Disinfection vs. Cleaning - What's the Difference? Due to the pandemic and businesses now preparing to re-open, we are getting a lot of calls asking for a “deep clean”. Yet, when we ask them questions to determine what they are really looking for, we are discovering what they are really seeking is disinfection. This also prompts a discussion of the differences between cleaning and disinfection. It is important to know the difference, ask the right questions, and know what service you're getting. What is Deep Cleaning? Deep cleaning is generally just a surface clean, or what some people refer to as a good, “spring cleaning”. For instance, cleaning cabinets (inside and out), deep scrubbing of certain areas or surfaces, cleaning out and washing refrigerators, etc. However, this does not mean a cleaning of undersides of tables and high traffic items like light switches, door knobs, or chair arms. It is these places, that we touch often in our homes and businesses, where germs and viruses can linger. If you are looking to eliminate viruses, as well as other germs and bacteria, you need more than just a deep cleaning. Sanitization, Disinfection or Sterilization? The terms sanitization, disinfection, and sterilization sound similar, but they are very different. Sanitization reduces overall pathogenic microbes on surfaces. While disinfection requires the disinfectant to remain on a surface for a period of time in order to be effective. According to the CDC, “Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs. But by removing the germs, it decreases their number and therefore any risk of spreading infection.” Source: CDC.gov Whereas, disinfecting works by using chemicals, for example EPA-registered disinfectants and/or hospital-grade products, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. But by disinfecting, you can kill germs that remain on a surface after cleaning to further reduce any risk of spreading infection. This is why it is important to ask the right questions and understand what service you will be provided. At Millennium Cleaning we use a hospital-grade disinfectant when performing electrostatic and/or chemical spraying (refer to our page on the FAQ’s on electrostatic spraying to answer other, detailed questions). If you are looking for a disinfection services that includes a full wipe-down of all surfaces, door knobs, handles, chair arms, etc., this is a separate service we offer as well. We can create a disinfection package that suits all your needs. Just let us know what you are looking for and we can tailor it to your business and needs! Contact Millennium Cleaning Services today to find out how we can keep you, your staff, and customers safe, along with effectively treat your space to fight the spread of COVID-19
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Many have asked us, "What is the difference between using a fogger and electrostatic (spraying) disinfecting?" Although disinfectants are used in both an electrostatic spray gun and a fogger, the technology and the results are quite different. The Electrostatic Spraying System delivers electrostatically charged droplets that are actively attracted to surfaces, including the exposed back sides of surfaces regardless of the direction of spray. The disinfectant covers surfaces and objects in a 360-degree range, while providing touchless disinfection. Essentially, the spraying has a 3-D wrapping effect. Because the particles in the spray are positively charged (and surfaces/objects are neutral or negatively charged), it allows the appropriate disinfectants to wrap around and evenly coat all types of surfaces for complete coverage. Objects and surfaces attract the disinfectant from an electrostatic sprayer! Whereas, misters and fogging systems deliver very small droplets that passively deposit on surfaces based on the direction of spray and the effect of gravity, which may result in uneven coverage. Misters and fogging systems deliver very small droplets that passively deposit on surfaces based on the direction of spray and the effect of gravity, which may result in uneven coverage. These small droplets do not wrap around surfaces and objects, like electrostatic spraying does. These small droplets simply land in the direction the mister or fogger is pointed to. Alternatively, the methods of wiping down surfaces with disinfectants are time consuming, labor intensive and provide the least consistent coverage. These services of manually disinfecting and wiping down of surfaces are considered an additional service in the commercial cleaning industry, as it adds additional time to the general cleaning scope. If you would like to find out more information or would like a quote for electrostatic spraying and/or our rates for manual disinfection (wiping down of critical touch point surfaces), please contact 978-837-1955 or email sandra@millenniumcleaning.net In business, appearances matter. A clean office or store makes a lasting impression on everyone who walks in the building and provides a healthy work environment for your staff. Our professional commercial cleaning services will give you all the benefits of a spotless appearance without the extra work. Whether you own a retail establishment, office building, gym, or other commercial facility, we fully understand the service needs of many industries and the importance of a pristine appearance in providing an exceptional shopping experience. Our team is here to help you keep your building cleaned and/or disinfected.
Commercial & Janitorial Cleaning - We provide exceptional facility maintenance and commercial cleaning services. We service all sized facilities. Our professionals will assist your company to create a program that meets all of your facility needs. Your company can have the best of both worlds. We provide professional cleaning that does not cause any business disruptions. Our overnight cleaning services will make your building shine before the workday begins. Whether during open hours or overnight, we have contracts to fit your needs! Floor Maintenance - Floor care is a crucial component to a well-maintained building or facility. From strip and wax, to buffing, or floor tile grout cleaning, we will work with you to create a floor maintenance program that aesthetically maintains and increases the lifespan of your floors. Carpet Cleaning - From carpet shampooing to extractions, our expertly trained team will handle all your carpet cleaning needs. Our staff will help you create a carpet cleaning maintenance schedule to maintain your carpet and reduce future costs in carpet replacement. Medical Equipment Cleaning - It is extremely important to regularly clean and decontaminate medical equipment and devices to minimize the risk of infections. Our professionals have developed cleaning and sterilization techniques that ensure that your equipment is safe for use. Green Cleaning - Our green cleaning services minimize our impact on the planet without sacrificing the quality of our cleaning. Upon request, we use environmentally-conscious products that are safe for both people and pets to be around. Electrostatic Spraying - Electrostatic Spraying disinfects and sanitizes your space protecting you, your staff, and clients from potential viruses, illnesses, and infections. From door handles to keyboards, bacteria quickly builds-up on every surface of commercial and residential spaces, spreading contagious illnesses, like the flu. And now with the outbreak of coronavirus, a sanitary environment is more important than ever. However, bacteria and other tiny particles can be impossible to fully eliminate with traditional disinfecting methods. To really stop illnesses from spreading, you need electrostatic spray technology. PRO-Techs 90-Day Protection Process - Read our blog for more information on how this can give your business or store peace of mind in terms of disinfection services that last 90 days! Millennium Cleaning Services is a commercial cleaning company based in North Andover, MA and services the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Give us a call at 978-837-1955 to help determine the best way we can help keep your schools, offices, and commercial spaces cleaned and disinfected. A 90-Day Protection Process for Piece of Mind Protecting your employees and customers is a top priority, especially after going through a health crisis like 2020’s COVID pandemic. Millennium Cleaning Services wants to help aid this process by offering an up to 90-day protection process that can help give everyone piece of mind when they see the protection of Millennium Shield! How does it work? Follow along below to learn more! Step 1. INSPECTION Your service will have a dedicated Millennium Cleaning Services account manager who will discuss your specific cleaning and disinfection goals with you. They will ask discovery questions that help define a custom solution that will meet the unique needs of your location. They will identify the approximate coverage area as well as high frequency touchpoints that are to be treated with PRO-Techs break-thru antimicrobial technology. They will then select priority areas (based on the size of your facility and the surface requirements) for a swab test using a SystemSURE ATP surface test to determine the contamination level and establish a baseline. Step 2. DISINFECTION Millennium Cleaning technicians, who are extensively trained using electrostatic sprayers (ionized misters and foggers) for a comprehensive application, will then apply the disinfectant. Millennium Cleaning’s trained technicians are experts in the cleaning industry on infection and contamination control measures for infection disease outbreak situations. Our technicians disinfect with a solution that is EPA qualified on LIST N for use against COVID-19. Its ultra-low dwell time requirement and non-corrosive qualities ensures surfaces are not overly saturated and poses no risks to sensitive electronics. Step 3. PROTECTION Millennium Cleaning technicians are also PRO-Techs trained and certified to apply antimicrobial protection using the latest and most effective electrostatic sprayers. Since PRO-Techs is a nano-technology that is invisible to the naked eye, it is important to use trained applicators that won’t miss critical areas that require protection. PRO-Techs is an EPA registered antimicrobial. Within seconds, the anti-microbial begins to work immediately to protect against harmful bacteria, mold, viruses, and other deadly pathogens. Active surfaces are now guarded 24/7 and for up to 90 days from offending microbes. PRO-Techs is people/pet friendly and environmentally safe. The antimicrobial has been used safely and effectively for more than forty years. It is non-toxic, colorless, odorless, durable, and nonleaching. PRO-Techs will not affect dying and printing of treated fabrics and can be applied to any textiles including bright white, colors, and black. Step 4. MEASUREMENT Millennium Cleaning’s Certified Applicators revisit the selected priority areas and test again with SystemSURE ATP surface swab tests to determine that the contamination level has sufficiently dropped and falls within EPA guidelines. Step 5. CERTIFICATION Millennium Cleaning provides you with a Millennium Shield™ Certificate that certifies that you have received professionally applied PRO-Techs anti-microbial protection that can last for up to 90 days. The Certificate is suitable for framing and can be displayed in public to assure your employees and customers that you are providing the very best anti-microbial protection that is available. For our customers in the Millennium Shield™ Program, we provide a new certification every 90 days. So when protecting your customers and employees is top of mind, call us to provide the shield! Millennium Cleaning Services is a commercial cleaning company based in North Andover, MA and services the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Give us a call at (978) 837-1955 to help determine the best way we can help keep your schools, offices, and commercial spaces cleaned and disinfected. With students heading back to school this Fall in Massachusetts, many parents and teachers are worried about COVID, mask wearing, and who knows what else could come next. We have decided to compile a top 6 list of items that can be disinfected on the regular to help your students stay safe.
While this list is not exhaustive, it is a start to help keep everyone safe. And to take it a step further, schools can consider hiring a professional service to disinfect on the regular. With a 90 day guarantee, Millennium Shield can give peace of mind to parents, teachers, and administrators. A five step process can help alleviate worries and concerns for all involved when keeping their children safe. Millennium Cleaning Services is a commercial cleaning company based in North Andover, MA and services the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Give us a call at (855) 372-5292 to help determine the best way we can help keep your schools, offices, and commercial spaces cleaned and disinfected. |
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