How Alabama Bio-Clean’s COVID-19 Disinfection Services Can Help During the Pandemic

In this time of crisis, Alabama Bio-Clean is ready to provide emergency environmental COVID-19 disinfection services. We use the most effective methods, technology, and disinfection chemicals to sanitize surfaces and protect the health of our clients. Our comprehensive disinfection process helps ensure the safety of others.

We can also assist you in making a plan and forming procedures to assist your cleaning staff.

• We have a proven track record in environmental disinfection services.
• We routinely perform decontamination work.
• We have the experience and expertise to deal with the Coronavirus safely.
• Every member of the Alabama Bio-Clean team is trained, certified, background-checked, and drug tested to ensure a high standard of professional integrity.
• We are OSHA, EPA, and DOT compliant.
• We carry specialized insurance to protect our clients no matter the situation.
• We only use unmarked vehicles marked to remain discreet.
• We work with local law enforcement and have a strong relationship with all local, state, and federal authorities, including membership in multiple professional associations.

Cleaning And Disinfecting For The COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus

Please beware of anyone trying to sell you their COVID-19 disinfection services, SARS-CoV-2 the cause of COVID-19. Check their qualifications and be sure that they are following correct procedures and using EPA registered disinfectants. Some businesses are appearing overnight to capitalize on the virus outbreak. Some of these companies do not have the training or qualifications to safely clean, sanitize, and apply a disinfectant. If someone offers to fog or spray your home or business to fight against Coronavirus, make sure they are pre-cleaning surfaces! The following information will help you to make an educated decision when hiring someone to clean and apply a disinfectant specifically for the Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 the cause of COVID-19.

There Are No Shortcuts in Clean.

In order to safeguard a building for occupancy after a person who has COVID-19 (Coronavirus), you must first thoroughly clean surfaces. Then follow up by applying a disinfectant that meets the EPA guidelines for Coronavirus, SAR-CoV-2 the cause of SARS-Cov-2, or Emerging Pathogens. The hard truth: you cannot just apply a disinfectant to an area for Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) the cause of COVID-19 or any virus.

EPA product testing takes place in pristine laboratory environments that do not reflect reality. 

To repeat the above: To clean an area that has come into contact with the novel Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 you must thoroughly clean the surface first, check surfaces with an ATP meter and then follow up by applying an EPA disinfectant.

EPA Approved Products and Methods

The following section is taken from the EPA website.

List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2

How does EPA know that these products work on Human Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 the cause of COVID-19?

While these products have not been tested against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, they are expected to be effective based on:

• Demonstrated efficacy against a harder-to-kill virus;
• Qualified for the emerging viral pathogens claim; or
• Demonstrated efficacy against another human Coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus. Such pathogens are often unavailable commercially for laboratory testing.

I can’t tell if the product I’m interested in is on the list or not. Can you help me?

When purchasing a product, check if its EPA registration number is included on this list. If it is, you have a match and the product can be used against SARS-CoV-2. You can find this on the product label – just look for the EPA Reg. No. These products may be marketed and sold under different brand names, but if they have the same EPA registration number, they are the same product. The primary products included on our list may have more recognizable brand names, but there are often “distributor products” that are identical to them.

Although distributor products frequently use different brand names, you can identify them by their three-part EPA Reg. No. The first two parts of the EPA Reg. No. match the primary product. A third set of numbers represents the Distributor ID number. For example, EPA Reg. No. 12345-12-2567 is a distributor product with an identical formulation and efficacy to the primary product with the EPA Reg. No. 12345-12. If EPA Reg. No. 12345-12 is on our list, you can buy EPA Reg. No. 12345-12-2567 and be confident you’re getting the same thing.

Can I apply a product using a method that is not specified in the directions for use?

EPA does not recommend that products are applied using a method that is not described in the directions for use on the mater label, as the efficacy of the product has not been verified using these methods of application. For example, if a label specifies that a product can be applied as a liquid using a cloth, sponge or sprayer, EPA would not recommend that it be applied via a fogging device or electrostatic sprayer unless the label specifically states that it can be applied this way. 

Why is Cleaning so Important?

Fact: Thorough cleaning must be performed first so that disinfectants can accomplish the claims listed on their labels. Dirt, bacteria, molds, fungi and even viruses can be layered on a surface composing a biofilm. This biofilm must be removed in order to properly sanitize or disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces.

A gross, but effective example: Someone throws up on your bathroom floor. Do you clean the area and then apply disinfectant to it – or do you just spray disinfectant on it and leave the mess? Although the COVID-19 virus is invisible, you must think of it the same as if someone vomited on your floor – in order to get rid of the virus, you must first clean and then disinfect.

All EPA registered disinfectants have a label that describes the methods for application. Most labels state that you must apply the chemical to a pre-cleaned​ surface, and then it must ‘sit’ or stay wet for up to 10 minutes to achieve the kill claims on the label. If the surface you are attempting to disinfect is dirty or a soft surface such as a couch, the effectiveness of the disinfectant will be compromised. Even surfaces that appear clean already must be cleaned again before applying disinfectant chemicals.

If it is impossible to clean and disinfect all surfaces in an area, then concentrate on high-touch areas such as: doorknobs, stair railings, desks, countertops, etc. The difficult truth is that there is no guarantee you can prevent contamination. No matter how thoroughly you clean and disinfect an area, the moment a virus carrier enters the building, you must start all over again.

This doesn’t mean that you give up! Make a plan and use procedures that offer the best chance for success for protecting your family and staff. Alabama Bio-Clean is here to help. We can work with your facility’s environmental staff to ensure surfaces are being kept clean and sanitized.

CDC Guidelines on How to Clean and Disinfect

The following information is taken directly from the CDC website.

Surfaces

• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
  • Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
  • 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
  • Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to neutralize viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
  • For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
  • If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.
  • Otherwise, use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims (examples at this link) that are suitable for porous surfaces

Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry

• Do not shake dirty laundry; this minimizes the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air.
• Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
• Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to the guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand Hygiene:

• Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
  • Gloves and gowns should be compatible with the disinfectant products being used.
  • Additional PPE might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
  • Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area. Be sure to clean hands after removing gloves.
• Gloves should be removed after cleaning a room or area occupied by ill persons. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• Cleaning staff should immediately report breaches in PPE (e.g., tear in gloves) or any potential exposures to their supervisor.
• Cleaning staff and others should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
• Follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including cleaning hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Additional key times to clean hands include:
    • After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • After using the restroom
    • Before eating or preparing food
    • After contact with animals or pets
    • Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g., a child)

Questions about our COVID-19 disinfection services? Contact us 24 hours a day at: 1-866-305-8001

Just remember, at Alabama Bio-Clean, “We Know Clean.”