Your cleaning business is likely either at the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis, playing a crucial role in preventing its spread, or you adjusting to a new world where your clients are closed or sheltering in place.
We understand that running your cleaning business and staying safe in these uncertain times can present difficulties and confusion. We’ve been following closely, and have some suggested best practices to protect you, your employees, your clients, and your business operations.
In addition to closely following mandates from your local government and federal agencies, here are some best practices that are being adopted by cleaning business, janitors and other facilities support companies in response to COVID-19:
1. Always wear gloves
Wear disposable gloves while cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and discard them after each use. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after wearing gloves. Avoid touching used tissues and other waste when emptying wastebaskets.
2. Pay close attention to disinfectants
For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, cleaning solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective against COVID-19. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation and check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date.
Pay close attention to “dwell time,” the time the disinfectant or bleach solution remains on a surface before wiping or rinsing. It’s an important factor to determine how well a disinfectant kills germs and viruses. Check the label for specific instructions for dwell time.
3. Focus on high-touch surfaces
In addition to areas that your regularly clean, try to think of commonly touched items and objects that should also be disinfected. Light switches, door handles, an appliance’s buttons and surfaces, drawer handles, TV remotes, coffee machines, phones, computers, file cabinets, water coolers, tables, hard-backed chairs, and similar items should be disinfected regularly.
4. Clean your cleaning equipment
It sounds weird, but it’s an essential step to avoid your exposure to the coronavirus – clean your cleaning equipment. Limit your potential exposure to coronavirus by disinfecting broom and mop handles, supply carts, mop buckets, and other tools of your trade. Touching these unsanitized items and then touching a previously cleaned surface will recontaminate them.
5. Avoid human contact during your cleaning jobs
Social distancing applies to all areas of your life, including your cleaning jobs. Try to avoid cleaning/working while buildings or homes are occupied. If the building is occupied, confirm that all occupants are not exhibiting signs of respiratory illness before entering and always maintain six feet of separation.
6. Communicate regularly with your clients and employees
Open communication with your clients and employees is critical as the coronavirus evolves. Check-in with your clients before and after jobs to ensure everyone’s safety. Stay in close contact with your employees to make sure they are healthy and safe and to reiterate best practices.
Next Insurance supports cleaning and facilities businesses
We have helped thousands of cleaning and facilities support business owners protect their investment with business insurance. As you deal with the uncertainty of the coronavirus crisis, we are standing by to assist with any insurance-related questions you may have.
Visit our dedicated page for cleaning business insurance to learn more about the coverage that can protect your business. We are 100% committed to supporting your needs during this difficult time.
