
Cross-Contamination
What is Cross-Contamination & How Can Cleaning Help
Is the transfer of harmful bacteria or soil from one place to another, which can potentially harm humans. It can happen in many ways, including:
When a cleaning tool used in one area is used in another area, such as when a toilet is cleaned and then the same cloth is used to clean the kitchen.
Use a color-coded system for microfiber cleaning tools, and keep cloths used in dirty areas separate from those used for light cleaning. Clean from top to bottom on countertops, handles, and faucets, and then mop up any residue.
Common Causes of Cross-Contamination?
The most common cause of cross-contamination comes from cleaning multiple areas with the same towels and/or cleaning equipment. If you continue to use the same towel to wipe things down or the same device to clean multiple high-touch surfaces and floors, it can easily carry germs and unwanted cleaning chemicals from one location to the next.
When it comes to pathogenic microbes, ordinary cleaning protocols end up meaning that you’re not truly eliminating germs and bacteria, you are just relocating them. Often this can be taking them from one surface to another, such as a bathroom, to a high-touch light switch or to the office commons area.
Ultimately, true cleaning and sanitizing go beyond just cleaning frequently. It’s also about cleaning safely and correctly. Without precaution towards preventing cross-contamination the results of a cleaning effort can easily leave behind bacterial, microbial
pathogens, lingering particulates, and chemical impurities.
All of these can be transferred to various surfaces throughout an entire building. Once cross-contamination reaches one surface, people can unwittingly carry the potentially harmful residue to other places. Not to mention the risk of bringing something home with them!
There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of cross-contamination in your building.
Some of the following things are enhanced practices, while others might call for implementing wholesale changes in how you clean your facility.
Choosing Effective Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are created equal. A lot of the ones sold in retail stores at the consumer level don’t have the ability to effectively kill germs without rigorous use and/or overuse.
Make sure to provide your janitorial with products that are certified for sanitizing and cleaning effectiveness
Benefits of Microfiber Mop Head
There are Environmental Protection studies that demonstrate that the tiny fibers of microfiber effectively pick up and trap 99.54% of dirt, dust and bacteria at a microscopic level using water alone, reducing the amount of chemicals your facility needs for maintenance. This means microfiber mops can save time, money and help eliminate any risks associated with cleaning chemicals.
Microfiber is known for its excellent absorbent properties. By using microfiber heads, you reduce the presence of excessive liquid, while still being able to adequately maintain floors. This will give you a piece of mine knowing you will have a lower risk of slips and falls due to wet floors.
Clean from Top to Bottom
The order in which you clean vertical surfaces and multi-surface areas matters. Ideally, you want to always clean from the top to bottom on countertops, handles, and faucets, to make sure you are removing microbes from surfaces.
Offer Considerable Disposable Rags & Other Supplies
One of the biggest culprits contributing to cross-contamination of microbes and cleaning chemicals in a professional office or commercial space is simple cleaning rags. Provide your janitorial with rags and dry microfiber mop heads that can be disposed of or properly washed after moderate use. Always use color coded rags to encourage them to change rags or microfibers when moving from one contaminated surface to another.
Consider Hiring a Professional Cleaning Company
The problem with handling your own cleaning in professional spaces and commercial buildings is that it’s hard to source the highest quality cleaning products. Then you also have to worry about your staff not having the proper training to use these products safely and effectively. These two things on their own greatly increase the risk of cross-contamination not only of pathogenic microbes but cleaning chemicals!
When you hire a professional cleaning company, like Epic Shine, you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing highly trained professionals are handling all your cleaning duties from top to bottom.
We use commercial-grade cleaning products and industry best practices to eliminate the presence of pathogens without the risk of cross-contamination. We even offer a “Green Cleaning” service that leaves your building smelling naturally fresh, rather than the fumes that often come from harsh chemical cleaners. All at a cost that is much lower than hiring your own in-house custodial staff.
Some tips to Prevent Cross Contamination
Preventing cross-contamination of your building spaces is about more than just the moral high ground and pride in maintaining a professional appearance. It’s also about making an active effort to ensure all liability issues are covered.
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Most facilities require deep cleaning and disinfecting at least once a week. Some may need it more frequently, especially in environments with a higher risk of cross-contamination, such as healthcare facilities or the food industry. In healthcare settings, infections can spread among people, equipment, or within the body.
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To prevent the spread of contamination within your facility, it is important to follow best practices. Remember to sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands and encourage anyone who is feeling unwell to stay at home and recover. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid touching your face and eyes to minimize the risk of infection.
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When you consider all these things, taking the extra steps, time, and spending the extra money to prevent cross-contamination of bacteria, viruses, germs, and cleaning chemicals pay for itself in no time flat!
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The last thing you want is for an employee, customer, client, or other professional guests getting sick due to microbial cross-contamination.
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At the same time, a professional space that is free of cross-contamination issues is also less likely to see a loss of productivity due to employee sick days.