Surface hygiene and disinfection services

Surfaces that are directly touched by the skin, notably the hand, can be a source of transmission to staff and customers. Frequently touched surfaces can become increasingly contaminated and have a greater risk of transmission if no remedial action is taken to reduce cross-contamination. Every area in your business should be disinfected and cleaned thoroughly and regularly.

It’s important that you keep your staff and customers safe, minimise risk and create hygienic environments across your facility. Their awareness of the importance of hygiene will have increased over the last few months and your business will need to provide reassurance and cater for these increased expectations.

What is surface hygiene?

Surface hygiene refers to keeping surfaces clean and free of germs and bacteria to prevent the spread of illness and disease. This includes a variety of practices, such as cleaning surfaces regularly and disinfecting high-touch surfaces using cleaning products, such as disinfectants or sanitisers, to kill germs on these surfaces. 

Surface hygiene is vital in various settings, including homes, offices, schools, and healthcare facilities. Proper surface hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection and illness and contribute to a healthier and more hygienic environment.

What does it mean to disinfect a surface?

To disinfect a surface means to clean it using a disinfectant product or process to kill germs and bacteria. Disinfecting a surface is different from cleaning it, as it removes dirt, dust, and other contaminants, while disinfecting a surface kills germs and bacteria.

Overall, disinfecting a surface involves using a disinfectant product or process to kill germs and bacteria and requires proper preparation, application, and follow-up steps to ensure that the surface is adequately disinfected.

Providing effective surface hygiene solutions

To ensure cleanliness and stop the spread of infections, your business can take measures to reduce the risks of contamination so that the premises are in a suitable condition for staff and customers.

Surfaces in a building can become hotspots for cross-contamination of germs if they are not regularly wiped and disinfected. Particular attention needs to be paid to:

• communal areas, such as washrooms, canteens, receptions, kitchens, elevators, changing rooms
• frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as door handles, floors or equipment and machinery
• office areas including workstations, desks and storage areas

Using an integrated approach to hygiene – involving a number of interventions to minimise cross contamination risk along the journey of the germ – is the most effective way to limit the spread of harmful germs.

What are the proper procedures for cleaning and sanitising surfaces?

Proper procedures for cleaning and sanitising surfaces are essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment and preventing infection spread. It also depends on the specific surface and the level of contamination. In general, however, the following steps should be followed:

1. Prepare the surface: The first step in cleaning and sanitising a surface is to prepare it for cleaning. This may involve removing any visible dirt or debris and wiping the surface with a clean cloth or sponge.
2. Clean the surface: The next step is to clean the surface using a suitable cleaning product or method. This may involve using a detergent or soap to remove dirt and grime or a specialised cleaning product for a particular surface type.
3. Rinse the surface: After it has been cleaned, it should be rinsed to remove any remaining cleaning product or dirt. This may involve rinsing the surface with water or using a clean cloth or sponge to wipe it down.
4. Disinfect: Once the surface has been cleaned and rinsed, it should be disinfected to kill any remaining germs and bacteria. This may involve using a disinfectant spray or wipes, or a specialised disinfecting product for a particular surface type.
5. Allow the surface to dry: After the surface has been disinfected, it should be allowed to dry thoroughly to prevent the growth of any remaining germs or bacteria. 

Hiring a professional cleaning service may sometimes be necessary to clean and sanitise surfaces properly. Professional cleaning services are trained in the proper techniques and procedures for cleaning and sanitising various surfaces and may have access to specialised cleaning products and equipment.

The proper procedures for cleaning and sanitising surfaces involve a combination of professional cleaning, infection control, attention to high-touch areas, and appropriate cleaning and disinfectant products. Hiring a professional cleaning or disinfection service can help ensure that surfaces are properly cleaned and disinfected.

Your local surface hygiene professionals

All Initial technicians are highly qualified and trained. Our local teams offer a wide range of global innovations and surface hygiene solutions to suit your business need.

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