Environmental Cleaning 101 – The Basics and Beyond

In the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for clean indoor spaces is a top priority. It’s essential for patients and healthcare workers, but for all building occupants in all industries. Building managers and staff must follow best practices for preventing disease spread. They must learn the different types of environmental cleaning methods.

Knowing basic terms is also important. For example, cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing. Neither are disinfection and sterilization the same. It’s also just as important to reach areas you can’t see as those you can.

Environmental Cleaning Basics

Cleaning of indoor spaces, such as waiting rooms or classrooms, focuses on dirt and dust. It makes the space look appealing. However, routine cleaning does not kill germs. The next level up is sanitizing. This method kills surface bacteria. It removes germs from fabrics, carpeting, and upholstery. It does not kill viruses, however. For that disinfecting is needed. Disinfectants kill 99.9999% of all pathogens. This includes SARS-CoV-2. Sterilizing, used in hospitals, is the most effective way to kill germs.

The CDC provides tips for environmental cleaning in healthcare facilities. However, these suggestions benefit any indoor environment. They include visual assessments and a top-to-bottom cleaning method. They also suggest focusing on cleaner areas first. This avoids spreading dirt. The CDC suggests paying special attention to high-touch surfaces. Staff should receive instructions on these methods and the use of cleaning equipment. Of course, there are areas staff cannot reach. These include HVAC systems and ductwork, and, of course, the air itself.

HVAC Environmental Cleaning

A plan for environmental cleaning must also focus on HVAC systems. This includes the air handling unit and ductwork. Also, the air within these systems needs cleaning.

The following environmental cleaning methods go beyond those used by custodial staff. That is to say, they get to areas staff can’t.

1. Evaporator Coil and AHU

PURE-Steam HVAC coil cleaning gets deep inside HVAC systems. High-temperature steam cleans evaporator coils and AHUs. This environmental cleaning method also reduces energy costs and extends the life of equipment.

2. Duct Cleaning

PURE-Duct cleaning uses high-pressure air turbulence to knock debris loose. A powerful vacuum with HEPA filters removes the particles. This keeps them from circulating back into interior spaces.

3. Room Disinfection

PURE-Decon room is an environmental cleaning method that kills pathogens.  Depending on the HVAC system, a combination of services is used. These services disinfect ductwork, HVAC equipment, and interior spaces. Handheld devices spread disinfectants to areas missed in routine cleaning.

4. Air Purification

Even after the use of other cleaning methods, purifiers work 24/7 to clean the air. PURE Plasma uses ionization to destroy pathogens in the ducts. It also eliminates odors and VOCs. These devices release ions that form a cluster around particles. This makes it easier to remove them from the air flow.

Additionally, True HEPA Air Purifier devices use sensors to detect sound and movement then adjust to changes. Also, HEPA filtration captures airborne contaminants including bacteria and viruses. Above all, they are an important part of environmental cleaning.

Pure Air Control’s Environmental Cleaning Solutions

As the pandemic begins another deadly phase, facility managers must remain motivated. Their efforts to keep buildings safe is ongoing. A combination of cleaning methods and disinfection services provides the best results. After all, it is the safety of staff, visitors, and patients that matters most. So, contact Pure Air Control Services today. We can answer your questions about environmental cleaning. Call 1-800-422-7873 today. Or email us here.