Category

COVID-19

Mar 25
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Office door handle

COVID-19 and Surface Contamination

By Cleaning And Disinfecting, COVID-19

How long can the virus that causes COVID-19 live on surfaces? Estimates from the WHO ranged from a few hours to a few days. Those estimates were based on previous coronaviruses.

A new study is the first from a federal laboratory testing SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the current crisis. This study tested the virus lifespan on a variety of different surfaces. For example, “the virus can survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours. However, the virus remained viable on copper for only about four hours.”

The virus seems to survive longer on hard flat surfaces than rough surfaces or cloth. Of course, there are other conditions that affect contamination, such as light, temperature, and humidity. So testing in laboratory conditions suggests the virus can survive on surfaces for 2–3 days. But now we have a new report from the CDC about the cruise ships that had infected passengers. Researchers found the virus on a variety of surfaces 17 days after the ships were vacated.

If you are still in the workplace, be aware that a virus can spread through a building in 2–4 hours. Some of the typically germiest surfaces there are:

  • Sink faucet handles in the break room.
  • Microwave door handles.
  • Computer keyboards.
  • Refrigerator door handles.
  • Water fountain buttons.
  • Your own desk.

Also, be mindful of cross-contamination from dirty mops and cleaning cloths.

If you are at home, some of the germiest places there include:

  • Kitchen sinks
  • Underwear
  • Purses and handbags
  • Wet laundry
  • Keyboards
  • Cell phones
  • Kitchen sponges
  • Bath tubs & shower curtains
  • Vacuum cleaner bags
  • Beds
  • Money
  • Soap (especially bars)

If you are out shopping or running errands, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after touching the card readers at the checkout, shopping cards, ATMs, door handles, gas pumps, and so forth.

The EPA has a list of registered Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. Aire-Master carries two disinfectants on that list: PortionPac Germicidal Cleaner, and Pro-Con Turquoise 3. Ask your local Aire-Master service provider about cleaning and disinfecting services using these products.

Mar 24
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Paper Towels

How to Dry Your Hands

By COVID-19, Hand Care

The COVID-19 crisis has given us all heightened awareness of the importance of washing your hands and using proper technique, but what about drying your hands? It is important to get the hands dry, as moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Paper towels are your best bet for preventing the spread of contamination.

Paper Towels vs Air Dryers

Nobody likes using the air dryers found in many public restrooms. They are also less effective than paper towels, partly because they take too long to dry the hands. Many users leave before their hands are completely dry. Hands get dry faster with paper towels, and the friction from paper towel use can remove remaining germs that did not get washed away. Air dryers can also blow bacteria back onto the hands.

Paper Towels vs Cloth Towels

Clean cloth towels are effective at removing bacteria on the hands, but they retain moisture in which bacteria can breed. That makes them a high risk for cross-contamination. “Tests reveal 89 percent of kitchen towels and nearly 26 percent of bathroom towels are contaminated with coliform bacteria.” Wash your cloth towels in hot water.

Overall, paper towels are the best solution for drying your hands, removing germs, and preventing cross-contamination.

Mar 23
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Trigger sprayer

Disinfectants for COVID-19

By Cleaning And Disinfecting, COVID-19

We have received word that two of the disinfectant products Aire-Master carries meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.

PortionPac Germicidal Cleaner

Aire-Master has been using this disinfectant for years in our cleaning service. Treating surfaces with PortionPac Germicidal Cleaner is the first step in our cleaning process.

The product is EPA registered and effective against a variety of pathogens such as Staph, Salmonella and Pseudomonas, MRSA, Influenza A, Avian Influenza, HIV-1 and fungi. Cleans, disinfects and deodorizes floors, walls, toilet fixtures, tables, mirrors and non-invasive equipment.

From the manufacturer:

We are writing to share an update regarding the effectiveness of PortionPac Chemical Corporation’s disinfectants: Germicidal Cleaner and Germicidal CleanerQ against COVID-19. Our disinfectants meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. As of Friday, March 13, the EPA has expanded List N: Products with Emerging Viral Pathogens and Human Coronavirus claims for use against SARS-CoV-2. Products with EPA Registration Numbers on this list can be used to help prevent surface transmission of COVID-19.

PortionPac Chemical Corporation’s disinfectants are EPA registered formulations of the Stepan Company. The EPA registration numbers are: 1839-215 and 1839-168. Both have a Human Coronavirus claim and meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. EPA registration numbers for our products can be found on each pouch, carton and inner carton label of our disinfectants.

Download Safety Data Sheet

PortionPac Germicidal Cleaner

Pro-Con Turquoise 3

Aire-Master offers the Pro-Con Turquoise 3 Disinfectant in our chemical proportioning program. Turquoise 3 is a disinfectant, cleaner, deodorizer, detergent, virucide, fungicide, and mildewstat.

Turquoise 3 Disinfectant is a one-step neutral disinfectant that is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria. It is virucidal (including HIV-1, HIV-2, HCV, and Coronavirus strains). It inhibits growth of mold & mildew and their odors when used as directed. Formulated to disinfect the following non-porous inanimate environmental surfaces: floors, walls, metal surfaces, stainless steel surfaces, glazed porcelain, glazed ceramic tile, plastic surfaces, vanity tops, shower stalls, bathtubs, and cabinets.

Download Safety Data Sheet

Pro-Con Turquoise 3
Mar 23
Love0

How to Wash Your Hands

By COVID-19, Hand Care

Here is a well-done video demonstrating proper hand washing technique.

  1. Rub hands palm-to-palm.
  2. Rub palms to backs of hands, with fingers interlaced.
  3. Palm-to-palm with fingers interlaced.
  4. Fingers curled and interlocked.
  5. Twist and scrub each thumb.
  6. Rub fingertips on each opposite palm.
  7. Rub each wrist.

The WHO has a downloadable, printable version of their recommended hand washing procedure, which is very similar, here.