaning and disinfecting.

There are several different options for UV cleaning and disinfecting, but some are riskier than others. Professional-level UV cleaning and disinfecting are ideal, while certain at-home devices and products (UV lamps as hand sanitizers, in particular) should be avoided. UV phone cases and self-cleaning water bottles, when used properly, are safer consumer devices to use at home. But what about UV cleaning and disinfecting at the office? Can UV light really work as a disinfectant? Is it safe? Read on to find out.

UV Light Cleaning and Disinfecting

What is UV disinfecting?

UV light has been used for decades to kill bacteria and viruses. Since mid-March, germicidal ultraviolet technology has been getting a lot of attention. It is so effective that it’s often used in hospitals, where high-level cleaning and disinfecting has always been a necessity. Cleaning professionals in medical settings use UV devices to reduce the spread of bacteria and bugs that are resistant to medication, as well as effective disinfection in surgical rooms. Now, many professionals are using (or considering) UV light cleaning and disinfecting in schools, offices, and restaurants. This can help reduce the spread of the coronavirus as these settings reopen and adjust to the new normal.

How does UV disinfection work?

This process involves using UV-C light to clean and disinfect. This man-made light is one of three classes of UV light. Like UV-A and UV-B, UV-C comes primarily from the sun. But UV-C is the one that doesn’t reach us because our atmosphere absorbs it first. UV-C lights are used in sanitizing devices to disinfect surfaces. The light in these devices is strong enough to demolish the genetic material in bacteria and viruses. Because this particular class of light doesn’t reach the Earth, we can’t achieve the same effects by simply increasing sun exposure.

One important thing to keep in mind is that this particular coronavirus strain has been around for such a short amount of time that researchers haven’t been able to perform sufficient studies on the efficacy of all of the applicable cleaning and disinfecting methods yet. But we know that it has worked on previous coronavirus strains, so the relevant scientific evidence suggests it would have the same effects here. Another thing to keep in mind is that this is an incredibly strong and potent cleaning and disinfecting method. UV light can damage your skin and eyes. As such, it should only be used on a surface or object that needs cleaning. Do not use UVC light on your skin, and handle with care (preferably by a professional).

Deciding if you need it

For months, we’ve all been practicing safe social distancing. We’ve kept six feet away from others, worn masks in public, washed our hands and sanitized more frequently. We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Now that businesses, offices, and schools are reopening, we must continue to increase the measures that are keeping us and our loved ones safe and healthy. We weren’t all prepared for the outbreak when it began, but we can be prepared for how we address it now. By increasing the level, frequency, and efficacy of our cleaning and disinfecting processes, we can work toward a post-coronavirus world together.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that UV cleaning and disinfecting is a requirement. Ultimately, the choice is yours. There are human-safe UV light fixtures with low enough doses of UV-C lights to help reduce the spread of germs and viruses without damaging the skin, eyes, or causing other health problems. These are common in medical settings and are just starting to make their way into other business and commercial settings. But more research may be needed to confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Corvus Janitorial

With a wide variety of cleaning and disinfecting service options available, Corvus Janitorial can help you keep your office clean and safe. We offer high-impact disinfecting services for workplaces, including increased frequencies and convenient timing. In addition to UV light disinfecting, our high-level disinfecting services include electrostatic spraying and ultra-low volume fogging. Major airlines are using these techniques to disinfect passenger planes. We also offer re-focused cleaning and chemical applications, exposure cleaning and disinfecting, and can help you with mindful office organization. No job is too big or small at your local Corvus Janitorial office. Call us today to get started with a free consultation.

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.

Corvus Endorses H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act

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As our country and communities continue to face the coronavirus head-on, it has never been more important that offices, schools, restaurants, food production facilities, and other businesses are thoroughly and effectively cleaned and disinfected. The reopening of the American economy and the return to workplaces by employees and patrons brings with it new health and safety concerns for employers. Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of workers, families, and society at large is a top priority as we continue to reopen.

In order for the economy to continue opening up, it is critical that businesses have sufficient resources to invest in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe environment for their workers and customers. This will entail businesses significantly improving upon their cleaning and disinfection practices in order to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and to create peace of mind in workers and customers alike.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and industry groups have all issued guidance that calls for increased frequency and scope of cleaning and disinfecting applications. The “new normal” for commercial cleaning standards will increase costs to businesses at a time of unprecedented revenue declines and uncertainty.

Federal legislation is needed to address the rising costs to businesses associated with enhanced cleaning and disinfection programs. It is for this reason that Corvus would like to thank Representatives Darin LaHood and Stephanie Murphy for introducing H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act.

The bill, introduced in the House of Representatives in June, would create a $25,000 temporary tax credit per location (capped at $250,000 per business entity) for a business’ qualified cleaning expenses. H.R. 7079 allows business taxpayers a tax credit for 50% of their qualified cleaning expenses, such as amounts paid for cleaning services and products, tools, machinery, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other sanitary equipment, as well as training and certification in cleaning.

The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act is a bipartisan bill that ensures businesses will be able to adequately protect employees and patrons and allow them to continue serving their communities. This commonsense legislation is critical in helping our nation’s businesses safeguard the health and safety of workers and customers and preventing further outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.

Corvus strongly urges members of the House, the Senate, and the White House to pass additional bipartisan stimulus that includes H.R. 7079, the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act. Additionally, we encourage our teammates, franchise partners, customers, and communities to contact their local congressperson to show support for H.R. 7079.

To see the bill in its entirety and for more information on the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act, click here.

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.

Understanding the pH Scale of Cleaning Chemicals and Why It Matters

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Most of us remember from middle school science and high school Chemistry the very basics of the pH scale. We remember beakers and test strips, lining up the colors to see which side of the scale our test liquid would land on. We remember that dissolving chemicals in water alters the pH scale, either in the direction of being acidic or basic, and that pure water was our neutral base. We tested lemon juice and found it acidic, while common detergents were basic. But we rarely thought about these things again until we realized the impact it had on our cleaning chemicals and how much of a difference it could make in our cleaning processes.

Basic vs. Acidic on Different Types of Material

As a quick refresher, the pH scale ranges from zero to 14. Zero to six is acidic, seven is neutral, and eight through 14 is alkaline. Choosing the right cleaning supplies based on their standing on the pH scale, the type of material, amount of time you have, and the level of soiling is crucial. Most cleaning chemicals are alkaline (basic) because these are the types of solutions that are good for cleaning dirt stains, greases, oils, and other organics. On the other side of the pH scale, acids are more effective when working on minerals like rust spots and calcium buildup. Right in the middle, dish soap is the closest to neutral, as far as cleaning supplies go.

The Scale of Common Household Cleaning Supplies

Bleach: pH 11-13

Bleach is one of the most common cleaning supplies in households and commercial settings. This particular product has a pH between 11 and 13. Its high level of alkalinity is what makes it corrosive. As a result, ventilation is important when using bleach. It should be used cautiously and strictly according to instructions, both for the safety of the cleaner and the benefit of the surface it’s being used on. Because bleach is so strong, it’s not safe on a lot of surfaces or fabrics, but it’s great for eliminating stains and whitening the affected area.

Ammonia: pH 11-13

Ammonia is another common cleaning product and it lands around the same number on the pH scale. It is also corrosive, requires care and ventilation, and shouldn’t be mixed with other cleaning supplies or ingredients. Ammonia is great when you’re working with stubborn dirt and grime spots. The same is true for tub and tile cleaners. At home or in the office, these can be used on stubborn dirt and grime spots throughout the bathroom, not just in showers. Their alkalinity makes them ideal for toilets, countertops, and sinks, too.

Borax & Baking Soda: pH 8-10

As we inch closer to neutral on the scale, we find products like Borax and baking soda. Borax leans toward the alkaline side of the scale, making it ideal for breaking down organics like dirt and oil. But with a pH of 10, it isn’t as corrosive as heavier products like ammonia and bleach. And just before we reach our friendly, neutral cleaner of traditional dish soap, we have baking soda with a pH of eight or nine. It’s alkaline enough to eliminate dirt and grease, but close enough to neutral to be even less corrosive than Borax. For a good, neutral, everyday cleaner, mild dish soap won’t hurt your skin and it’s safe on most surfaces.

Acidic Cleaning Products: pH < 7

The cleaning products on the alkaline side of the pH scale are, by far, the more common ones. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have any use for the products on the basic side of the scale. Things like stone cleaners, vinegar, lemon juice, and toilet cleaners serve their own purposes at home and in the office. These are generally better for cleaning things like mineral or hard water deposits, milder rust stains, soap film buildup, and polishing brass or copper products in the kitchen, bathroom, or other areas. Choosing the right cleaning supplies can save you time, money, and frustration. Using the wrong product can be ineffective or even damaging, depending on the surface you’re cleaning.

Corvus Janitorial

When you choose Corvus Janitorial’s cleaning services, we take all of the guesswork out of your commercial cleaning. We bring the right chemicals, tools, supplies, and procedures to give your space the deep cleaning it deserves. You don’t have to worry about relearning Chemistry, choosing the right products for the right surfaces, or any of the other little details that add up to make big differences. Our commercial cleaning services take the pressure off you and your employees. They provide you with a true, deep clean, and clear peace of mind. And with a deeply cleaned and sanitized office space to walk into, everyone will feel more comfortable and productive. Let us handle the complicated cleaning procedures, so you can focus your time and attention on more important things. Contact us today to discover how Corvus can help keep your workplace clean and vibrant.