CDC Guidelines for Cleaning Schools, Offices, Health Facilities, and More
As the seasons change, keeping the people in your community safe is a high priority. As employees return to the office and students return to school, we need to do all we can to maintain high standards of cleanliness. The CDC is continuously updating its guidelines for cleaning buildings and following these instructions can reduce the spread of illnesses. Let's dive into these guidelines and get a breakdown of how your building can implement them.
1. Clean High Touch Surfaces
Start by identifying the high-touch surfaces throughout your building. Consider what type of surfaces you have in your facility and how often they are interacted with during the day. Once identified, prioritize cleaning these surfaces at least once a day. If the space is a highly trafficked area, you may decide to clean it multiple times a day to keep infection at bay. Some buildings even opt for a day-porter to ensure routine cleaning throughout the day.
Examples of high touch surfaces may include:
• Counters
• Doorknobs
• Stair rails
• Elevator buttons
• Desks
• Keyboards
• Toilets
• Faucets
• Sinks
2. Identify Common Rooms in Your Building
Day-porters are especially helpful after a common area is used. These rooms are typically used several times by larger groups of people throughout the day. It's important to identify these rooms to know which should be cleaned more frequently.
In an office: Conference or break rooms
In a school: Lunchrooms, libraries, or study halls
In a health facility: Waiting rooms or cafes
However, the above is not to say that your entire building shouldn't be deep cleaned regularly. While these highly trafficked rooms may be cleaned daily or several times throughout the week, the entire building, including all its rooms and surfaces, should be cleaned regularly.
3. Disinfect Irregular Surfaces
Your building may have an array of surfaces that all need different forms of cleaning and disinfecting. Soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, or drapes can be cleaned with a product containing soap or detergent. Make sure to vacuum as usual and use an approved disinfectant solution on soft surfaces. Soft surfaces can trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, so it's crucial to clean them regularly to prevent these particles from becoming airborne.
Similarly, hard surfaces like windows and flooring should be regularly cleaned. However, it's important to note that different types of hard flooring require unique cleanings. For example, hardwood may require specific oils and treatments, while marble flooring may need restoration surfaces to help keep its shine.
If your building has an abundance of electronic devices like keyboards, mice, televisions, or remote controls, these are all high touch-points that need regular disinfecting. In addition, you might consider placing wipe-able covers on electronics to make them easier to clean. However, they should be cleaned carefully and with the proper chemicals so as to not damage the technology.
Outdoor areas with plastic or metal should be cleaned regularly as well. Common areas for eating or breaks should be disinfectant with approved solutions after use. Other outdoor treatments should be performed as well, such as power washing, window cleaning, and painting.
Safety Facility Services Follows CDC Guidelines for Cleaning
If you're committed to keeping the patrons of your building healthy, Safety Facility Services is here to help. Available in 46 states and Puerto Rico, we are here to assist with your facility needs and can help work hand-in-hand to build a comprehensive janitorial or maintenance plan for your property. Contact us online to get started.
