In our last article, we discussed three steps you can take as the manager of a large facility or campus to decrease the spread of germs this cold and flu season. In this article, we’ll share three more ways to be a proactive combatant against disease this time of year.

• Get educated on sanitizing vs disinfecting! You would be surprised how many people don’t know there is a difference. Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on a surface to a safer level, disinfecting takes it a step further by killing almost all of the germs on a surface. Disinfecting typically takes more time – a surface must first be cleaned and then a chemical disinfectant must be applied and given proper dwell time before wiping down the surface (this gives the disinfectant time to kill the germs). At Sonlight Cleaning Services, we train all of our team members to know the difference and prioritize disinfecting on high-tough surfaces where germs are most likely to spread.
• Consider air filtration systems. Some large facilities choose to add air quality improvement measures (such as air filtration systems or regular HVAC cleaning with high quality filters) to further reduce the number of germs in high traffic areas such as atriums and lobbies. 
• Promote a culture of good hygiene. One of the most overlooked ways to promote good hygiene habits among visitors and staff is to ensure that bathrooms are clean and well-stocked. When Sonlight Cleaning Services team members clean a restroom, they do so thoroughly, making note of and restocking any soap or towel dispensers in addition to disinfecting high-touch surfaces and emptying trash receptacles.

Here’s a little bonus story when it comes to hand sanitizing. I recently visited a large facility with my child. No sooner had we gone through the checkout line when I realized she was trying to stick her tiny hand in her mouth… after touching the floor no less! Many companies installed hand sanitizing stations near entryways and exits during the Covid-19 pandemic and this facility was no exception. I eagerly made my way to the nearest one only to find it empty. A sprint to the next dispenser proved more of the same (empty!). When you have a high-quality cleaning care team on your side such as Sonlight Cleaning Services, your visitors and employees will never go through this kind of frustration; our team members pay attention to details like refilling hand sanitizing machines (and making sure they aren’t grimy with dried sanitizer like these ones I experience) because we know that first impressions count.

By implementing a thorough cleaning care plan for your large facility in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, you can be proactive in the fight against an overwhelming number of sick days taken by employees. Fewer sick days boosts morale, improves productivity, and creates an environment where employees feel safe and cared for… making you the hero in the fight against germs!

By Laura Pulliam