What they heck is Virucide or Virucidal Cleaning?
Updated: May 28, 2020
Per Merriam-Webster: having the capacity to or tending to destroy or inactivate viruses.
Basically we take steam or a chemical detergent (pesticide) and leave it on a non-porous surface for a set amount of time (also known as dwell time). Dwell times vary by virus so our common practice is around 10 minutes to make sure we get the more virulent viruses.
Is Virucidal Cleaning Even Necessary?
The simple answer is it depends on the situation. As we've seen, viruses can spread like wildfire and the purpose of virucidal cleaning is be one of the tools used to stop that spread. If there is no virus present than this is an unnecessary level of cleaning. However, since viruses can be anywhere unless it's a known outbreak, we practice virucidal cleaning in high trafficked/common areas such as bathrooms and break rooms.
Can't I just do this myself, do I really need a professional?
Certainly, what we would do for you can definitely be done on your own. The EPA has an extensive list of disinfectants on their website: www.epa.gov. Be sure to follow the directions for use as outlined by the manufacturer.
Virucidal cleaning can be time consuming so calling in an expert might be worthwhile. Especially with information changing on a daily, sometimes hourly basis, it can get a bit overwhelming to figure out exactly what the best route is for you and your company. Another great resource is your in-house cleaning staff or company. They are your personal experts at what cleaning works best for your home or facility.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are our personal views and should not be taken as the gospel. We are simply sharing our views as cleaning professionals.