Commercial cleaners know that disinfection is a crucial part of their jobs, helping to stop the spread of germs, increase public safety, and help facilities remain compliant. As we head into cold and flu season, sickness and absenteeism is top of mind for many business owners.

In workspaces, research shows that sink faucet handles contain about 229,000 germs per square inch and office phones hold over 25,000 germs per square inch, not to mention the many other shared spaces and high-touch surfaces. Without diligent disinfection, businesses often experience lower productivity and absenteeism as germs spread and illness becomes more common. Employees working through cold and flu symptoms experience a three to eight per cent drop in work performance and employee absence due to illness can climb by 110 to 130 per cent in peak months like November, December, and January.

But targeted disinfection can have a significant impact on the spread of germs and occupant safety. Studies show that proper commercial cleaning and disinfection reduces the risk of employees catching colds and flus at work by 80 per cent.

What’s new in targeted disinfection? As technology evolves, so, too, do the tools that cleaners and janitorial staff can leverage for more data and better results.

• Photodisinfection (light-activated therapies): New technology uses a non-toxic photosensitizer with a specific wavelength of red light to rapidly destroy pathogens (including many superbugs). This technology is an effective option for cleaners, eradicating up to 99.9 per cent of pathogens on complex surfaces.
• Ionized hydrogen peroxide (iHP): This includes advanced misting and activation systems that use low-percentage hydrogen peroxide combined with cold plasma arcs to create reactive hydroxyl radicals. With a low concentration solution of hydrogen peroxide, activated by a cold plasma arc to create a fine mist of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, this process can safely destroy up to 99.9999 per cent of pathogens on targeted surfaces.
• Electrostatic spraying: This advancement, receiving more attention since the pandemic, charges a disinfectant liquid as it leaves the nozzle, causing droplets to actively wrap around and uniformly coat complex or hard-to-reach objects. This method adheres to surfaces more evenly, allowing it to wrap around objects and reach areas that are often missed, so it’s a good option for hard-to-reach spots.
• Advanced engineered water technology: These days, there are systems that can alter ordinary cold water, turning it into a powerful, chemical-free sanitizing agent at the molecular level, safely degrading back into simple water and oxygen after application. This method does not leave a residue, it is an eco friendly option, there are no fumes, and no chemicals are used, so it might be a good option for cleaning sensitive areas where odours may be an issue.

Targeted disinfection is an important step in reducing the spread of germs and increasing safety, but it is important to remember a few simple steps in the process.

Start by cleaning: Dirt blocks chemicals from killing germs, so initial cleaning is crucial to remove any dirt before effective disinfection.

Be specific: Look at high-touch, high-traffic areas as the most important areas for disinfection. Remember spots like elevator buttons, doorknobs, and light switches, which see the most touching throughout the day and are at the highest amount of risk for spreading germs throughout the building and beyond.

Read product instructions: Be vigilant and intentional with proper use for equipment and chemicals. Follow dilution instructions, avoid mixing incompatible products, and follow recommended dwell times for safe use and maximum results.

Many cleaning customers are now looking for a customized cleaning plan, whether to accommodate hybrid scheduling, fit a set budget, or tailor services to their traffic, space, or unique challenges. These options can help cleaners address their clients’ custom needs while achieving a higher level of disinfection.

As technology, sustainability, and increased focus on hygiene remain the top trends in the commercial cleaning industry, cleaners and facility managers need to investigate innovation to increase efficiency, raise productivity, and to be able to stand out to their clients with cutting edge services.