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Cleaning considerations for Covid-19

Thursday, 2 April 2020

As we deal with the ever-changing landscape of Coronavirus (Covid-19), it’s more crucial than ever before for the cleaning industry to work together and uphold its duty to keep the UK hygienically clean.

The industry is seeing unprecedented demand from customers as key workplaces, supermarkets, hospitals, care homes and other public spaces increase their commitment to keeping as hygienically clean as possible to combat the spread of the virus.

Robert Scott, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and distributors of products for the janitorial sector shares insight from its Clean Team for businesses to navigate these challenging times, manage and reassure customers and how to implement the right cleaning processes with increased diligence for end-users.

Managing demand and reassuring customers
Sales director Alastair Scott explains: “It’s important we understand and consider the role we play within the cleaning industry and the supply chain as we continue to manufacture and distribute products that our customers need most. Our role has been deemed as an essential service by the UK government and it’s crucial for us to continue to ensure we can support frontline janitorial staff.

“In a time of such uncertainty, we have a responsibility to be transparent and open in our communication to customers. Be clear with customers on stock level and availability, changes to delivery dates and lead times. By communicating clear and accurate information, your customers can plan accordingly, and find alternative solutions if needed.”

Recommended hygiene and cleaning advice
Increasing hygiene protocols means customers and end-users may be looking for guidance on which products to use and how to use them effectively to combat the spread of Covid-19. When sharing information, look to trusted sources such as Public Health England, World Health Organisation (WHO), the British Cleaning Institute (BCI) and the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA).

Tom Capper, regional sales manager at Robert Scott, said: “As the industry is currently in overdrive for products such as disposable mops, cloths, spray bottles, pumps, etc. please be mindful of cross-contamination. Don’t forget hygienic and cost-saving products such as reusable microfibre, which can be used multiple times if they are washed at the correct temperatures above 60°C after each use.”

Tracy Kirkpatrick, regional sales manager at Robert Scott, said: “Increase cleaning the common touch points which can experience high volumes of human interaction, therefore easily transmitting and spreading viruses. These touchpoints often include handrails, door handles, lifts and escalators, push plates, sinks, tables, vending machines and more.”

Kelly Brierley, key account manager at Robert Scott, added: “Always clean from top to bottom – so high level to work surfaces to floors. Always clean starting from the cleanest to dirtiest so not to contaminate clean areas. And always clean from the back of the room to the front of the room when cleaning floors – make any doors the barrier at which you change your mop head and your mop water to help prevent cross contamination.”

Choosing the right products
The cleanliness of surfaces, in addition to personal hygiene, is one area that will help reduce the risk of the virus spreading, leading to further infection. Robert Scott has seen increases in demand for sanitation-related equipment, including mops, cloths, dispensers and sprayers, as well as its bio-cleaning system, Toucan Eco.

Gary Brannan, national account manager at Robert Scott, added: “Using semi-disposable microfibre, such as a Mi-cloth, can dramatically reduce the spend of blue roll where table surfaces require regular cleaning. This offers a cost-effective alternative to blue roll which is a one-time use product and is far less effective than microfibre.

“The Nano-Ag cloth is another really effective product as silver is naturally antimicrobial. The Nano-Ag cloth contains a silver antibacterial agent that kills 99.99% of bacteria, including MRSA, E. coli and Listeria, preventing bacterial growth on the cloth.”

Disinfectant cleaning systems, such as Toucan Eco, offer a combative solution for cleaning bacteria and viruses. Toucan Eco lets you make your own multipurpose disinfectant cleaner from just water, salt and electricity that kills 99.999% of bacteria, including viruses and harder-to-kill microorganisms that the coronavirus. It’s also eco-friendly, effective and safe too.

Professor Darren Reynolds (BSc, PhD), Professor of Health and Environment in the Department of Applied Sciences at UWE Bristol, explains: “The best available science indicates that electrochemically activated solutions (ECAS made by Toucan Eco) is effective against coronavirus.

“There has been a lot of research looking into biocidal properties of ECAS, including its effect on a range of bacteria, bacterial and fungal spores and viruses. Furthermore, this effect can confidently be applied to the newly emerging virus SARS-CoV-2.”

In practice, the solution has quick contact times, high kill and very low regrowth rates. For example, tests are undertaken by an independent accredited laboratory for the solution against norovirus and poliovirus – both standard methodologies for testing biocides for viruses – showed log reductions of 5 (99.999%) and log 6 (99.9999%) respectively.
The most important thing to remember during these times is to stay safe. Keep your employees and customers informed at all times and work together to keep the UK hygienically clean.

For information on products and cleaning methods to help combat the Coronavirus, please contact our expert team by calling 01457 819400, or email info@robert-scott.co.uk.