The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives, including the way we approach cleanliness and hygiene. In commercial spaces, the need for stringent cleaning protocols has become more crucial than ever before. The virus has highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for employees, customers, and visitors. Here, we will explore the changes and enhancements in commercial cleaning practices before and after the COVID-19 era.

Before COVID-19: Traditional Cleaning Practices

Before the pandemic, commercial cleaning primarily focused on routine cleaning tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and emptying trash bins. These practices aimed to maintain a clean appearance but did not necessarily target the eradication of harmful pathogens. Disinfection measures were typically limited to high-touch surfaces in certain industries, such as healthcare and food services.

After COVID-19: The Rise of Enhanced Cleaning Protocols

The arrival of COVID-19 prompted a paradigm shift in commercial cleaning practices. Cleaning companies and facility managers quickly recognized the need for enhanced cleaning protocols to minimize the spread of the virus. The following changes have become key components of post-COVID commercial cleaning:

1. Increased Frequency of Cleaning: Cleaning frequencies have been significantly amplified, especially in high-traffic areas and commonly touched surfaces. Regular cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization routines have become the norm, aiming to create a safer environment for occupants.
2. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces: High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and handrails, now receive heightened attention. These areas are frequently cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of viral transmission.
3. Implementation of Electrostatic Spraying: Electrostatic sprayers have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in disinfecting large areas efficiently. This technology allows for the uniform and comprehensive application of disinfectants, ensuring thorough coverage.
4. Use of EPA-Approved Disinfectants: Cleaning companies now prioritize the use of disinfectants approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their effectiveness against viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. These products are specifically formulated to neutralize pathogens, providing an extra layer of protection.
5. Adherence to CDC and Health Authority Guidelines: Cleaning practices now align with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following proper hand hygiene, and implementing social distancing measures during cleaning activities.
6. Improved Air Quality Measures: The significance of indoor air quality has gained prominence. Commercial cleaning now encompasses improved ventilation, air filtration, and air purification systems to reduce the potential airborne transmission of viruses and improve overall occupant well-being.
7. Enhanced Training for Cleaning Staff: Cleaning professionals are receiving specialized training to adapt to the new cleaning protocols and to stay updated on the latest research and guidelines. This ensures that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a clean and safe environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era of commercial cleaning. Businesses and cleaning professionals have recognized the importance of adopting enhanced cleaning protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of employees, customers, and visitors. With increased frequency of cleaning, a focus on high-touch surfaces, the use of advanced disinfection technologies, and adherence to guidelines from health authorities, commercial spaces are striving to create a new standard of cleanliness. These changes not only address the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic but also contribute to a healthier and more hygienic environment in the long run.