While we've made significant progress in managing COVID-19, the pandemic has permanently transformed how we approach commercial cleaning and workplace hygiene. Even as restrictions ease, businesses understand that enhanced cleaning protocols remain essential for workplace safety, employee confidence, and operational resilience. This article outlines current best practices for commercial cleaning in the ongoing context of COVID-19.

Understanding COVID-19 Transmission in the Workplace

To implement effective cleaning protocols, it's important to understand how COVID-19 spreads in commercial environments:

  • Airborne Transmission: The primary mode of COVID-19 spread is through respiratory droplets and smaller aerosol particles that can remain suspended in the air.
  • Surface Transmission: While less common, the virus can spread when people touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands.
  • High-Touch Points: Frequently touched surfaces like door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, and shared equipment present higher transmission risks.
  • Common Areas: Spaces where people gather or spend extended periods, such as meeting rooms, break areas, and reception zones, require particular attention.

The Multi-Layered Approach to COVID-19 Cleaning

Public health agencies including Health Canada recommend a layered approach to reduce COVID-19 transmission risks in commercial spaces. Cleaning and disinfection form critical components of this strategy, alongside ventilation improvements, physical distancing measures, and vaccination policies.

Key Terminology for COVID-19 Cleaning

Cleaning: Physically removing germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces using soap or detergent and water. This process doesn't necessarily kill germs but reduces their numbers by removing them.

Sanitizing: Reducing bacteria on surfaces to levels considered safe by public health standards. Sanitizing doesn't necessarily address viruses like COVID-19.

Disinfecting: Using chemicals to kill germs (including viruses) on surfaces. This process doesn't necessarily clean dirty surfaces but kills germs remaining after cleaning.

Enhanced Commercial Cleaning Protocols

1. Develop a Comprehensive Cleaning Plan

An effective COVID-19 cleaning strategy begins with a detailed plan that addresses:

  • High-touch surfaces that require frequent disinfection
  • Common areas needing enhanced cleaning
  • Cleaning schedules with increased frequency
  • Specific products and equipment for different areas
  • Staff responsibilities and training requirements
  • Documentation procedures to track cleaning activities
  • Response protocols for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases

2. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces

Prioritize frequent cleaning and disinfection of surfaces commonly touched by multiple people:

  • Door handles, push plates, and knobs
  • Light switches and control panels
  • Elevator buttons and handrails
  • Shared workstations, keyboards, and mice
  • Conference room tables and chairs
  • Coffee machines and water dispensers
  • Refrigerator and microwave handles
  • Photocopier and printer control panels
  • Restroom fixtures and surfaces
  • Break room tables and chair arms

    • These surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at least daily, with more frequent attention in high-traffic areas or during periods of increased community transmission.

    3. Choose Appropriate Cleaning and Disinfection Products

    Not all cleaning products are effective against COVID-19. For proper disinfection:

    • Use disinfectants with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) from Health Canada indicating their effectiveness against viruses
    • Follow manufacturer's instructions for concentration, application method, and contact time
    • Ensure appropriate dwell time (the time disinfectants need to remain wet on surfaces to kill pathogens)
    • Consider using ready-to-use products to ensure proper dilution
    • Verify that products are compatible with surfaces to prevent damage
    • Store and handle cleaning chemicals safely according to workplace hazardous materials guidelines
    "Effective COVID-19 cleaning isn't just about using the right products—it's about using them correctly. Contact time is often the most overlooked aspect of disinfection."

    4. Implement Proper Cleaning Techniques

    The sequence and method of cleaning significantly impact effectiveness:

    1. Clean before disinfecting: Remove visible dirt and debris with soap/detergent and water before applying disinfectants
    2. Work from clean to dirty areas: Begin in less soiled areas and progress to more soiled areas
    3. Work from high to low: Start with higher surfaces and work downward to prevent contaminants from falling onto already-cleaned areas
    4. Work from perimeter to center: In large areas, work from the outer edges toward the center
    5. Minimize cross-contamination: Use color-coded cloths for different areas and change cleaning solutions frequently
    6. Allow proper drying time: Some disinfectants need to air dry completely to be effective

    5. Increase Cleaning Frequency and Documentation

    During periods of elevated COVID-19 transmission:

    • Increase cleaning frequency for high-touch surfaces to multiple times per day
    • Implement cleaning logs in high-traffic areas like restrooms and break rooms
    • Consider deploying visible "This area has been cleaned" indicators to reassure building occupants
    • Document all enhanced cleaning procedures for regulatory compliance and communication purposes

    Transparent cleaning practices help build confidence among employees and visitors that your facility is being properly maintained.

    Special Considerations for Different Commercial Spaces

    Office Environments

    Modern offices require targeted cleaning approaches:

    • Shared Workstations: Provide disinfectant wipes for users to clean surfaces before and after use
    • Personal Workspaces: Establish clear desk policies to facilitate thorough cleaning
    • Meeting Rooms: Clean high-touch surfaces after each meeting, not just at day's end
    • Phone Booths and Small Spaces: Pay special attention to enclosed spaces used by multiple people
    • Technology: Use appropriate electronics-safe disinfectants for phones, headsets, and computers

    Retail Environments

    Customer-facing businesses face unique challenges:

    • Point-of-Sale Areas: Clean payment terminals, counters, and barriers frequently
    • Fitting Rooms: Disinfect surfaces between customer use when possible
    • Display Items: Regularly clean merchandise that customers frequently handle
    • Shopping Carts/Baskets: Implement cleaning protocols between uses
    • Customer Amenities: Pay special attention to water fountains, restrooms, and seating areas

    Industrial Settings

    Manufacturing and warehouse facilities should focus on:

    • Shared Equipment: Clean tools, machinery controls, and vehicles between users
    • Time Clocks and Security Points: Disinfect frequently throughout shift changes
    • Break Areas: Implement enhanced cleaning of tables, chairs, and appliances
    • Locker Rooms: Increase cleaning frequency in changing areas and shower facilities

    Cleaning After Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

    When someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 has been in your facility, additional measures are warranted:

    1. Close off affected areas when possible before cleaning and disinfection
    2. Wait if practical (ideally 24 hours) before cleaning to allow respiratory droplets to settle
    3. Open windows and doors where possible to increase air circulation
    4. Use appropriate PPE including gloves, masks, and eye protection as recommended by health authorities
    5. Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person, focusing on frequently touched surfaces
    6. Dispose of cleaning materials properly according to guidelines for potentially contaminated items

    Current Health Canada Guidance

    Health Canada continues to update its guidance on cleaning and disinfection practices. For the most current recommendations specific to your industry, consult the Government of Canada COVID-19 resources.

    Training Cleaning Staff for COVID-19 Protocols

    Proper training ensures effective implementation of enhanced cleaning procedures:

    • Educate staff on COVID-19 transmission and the importance of thorough cleaning
    • Provide hands-on training for proper product usage and cleaning techniques
    • Ensure understanding of contact/dwell times for disinfectants
    • Train on proper PPE usage, including donning and doffing procedures
    • Educate staff on identifying high-touch surfaces that require special attention
    • Implement supervision and quality control checks to ensure standards are maintained

    Communication and Building Occupant Confidence

    Transparency about cleaning protocols helps reassure employees and visitors:

    • Clearly communicate enhanced cleaning schedules and procedures
    • Post cleaning logs in visible locations like restrooms and break areas
    • Share information about the disinfectants being used and their effectiveness
    • Encourage feedback and address concerns promptly
    • Consider providing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in common areas
    • Use signage to promote shared responsibility for maintaining cleanliness

    The Role of Professional Cleaning Services

    For many businesses, professional cleaning services offer significant advantages during the pandemic:

    • Specialized Knowledge: Professional cleaners stay current with evolving best practices and regulatory guidance
    • Proper Equipment: Commercial cleaning companies invest in specialized tools and hospital-grade disinfectants
    • Consistent Application: Trained staff follow standardized protocols for reliable outcomes
    • Comprehensive Documentation: Professional services maintain detailed cleaning records for compliance purposes
    • Risk Mitigation: Outsourcing cleaning reduces liability concerns and ensures proper procedures are followed

    At Maple Clean Pro, we've developed comprehensive COVID-19 cleaning programs that incorporate the latest guidance from Canadian public health authorities. Our cleaning teams receive continuous training on evolving protocols to ensure your workplace remains as safe as possible.

    Looking Forward: Sustainable COVID-19 Cleaning Practices

    As we move toward long-term management of COVID-19 risks, cleaning protocols should balance several factors:

    • Risk Assessment: Adjust cleaning intensity based on community transmission levels and workplace vaccination rates
    • Resource Efficiency: Focus enhanced cleaning efforts on highest-risk areas to maximize impact
    • Environmental Considerations: Choose disinfectants with lower environmental impact when possible
    • Staff Wellbeing: Implement strategies to prevent cleaning staff burnout during intense cleaning periods
    • Integration with Other Measures: Combine cleaning with improved ventilation, vaccination policies, and other preventive strategies

    Conclusion

    Enhanced commercial cleaning remains a cornerstone of COVID-19 safety strategies for Canadian businesses. By implementing thorough cleaning protocols, using appropriate disinfectants correctly, and maintaining transparent communication about these efforts, you can create a safer work environment that supports both physical health and psychological wellbeing.

    As COVID-19 evolves from pandemic to endemic status, cleaning practices will continue to adapt. However, the fundamental principles of thorough, targeted hygiene in commercial spaces will remain essential for workplace health and safety.

    At Maple Clean Pro, we're committed to helping Canadian businesses navigate the complexities of commercial cleaning during COVID-19. Contact us to learn how our tailored cleaning programs can support your organization's specific needs.