Every business that brings customers or clients together in a centralized location poses some risk to the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if you maintain strict social distancing policies, if one of your guests contaminates part of your facility, anyone who visits after them is at risk. Many businesses have turned to hospital-grade disinfection services to help them reduce the risks associated with running their businesses. These services have specialized cleaning chemicals and equipment that allow them to disinfect every possible surface, including the following.

Non-Porous Surfaces

The most easily disinfected surfaces are non-porous, which means they don't allow particles or bacteria below their visible surfaces. Non-porous materials include plastic, metal, paint, and most hard commercial flooring materials. Professionals have a wide variety of disinfection options for these kinds of surfaces. For a chemical-free solution, some professionals use steam cleaners to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Others use disinfecting chemicals, including bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium chloride (QUAT). Since some of these chemicals can be harsh, most professionals test them in out-of-the-way areas before applying them over every non-porous surface. As long as these chemicals make contact with a non-porous surface, the surface should be sanitized. 

Hard Porous Surfaces

Some hard surfaces are porous, which presents some challenges for disinfection. Porous hard surfaces include wood and some natural stone.surfaces. In order to disinfect these surfaces, professionals make sure the disinfectants they use penetrate beyond the top-most layer of the materials. For floors made from wood or cork, this can be as simple as mopping with generous amounts of disinfecting cleaner. For other surfaces, scrubbing thoroughly is one of the best methods to ensure disinfectants reach deep into the pores of the material. Most hard surfaces can be sanitized with the chemicals used for non-porous surfaces, but wood may begin to dry out unless harsh chemicals are rinsed away with fresh water after disinfection. 

Soft Surfaces

Disinfecting soft surfaces can be a challenge. Many of the disinfecting agents used for hard surfaces can strip color from fabrics and carpet and destroy delicate fabric fibers. In order to disinfect upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains, many professionals use commercial-grade steam cleaners. Steam penetrates deep into fabric and furniture foam, sanitizing these materials on every level. Steam also removes wrinkles, leaving the fabrics it touches looking professionally maintained. Hydrogen peroxide is typically safe for use on fabrics, too, so some professional cleaners may use it to disinfect soft surfaces.

To learn more, contact a company offering disinfection services in your area.