Editorial

Creating a successful coronavirus cleaning regime

As more businesses reopen following the drop to level 1 COVID-19 restrictions, the need to reassure facility workers and visitors that they will be safe becomes imperative. It is therefore essential to keep workplaces clean in order to protect staff and visitors from the coronavirus.

In this article Greg Venter, Managing Director of Goscor Cleaning Equipment, points out: “In cleaning building premises, especially equipment and surfaces that are touched often, many companies have increased the frequency, scope and intensity of their cleaning regimes. Problems arise however, when incorrect methods are used.”

It has been scientifically proven that certain disinfectants can leave a chemical residue when used frequently and this causes a build-up, which is particularly common if the surface is not rinsed correctly after application. When the residue from a disinfectant is left behind on a surface, it creates a unique environment for both existing and new forms of bacteria to grow, which have the potential to become resistant to the disinfecting agent used.

“To effectively clean surfaces, you have to thoroughly remove dirt and contaminants,” states Venter. “The best way for companies to do this is to use state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and detergents or disinfectants. Vacuums used to clean carpets and hard floor surfaces should be fitted with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and should undergo regular maintenance, which includes changing the filters,” he adds.

Goscor Cleaning Equipment supplies a range of carpet extractors from the world-leading cleaning brand, Tennant. From deep cleaning to handheld spot extractors, Tennant offers proven carpet cleaning machines to meet the exacting standards that the current workplace demands.

Tennant’s E5 deep-cleaning carpet extractor provides powerful cleaning for small spaces. Cleaning in congested and hard-to-reach areas is easy with this model’s compact design and its dual overlapping spray jets and exceptional vacuum suction provide maximum cleaning performance across the entire cleaning path.

For a fast-drying interim cleaning solution in high-traffic areas, Venter recommends Tennant’s walk-behind or ride-on industrial carpet cleaners featuring the patented ReadySpace ® technology. “ReadySpace ® removes soil before it becomes embedded, thereby extending the life of the carpet and extending the time between deep cleaning,” he says. Adding, “this revolutionary breakthrough carpet cleaning technology leaves carpets clean, dry and ready for traffic in less than 30 minutes. With ReadySpace ® you will use less water thereby never saturating the carpet, which minimises odours and mould caused by excess water.”

With its walk-behind options – the 1610 and the R3 – room and carpet area shutdown times can be reduced dramatically. Both the 1610 and R3 carpet extractors, each featuring ReadySpace ® technology, are ideal for interim cleanings in between deep cleans.

The 1610 walk-behind, dual-technology extractor is also a deep-cleaning extractor for periodic, restorative cleaning that helps to prolong carpet life. Cleaning is made easy in tight, congested areas, such as office spaces, with near effortless forward and reverse cleaning action.

“Ultimately the goal of cleaning is to produce a hygienic and healthy environment that goes beyond cleaning for appearance only, and focuses on properly killing and removing bacteria, mould, parasites, allergens and viruses. Effective infection prevention and control is central to providing a safe and healthy work and business environment,” concludes Venter.