Coronavirus COVID-19:
What are We Tracking In?
UPDATE! CDC study (February 19 – March 2, 2020), discovers the virus can be transferred by shoes [link].
Exterior Cleaning Overview:
The daily threat of Coronavirus is on everyone’s mind. Social distancing has put an incredible strain on businesses with many people staying away. How can businesses keep their establishments clean and disinfected to help minimize the risk to their customers? While an emphasis has been placed on keeping surfaces inside buildings clean and virus-free, one must remember that steps to minimize the tracking of dirt, bacteria, viruses and gunk into hospitals, stores, restaurants and buildings is just as important. While entertainment venues are closed, the public is turning to the outdoors for their amusement and exercise. Properly cleaning sidewalks and playground equipment is key to keeping these places clean, disinfected and properly sanitized.
Power Wash Businesses play a vital role in the cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing of outdoor surfaces that will minimize the tracking of these dangerous substances indoors. Studies have proven that shoes are capable of tracking in dangerous bacteria and material like chewing gum and shopping carts can retain viable viruses for days1. Power Wash Businesses utilizing hot water technology can be one of the first lines of defense for creating the Sanitary Barriers needed to prevent the spread of germs like those that carry the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Why Pre-Washing with Proper Detergent and Hot Water Power Washing is Vital
A new analysis by the New England Journal of Medicine found that the Corona virus (COVID-19) can remain viable in the air for up to 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours and on plastic and stainless steel up to 72 hours.2
Other studies concluded that much like its virus cousins (SARS and MERS), COVID-19 can linger on surfaces such as metal, glass or plastic for as long as nine days – as of March 23, 2020, a CDC study found viable COVID-19 was found on a cruise ship that had been empty for 17 days!3 – compare that to flu viruses that only live on surfaces for about 48 hours! This study also determined that some of the coronaviruses don’t remain active at temperatures higher than 86° F (30° C) and can be effectively cleaned away by household disinfectants. Disinfectants with 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) can “efficiently” inactivate coronaviruses within one minute. The typical use of bleach is at a dilution of 1:100 of 5% sodium hypochlorite resulting in a final concentration of 0.05%. Data with coronaviruses suggest that a concentration of 0.1% is effective in 1 min. That is why it seems appropriate to recommend a dilution 1:50 of standard bleach in the coronavirus setting.4
This information reinforces the importance of proper detergent mixes plus heat.
What is the Proper Mixing Solution Using Bleach?
The CDC recommends5 a diluted bleach solution can be used if it’s appropriate for the surface. Manufacturer’s instructions are to be adhered to, proper ventilation provided and use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Check to ensure the bleach is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- WE RECOMMEND: Prepare a bleach solution by mixing –
- 4 Ounces (1/2 cup) bleach per gallon of water
(Concentration of bleach will vary. For example, Clorox Bleach with Cloromax contains 6.0% sodium hypochlorite)
or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of waterPer the CDC website which recommends 1/3 cup of HOUSEHOLD BLEACH per 1 gallon – Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html
- View the list of EPA Approved products for use against the virus that cause COVID-19 [source: EPA.gov]
- 4 Ounces (1/2 cup) bleach per gallon of water
