The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new sense of urgency for cleaning and disinfecting indoor environments to prevent the risks associated with the spread of the virus. In just a few short months, the entire approach to personal hygiene has shifted from a choice and become an essential protocol to protect yourself and keep others around you healthy and safe. With ongoing guidelines and new research suggesting change in behaviour and cleaning procedures, we have learnt that to achieve optimal levels of sanitization, you need to use specific methods that are proven to offer best results.
Different surfaces have different cleaning requirements and when it comes to carpet cleaning, it can be particularly challenging for facility managers to remove the dirt and soil from the fibres. Carpets act as an air filter to trap dust, pollen and micro-particles that are commonly found in offices, airports, hotels and restaurants, schools and universities and senior living facilities. But the worst of it all that complicates the situation, is the fact that carpets have the ability to trap pathogens like bacteria and viruses like COVID-19.
While dirty carpets can be rid of pollutants like dirt and mud, evidence from WHO suggests that Coronavirus can remain present on porous surfaces such as carpets for several days. Therefore, it can be risky to rely on regular methods of carpet cleaning. If you have to be sure of the hygiene levels inside your room, it is essential to clean and maintain hygienic carpets in order to avoid viral outbreaks in closed environments.
Sanitized not disinfected
While disinfection and sanitization are two terms which are often used interchangeably, they both use very different procedures and have some clear distinctions between them. As a matter of fact, carpet surfaces cannot be disinfected as it is considered to be a porous material with high absorption rate. Only hard flooring materials such as granite, LVT and tiles can be disinfected. Carpets can only be sanitized using proper tools and machines, which puts more emphasis on opting for a professional cleaning service instead of regular cleaning to ensure lower risk of virus exposure.
To effectively clean and sanitize carpets, the below prerequisites are essential:
- HEPA-filter vacuum
Regular-use vacuums can add particles back into the air through recirculation of air. But vacuums with HEPA filters can trap 99.97% of airborne particles that can drastically reduce the risk of contamination. High quality industrial vacuum machines from trusted professionals can thoroughly clean the carpet and avoid the spread of infectious micro-particles in the environment. - Hydrogen peroxide
Industrial-grade disinfectants are recommended to eliminate pathogens from hidden spots inside the carpet pile that are often hard to reach. Hydrogen peroxide treatment in the right concentration is proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. However, since this chemical can be dangerous in its concentrated form, it is advised to take professional help to avoid accidents. - Encapsulation machine
Paired with the right chemicals, a low-moisture encapsulation machine can quickly and effectively clean and sanitize the carpet surface. This process comes highly recommended to cover the carpet fibres with a coat of resistant chemical that prevents re-soiling and keeps the carpet clean for longer. In cases where the carpet is stained and soiled heavily with shoe dirt, food crumbs and other dirt particles, deep cleaning using steam can also be considered by the professional cleaning team. - Polypropylene brush
Normal brush or domestic solutions can lose their rigidity and result in ineffective results when cleaning carpet fibres. Therefore, counter-rotating polypropylene brushes should be used that won’t soften when exposed to moisture and effectively clean the carpet surface, no matter the type. That is why they are the go-to choice for every professional carpet cleaning service provider.
The focus should be on creating an indoor environment that is not suitable to the infectious lifespan of the COVID-19 virus. Over the past several months, professional carpet cleaning agencies have developed techniques that are proven to reduce the growth and survival of harmful pathogens. Steam cleaning is the most effective technique for killing viruses living inside your carpets, as it uses high temperatures to clean and eliminate all kinds of impurities from the carpet fibres. As per research, the use of steam cleaning method is highly beneficial to remove germs from all types of commercial carpets.
While we can recommend professional cleaning methods for your carpet as it is proven effective even by the NHS in the UK for dealing with SARS-CoV-2 virus. On top of that, having your carpets professionally cleaned can help ease your mind and stay confident about your surroundings, which in itself is a much-needed factor to promote a healthy and safe environment for all.
Hindustan Facilities, through our professional carpet cleaning services, use proven methodologies and protocols to combat the spread of COVID-19. To learn how our experts deliver an industry-leading experience, please contact our team for a quick consultation.
