Making informed decisions about cleaning and disinfecting floors during this pandemic is very important. While floors have traditionally been considered a non-critical environmental surface, the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring all facilities to consider taking extra precautions against the virus that causes the disease. A recent study shows that this virus can live for up to 72 hours on some non-porous surfaces. In order to reduce the potential for virus transmission, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that floors are regularly cleaned and then disinfected with chemicals that have been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are listed for use to control the virus.

Floor Cleaning

You will need to remove all soil, debris, and organic substances from a surface. Cleaning is an important step in the disinfection process. Auto- floor scrubbers can be used to perform this important task between disinfection processes while people are present, since cleaning solution is applied to the floor and quickly removed to prevent slip-fall accidents.

Floor Disinfecting

Is the use of chemical solutions that eliminate pathogens and disease-causing microorganisms. These chemicals require a dwell time of up to 10 minutes (times vary) to do their job. This task is performed after cleaning and when an area can be closed off as the floor remains wet for at least the required dwell time.

Cleaning & Disinfecting your Floor Equipment

This is as important as cleaning & disinfecting your surfaces.

1. Recommend routine cleaning and disinfecting of equipment surface and parts
2. Be sure to use an EPA registered disinfectant and review the labels to ensure its compatible with the auto scrubber
3. Clean all hard, non-porous surfaces of the machine. Allow time to air dry before using disinfectants
4. Follow the labels of the disinfectants and allow the proper dwell times
5. Rinse equipment with water to remove any residues left from the disinfectants. Be sure to remove any access water to reduce the potential for damage to your equipment

Please be sure to wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), follow all label directions, and use safety protocols, such as safety signs indicating the floors are wet.

Masco Packaging & Industrial Supply is committed to working with our industry partners to keep our communities safe, clean, and healthy.