Remember orange is the new black? How about 40 is the new 50? We’re not sure what either of those really mean, but we do know that disinfecting is the new cleaning.
Businesses like restaurants, food processing plants, and healthcare facilities have always lived under the strictest standards of disinfecting and sanitizing. Can we at home? Of course we can! Here’s what you need to know:
What’s the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Knowing the small– but important – differences can help you be sure you’re doing all you can to keep you and your family (even the furry ones) safe.
Cleaning removes dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces or objects. It doesn’t necessarily kill germs.
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects using specific chemicals designed to kill pathogens. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it greatly lowers the risk of spreading infection.
The bottom line is you clean every day to keep dirt and grime from building up. But disinfecting is something that should be done monthly or even weekly to kill viruses, bacteria, germs, and other pathogens.
What product should I use to disinfect my home?
You’ll want to make sure the product you’re using is included on the EPA’s “List N” of products that meet their criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of Covid-19. The product should also be able to kill 99.99% of as many pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses as possible including H1N1 Swine Flu and E. coli. For the safety of your family, it’s even better if the product is defined by the EPA as “practically non-toxic and not an irritant.”
Where should I be disinfecting?
People tend to only think of the bathroom when considering disinfecting. While, you’ll want to make sure to use a disinfectant at full strength to wipe down the areas in the bathroom that get touched often like the doorknobs and – let’s face it – the toilet, you’ll also want to make sure to mist the entire area with the product at the correct strength. But the bathroom isn’t the only room you’ll want to disinfect.
The kitchen is a prime spot for high-touch areas (you know how every party ends up in the kitchen?). Since you’ll want to disinfect the kitchen, the product should also be rated “no rinse required on food contact surfaces,” category D2, by NSF International; meaning it is approved for use in kitchens without the need to wash/rinse the area with water after it’s applied.
But don’t stop there. The office, den, playroom, bedrooms – just about everywhere can and should be disinfected. To do that, be sure you’re using a disinfectant that is mild on skin, hard surfaces, and fabrics.
It can be a little overwhelming. You’re cleaning your home, but disinfecting it seems like it should be left to the pros. And not just a cleaning service. The name says it all. They’re just cleaning. Western Pest Services has Western PurClean™ – a disinfecting treatment that checks all the boxes. And if you’re unsure about using a pest company to disinfect your home, consider this: pest control was deemed an essential service by The Department of Homeland Security and disinfectants are regulated by the same agency that regulates pesticides. So, our technicians are not only trained to use the products, they would be able to come out today to do what they can to help keep your family safe and healthy. Now’s the time to have a disinfectant treatment done. Give Western Pest Services a call.
Looking for more information about disinfecting? Check out our other blog posts:
5 Tips for Elevating Your Rental’s Cleaning Standards
Choosing a Company to Disinfect or Sanitize Your Home or Business – What You Need to Know.
Essential Services – Why Is Pest Control So Important Right Now?