How do you disinfect an office?
Disinfecting is not the same as cleaning: cleaning removes dirt, disinfecting kills germs. Both are needed, in that order.
Updated
Quick answer
To disinfect an office, first clean the surfaces with soapy water, then apply a disinfectant approved by Health Canada (it carries a drug identification number, the DIN), respecting the contact time shown on the label. Target the most-touched surfaces: handles, light switches, keyboards, phones, faucets and elevator buttons.
Time: 15 to 30 minutes for a small office
What you need
- All-purpose cleaner or soapy water
- Disinfectant approved in Canada (with a DIN on the label)
- Alcohol wipes (70%) for electronics
- Microfibre cloths (colour-coded: one for offices, one for washrooms)
- Gloves
Steps
- 1
Clean first
Wipe the surfaces with soapy water or a cleaner: a disinfectant works poorly on a dirty surface.
- 2
Choose the right disinfectant
Use a disinfectant approved in Canada, recognizable by its 8-digit DIN on the label.
- 3
Target high-touch surfaces
Door handles, light switches, handrails, elevator buttons, meeting tables, faucets, and refrigerator and microwave handles.
- 4
Respect the contact time
The surface must stay wet for the time shown on the label (often 1 to 10 minutes), otherwise the product does not disinfect.
- 5
Treat electronics separately
Turn off keyboards, mice and phones, and wipe them with a well-wrung alcohol wipe, never with a liquid sprayed directly on them.
- 6
Air out and wash your hands
Air out the room, throw away or wash the cloths, and wash your hands.
Mistakes to avoid
- Mixing products, especially bleach with ammonia or vinegar: it releases toxic gases.
- Wiping the disinfectant off right away, before the contact time is up.
- Using the same cloth for washrooms and offices.
When should you call a professional?
A commercial cleaning company applies these rules at every visit, following a checklist, and disinfects high-touch surfaces every day. HygiePro cleans and disinfects offices, clinics and daycares across Greater Montreal.
Frequently asked questions
How often should an office be disinfected?
The most-touched surfaces (handles, light switches, faucets) every day in a busy office; individual workstations at least once a week, and more often during flu or stomach flu season.
Does vinegar disinfect?
No, not enough. Vinegar cleans some surfaces, but it is not an approved disinfectant. To disinfect, use a product with a DIN.
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning removes dirt and some of the germs; disinfecting kills the germs that remain on a surface that is already clean. You always clean before disinfecting.