Let’s begin by clarifying three important terms: cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.

Cleaning with soap (surfactants) and water removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection.

Sanitizing and disinfecting kill germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Both sanitizing and disinfecting reduce the amount of contamination present on a surface by killing germs, but disinfecting kills more germs than sanitizing.

Product manufacturers and agencies like the EPA use the word sanitizing to refer to a solution or device that reduces the amount of germs on a surface to a level that’s considered safe by public health standards.

They use the word disinfecting for stronger or specialized chemical products that are designed to “kill virtually everything” on a surface.

Reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in your workplace by regularly cleaning and disinfecting all hard, non-porous surfaces.

In this study, researchers found that contamination of just a single doorknob or table top results in the spread of viruses throughout the facility. Within 2 to 4 hours, the virus could be detected on 40% to 60% of workers and visitors in the facility and commonly touched objects.

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes high traffic areas: lobbies, kitchens, restrooms, and elevators, and stairwells. This includes objects: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, chairs, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

Frequently applying an EPA-registered disinfectant on surfaces touched by multiple people is important. The bottom line:  frequently touched areas need frequent cleaning and disinfecting!

Soft and porous materials are not as easy to disinfect as hard and non-porous surfaces.

Extreme heat (above 170º) effectively kills germs and sanitizes soft and porous materials.. Professional, truck mounted hot water (210º to 240º) extraction machines can deep clean and sanitize fabric, carpets, rugs, and upholstery.

Deep cleaning and sanitizing followed by application of an EPA-registered disinfectant delivers a powerful one-two punch!

For detailed recommendations on re-opening and maintaining your facility visit:

CDC.gov – Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting  or  CDC.gov – Cleaning and Disinfection Tool

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns. We are watching the evolving recommendations from industry partners, local ordinances, the State of Michigan, the EPA, OSHA, and the CDC. We offer daytime cleaning, disinfectant wipe down, fogging, and hot water extraction services.

Thank you for your continued trust in the Populist Cleaning Co. Team!