COVID-19: Workplace Cleaning and Disinfecting Checklist

According to recent data, over 1.6 million Canadians have had COVID-19. Not only has this changed the way most of us live, but it’s also changed the way that we sanitize and share spaces.

Creating a safe working environment is imperative for the health of your staff. Making sure that your staff feels comfortable to come to work and share communal working spaces is critical for the success of your business.

You might have had certain workplace cleaning protocols in the past, however, with the easy spread of coronavirus, shared spaces require a lot more attention and disinfection than ever before.

This might make you wonder if you are doing enough to ensure that your workplace is clean and safe for your staff.

Keep reading for COVID cleaning tips and an office cleaning checklist. 

Gather Effective Cleaning Supplies

If you want to know how to remove COVID-19 bacteria in your workplace, you must first know what cleaning supplies you will need. Covid disinfecting requires detail and consistency to ensure that the virus does not spread. 

You want to make sure that germs and bacteria are removed from commonly shared spaces to avoid transmission. The right supplies will make it easier to create a cleaning strategy in your office.

It is important to note that for all cleaning supplies, you must use the product exactly as instructed. Avoid mixing cleaning agents as they can create a harmful reaction.

Your cleaning supplies will also depend on the specific office cleaning checklist. It can be daily, weekly, or deep cleaning. Ensure that you have the following supplies on hand:

  • Protective gloves
  • Microfiber cloths and paper towels
  • Eco-friendly cleaning spray bottle
  • Heavy-duty trash bags
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Properly diluted disinfectant
  • Disinfecting spray bottle
  • Respiratory mask
  • Protective eyewear
  • Protective gown

Some of these supplies and special disinfecting tools may not be readily available for your own use. In these circumstances, it is recommended that you hire professional cleaners to ensure optimal cleaning in your office.

Create a Cleaning Plan and Protocol

One of the most important aspects of cleaning is having an action plan. Knowing high traffic areas and other areas that will need the most attention is imperative to your office cleaning plan.

If you want to know how to disinfect for COVID, you will want to increase the frequency of your cleaning. This is particularly important for areas and spaces that are shared and have a lot of use.

You will want to organize your plan in a way that efficiently addresses specific areas and cleaning items needed.

Determine the Cleaning Area

This can be broken down into sections that make sense for your office. This can include the washroom, the break room, the lunchroom, and the reception area. 

We know that these are high-traffic areas, and they will need more attention than say, one employee cubical.

These areas will need more frequent and intense disinfection. You will also want to focus on details like door handles, light switches, stair rails, phones, printers, and elevator buttons.

Bacteria and germs can stay on certain surfaces for many days. For metal and silver, such as door handles or cutlery, viruses have been known to be detected up to 9 days after exposure.

Cleaners and disinfectants, again, must be used exactly as instructed on the manufacturer’s label. 

There are many types of chemicals and solutions that can be used to disinfect surfaces of bacteria and viruses, such as:

  • Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Alcohol (ethanol or isopropyl alcohol)
  • Benzalkonium chloride (most Lysol products contain this)

Diluted solutions are effective at removing bacteria and viruses, however, the length of time you will need to leave the solution on the surface will vary depending on the type of surface that you are cleaning.  It is also important to note that not all chemicals or disinfectants are suitable for soft or plastic surfaces, so be sure to read the label for guidelines and proper use.

Along with a breakdown of each area, you will want to note how often the area needs to be cleaned.

Implement the Cleaning Protocol

Implementing the plan is integral in the office cleaning checklist. You want to inform your staff and ensure that they understand the cleaning protocol.

Explain to your staff just how critical this protocol is. This will help them understand and take part in the cleaning plan so that they feel safe at work.

Staff Participation

Each staff member can be provided with hand sanitizer to use frequently throughout the day. You can also implement a policy to ensure that staff members are disinfecting their personal workspaces several times a day.

You can emphasize the importance of soap, how to use different cleaners and how to avoid transmitting bacteria.

Breaking Down Your Cleaning Check

Now you have put a plan and protocol in place, you can break down your cleaning checklist. This checklist for disinfecting covid is vital in keeping your workspace clean.

Here are some of the ways in which you can ensure that your workspace is clean and what to focus on in certain areas of the office.

Cleaning focus for general areas:

  • Tabletops, desks, and cubicles
  • Countertops in the lunchroom
  • Light switches and doorknobs
  • Handles on cabinets

Cleaning focus for reception areas:

  • All reception telephones
  • Computer keyboards and mice
  • Touch screen monitors
  • Tape dispensers and other office supplies
  • Elevator buttons

Cleaning focus for the Kitchen:

  • Appliance handles and buttons
  • Light fixtures
  • Coffee and tea station
  • Cutlery and silverware

Every office or workspace will look different, and you will need to tailor the cleaning checklist according to yours. Be sure to cover all of your bases and include even the smallest details.

Get Professional Cleaning Services

Covid-19 shows us just how easy it is to transmit germs and bacteria, especially in shared spaces.

While we try to do our best to keep spaces clean for the sake of everyone in the office, sometimes we need help from professionals.

ServiCare Interiors offers commercial cleaning for a variety of spaces. This can help step up the health and safety of your office. Your staff is likely to thank you for it and do their part for the business as well.

If your office is in Mississauga or the GTA, contact ServiCare about our disinfection services.

Safety for Your Staff With Workplace Cleaning

Keeping your office clean is more important now than ever. Workplace cleaning is also crucial for the success of your business. Ensure that you have all your cleaning supplies, a cleaning plan, and take advantage of professional services.

Getting your office COVID-safe is easy with the professionals at ServiCare.

If you are in the Mississauga area or the GTA, be sure to check out all the professional cleaning services we offer and book an appointment today.