How to Keep Your Facility Safe: Infection Control Solutions

When it comes to infection control, one of the best ways to keep your facility safe is regular cleaning and disinfecting by a commercial cleaner that uses the best commercial disinfectants and antimicrobial surface protection products.

Infection Control

During the COVID-19 pandemic, infection control became more important than ever and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended effective infection control along with regular cleaning and disinfecting.

A commercial cleaner removes dirt, impurities, and most germs during a regular cleaning process. This lowers the number of germs on surfaces and reduces the risk of spreading infection. However, it does not kill all the germs in your facility. Frequent cleaning is the first step though--especially when it comes to high-touch surfaces, including desks, tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and bathrooms.

Disinfecting Treatments

The best commercial disinfectant to use is one that is listed on the EPA’s List-N Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Your commercial cleaner can apply the disinfecting treatment after the cleaning process is complete. Surfaces must be cleaned before any disinfectant is applied.

The best commercial disinfectants start to work on contact and kill 99.9% of germs, viruses, and bacteria within 5-10 minutes. Surfaces must remain wet for the appropriate amount of time specified in the instructions. Many people make the mistake of wiping off the disinfectant before it completely inactivates pathogens.

Antimicrobial Surface Protection

Another powerful weapon in the battle for infection control is antimicrobial surface protection. Antimicrobial surface protection provides yet another layer of protection against germs, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.

Cleaning and disinfecting kills existing germs and viruses, but once the process is complete, surfaces can accumulate germs and microbes. When applied, an antimicrobial surface protection product bonds with surfaces to inhibit the growth of microbes and prevents germs from adhering to surfaces. It does not deflect germs. It attacks the protein within viruses and other microbes by coating them and disrupting their DNA, which deactivates the dangerous germs and prevents them from replicating.

An antimicrobial surface protection product is especially effective at controlling germs and viruses in bathrooms. The simple act of flushing a toilet can inject viruses and germs into the air and the plume that is created can spread these particles on surfaces throughout the restroom. So, if someone who is sick uses the bathroom, their germs could settle on surfaces in the bathroom. When applied by trained professionals such as one of OpenWorks elite network of service providers, antimicrobial surface protection products continue to inhibit the growth of germs and viruses for up to 90 days.

Inhibiting the Growth of Pathogens

Inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other germs is critical in infection control. Once viruses find hosts, they multiply and infect other cells. For example, if you get the flu, the virus can replicate at a rapid rate since each infected cell can produce 10,000 new virus cells. Within days, there may be as many as 100 trillion infected cells raging inside your body. So, it is better to stop nasty microbes before someone gets infected.

The best antimicrobial surface protection product is one that is effective in treating a broad range of pathogens while remaining environmentally friendly. It is safe for humans and is non-toxic, non-adaptable, and won’t leach. While it can be sprayed on surfaces, the most effective way to apply an antimicrobial surface protectant is electrostatic spraying. Electrostatic spraying adds a positive charge to the particles as it is applied. These charged particles spread out on surfaces and bond to negatively charged surfaces such as desks, floors, and walls. The positively charged particles repel each other which causes them to spread out evenly on surfaces, wrap around them, and penetrate hard-to-reach places.

When applied with an electrostatic sprayer, an antimicrobial surface protectant can provide infection control for up to three months. It does not take the place of regular cleaning and disinfecting, but it can reduce the spread of germs and viruses between cleanings. Once applied, it can continue to provide long-lasting infection control between cleanings.

Superior Infection Control

OpenWorks’ elite network of commercial cleaning service providers can apply antimicrobial surface protection products in your facility while following all CDC, EPA, and OSHA guidelines.

Request an estimate from OpenWorks today to discuss the benefits of antimicrobial surface protection and customize a plan to make your facility healthier, cleaner, and safer.