Keeping It Clean – During COVID19

We are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and cleaning and disinfecting has never been more important. Did you know that the number of bacteria on an elevator button is nearly 40x higher than on a public toilet seat? We may only be inside an elevator for merely a few seconds, but it only takes one press to spread the illness. The key is to clean and disinfect elevators accurately and frequently. Read on for guidance on effective cleaning and disinfecting.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

The CDC recommends practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet. But how would you socially distance yourself in an elevator? As businesses have reopened now, we need to limit the number of people allowed in an elevator, especially since the virus lingers in the air. It’s also extremely necessary to ensure that your elevators are covered by an elevator maintenance plan.

CLEANING VS. DISINFECTING

Firstly, it is extremely crucial to clarify cleaning vs. disinfecting. Here’s how the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) differentiate these processes:

Cleaning requires water and either soap or detergent to remove dirt, spots, and stains, and just cleaning a surface won’t kill viruses or bacteria. However, it can remove germs from surfaces and lower the risk of spreading.
Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs. It won’t necessarily remove spots and impurities, but it is the most effective way to remove contamination. In order for this process to work, you will need to clean a surface before applying the disinfecting spray.
There’s also sanitizing, which lowers the number of germs. Sanitizing is generally the most common practice for surfaces that come in contact with food. This process can be done without using chemicals.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN & DISINFECT YOUR ELEVATOR

If the elevator is located in a busy, high-traffic office building, you might want to clean and disinfect them on a daily basis. But if you have a single home elevator for your apartment, a weekly cleaning should be good enough.

Elevators need more attention during flu season. Remember that germs can stick around for longer than we think. According to the World Health Organization, viruses like COVID-19 can live on surfaces for up to a few hours to several days and the exact time depends on the type of surface. Therefore, frequent disinfecting is key to preventing the spread of the virus.

HOW TO DISINFECT AN ELEVATOR

Sweep or vacuum the floor or carpet.
Use soap and water to remove dirt.
Use a damp paper towel or cloth while cleaning the electric areas.
Pick a non-abrasive, non-corrosive solution that is compatible with the surface material.
While the elevator is drying, you may want to temporarily shut it down to avoid foot traffic.
Never pour water on electrical areas.

PROTECTING YOURSELF WHILE DISINFECTING

Shut down the elevator when you’re cleaning.
Wear disposable gloves and a gown to protect your skin and clothing.
Wash your hands in between the elevator cleaning process.
Avoid touching your face while cleaning.
Do not use sponges when disinfecting as they can collect bacteria.
Never spray chemicals directly on to an elevator surface.
Spray the solution on to a fresh paper towel or a clean microfiber cloth and then wipe down the surface.
Throw away cleaning gloves, gowns, and disposable paper towels immediately after use.
Wash reusable cloths right away.
Consider keeping an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in common areas of your house or building to encourage hygiene.

If you have any further questions about disinfecting your elevator or would like to learn more about the same then contact our team today.

Written By Bhakti Pavithran