Offshore Property Services

https://offshorepropertyservices.com/sanitizing-disinfecting-services/

Interim Recommendations for U.S. Households with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)Other LanguagesPrint PageSummary of Recent Changes

Revisions were made on 3/26/2020 to reflect the following:

• Updated links to EPA-registered disinfectant list
• Added guidance for disinfection of electronics
• Updated core disinfection/cleaning guidance

Background

There is much to learn about the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on what is currently known about COVID-19, spread from person-to-person of this virus happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. Transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through objects and surfaces, like doorknobs, countertops, keyboards, toys, etc. Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.

It is unknown how long the air inside a room occupied by someone with confirmed COVID-19 remains potentially infectious. Facilities will need to consider factors such as the size of the room and the ventilation system design (including flowrate [air changes per hour] and location of supply and exhaust vents) when deciding how long to close off rooms or areas used by ill persons before beginning disinfection.  Taking measures to improve ventilation in an area or room where someone was ill or suspected to be ill with COVID-19 will help shorten the time it takes respiratory droplets to be removed from the air.

Purpose

This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of households where persons under investigation (PUI) or those with confirmed COVID-19 reside or may be in self- isolation. It is aimed at limiting the survival of the virus in the environments. These recommendations will be updated if additional information becomes available.

These guidelines are focused on household settings and are meant for the general public.

• Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

General recommendations for routine cleaning and disinfection of households

• Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics (see below for special electronics cleaning and disinfection instructions)) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectantsexternal icon that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
  • For electronics follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics. If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.

General recommendations for cleaning and disinfection of households with people isolated in home care (e.g. suspected/confirmed to have COVID-19)

• Household members should educate themselves about COVID-19 symptoms and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in homes.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, keyboards, handles, desks, toilets, sinks)
  • In the bedroom/bathroom dedicated for an ill person: consider reducing cleaning frequency to as-needed (e.g., soiled items and surfaces) to avoid unnecessary contact with the ill person.
• As much as possible, an ill person should stay in a specific room and away from other people in their home, following home care guidance.
• The caregiver can provide personal cleaning supplies for an ill person’s room and bathroom, unless the room is occupied by child or another person for whom such supplies would not be appropriate. These supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants (see examplesexternal icon).
• If a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by an ill person. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as practical after use by an ill person to clean and disinfect the high-touch surfaces.
• Household members should follow home care guidance when interacting with persons with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 and their isolation rooms/bathrooms.

How to clean and disinfect

Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces

• Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
  • A list of products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available hereexternal icon. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products for (concentration, application method and contact time, etc.)

Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.

• Wear skin protection and consider eye protection for potential splash hazards
• Ensure adequate ventilation
• Use no more than the amount recommended on the label
• Use water at room temperature for dilution (unless stated otherwise on the label)
• Avoid mixing chemical products
• Label diluted cleaning solutions
• Store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets

You should never eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. Do not wipe or bathe pets with these products or any other products that are not approved for animal use.

See EPA’s 6 steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Useexternal icon

• Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite, or concentration of 5%–6%) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. 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.

Soft (Porous) Surfaces

• 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:
  • Launder 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.
    • Otherwise, use products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19external icon and that are suitable for porous surfaces.

Electronics

• For electronics such as cell phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, and keyboards, remove visible contamination if present.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
  • Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.
  • If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.

Linens, clothing, and other items that go in the laundry

• Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard after each use. If using reusable gloves, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other household purposes. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
  • If no gloves are used when handling dirty laundry, be sure to wash hands afterwards.
  • If possible, do not shake dirty laundry. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.
  • Launder 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 from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
  • Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces. If possible, consider placing a bag liner that is either disposable (can be thrown away) or can be laundered.

Hand hygiene and other preventive measures

• Household members 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 at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.

Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.

• Keep hand sanitizers away from fire or flame
• For children under six years of age, hand sanitizer should be used with adult supervision
• Always store hand sanitizer out of reach of children and pets

See FDA’s Tips for Safe Sanitizer Useexternal icon and CDC’s Hand Sanitizer Use Considerations

• Household members should follow normal preventive actions while at work and home including recommended hand hygiene 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)

Other considerations

• The ill person should eat/be fed in their room if possible. Non-disposable food service items used should be handled with gloves and washed with hot water or in a dishwasher. Clean hands after handling used food service items.
• If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the ill person. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, handling, and disposing of trash. Wash hands after handling or disposing of trash.
• Consider consulting with your local health department about trash disposal guidance if available.

More Information

• OSHA COVID-19 Websiteexternal icon
• CDC Home Care Guidance
• CDC Home Care Guidance for People with Pets

Page last reviewed: May 27, 2020Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

Why is it so effective and how Does Offshore Carpet Cleaning and Janitorial Services produce it?

Electrolyzed water is generated using water, salt and electricity. The process is called electrolysis and involves applying a direct electric current (DC) across a pair of electrodes immersed in a solution of ions to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. The key process is the removal or addition of electrons and therefore a change in the oxidation-reduction potential of the solution.

Offshore carpet Cleaning and Janitorial Services systems are capable of generating neutral-to-acidic electrolyzed water (anolyte) for cleaning & sanitation and for water disinfection. The anolyte is composed primarily of the free chlorine molecule hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a powerful oxidant.

Electrolysis is a well-known technology but the generated solution can be highly variable depending on many factors such as the quality of the electrolysis cells, the chemistry of the additive, and the software settings of the electrolyzer systems. Offshore Carpet Cleaning and Janitorial Services uses a machine that manufactures the highest quality electrolysis cells and has identified the optimal formulas and settings of voltage, amperage, and flow rates for our systems to generate the highest quality solutions of HOCl for food sanitation, general sanitation and water disinfection.

Advantages of using Offshore Carpet Cleaning and Janitorial Services:

• We generate electroyzed water on-site and on-demand
• Eliminates the logistical resources for purchasing, transporting, storing, and preparing of chemicals
• Non-toxic
• No harmful residuals, therefore no potable water rinse required after application
• Allows for the disinfection of areas where toxic chemicals were not permitted
• No protective gear required (no inhalation, ocular, cutaneous, or ingestion risks)
• No harmful residuals
• No exposure limits
• No special disposal required
• Does not require a hazardous use permit

• Sanitation – Generated on-site from just table salt (NaCl), water, and electricity, electrolyzed sanitizing water is safe and all-natural, allowing for it to be used for applications where traditional chemicals cannot. Electrolyzed sanitizing water can be used for food sanitation and all food contact surfaces.
• Water Disinfection – Electrolyzing water generates an anolyte of hypochlorous acid, the most powerful free chlorine molecule for disinfecting drinking water. Electrolyzed water can be used to disinfect water for any home, commercial, or industrial application. Electrolyzed water can disinfect public drinking water, can be used in manufacturing, and can be used in wastewater recovery systems.

The electrolyzed water systems Offshore Carpet Cleaning and Janitorial Services uses utilize single cell technology and are different from almost every other electrolyzer on the market. The electrolyzers do not contain a diaphragm (or membrane) but are a single stream system that generates only an anolyte solution. The pH of the generated anolyte solution depends on several variables such as the pH of the additive, the pH of the flow water, and the amperage settings on the electrolysis cells.

Most other electrolyzed water systems are dual stream systems that contain a diaphragm (or membrane) separating the cathode from the anode. Dual stream systems operate under very high pressures and generate two solutions, half of which is acidic electrolyzed water (containing hypochlorous acid) and half of which is alkaline electrolyzed water (containing sodium hydroxide).

There are some electrolyzed water systems that are categorized as single stream but also contain a diaphragm. These systems combine the two electrolytes to generate one solution of pH neutral electrolyzed water. These systems, like the dual stream systems, operate under very high pressures.

Why is HOCl more efficient at killing pathogens? 

Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) vs. Sodium Hypochlorite (Chlorine Bleach) 

Hypochlorite ion carries a negative electrical charge, while hypochlorous acid carries no electrical charge. The hypochlorous acid moves quickly, able to oxidize the bacteria in a matter of seconds, while the hypochlorite ion might take up to a half hour to do the same. Germ surfaces carry a negative electrical charge which results in a repulsion of the negatively charged hypochlorite ion to the area of the germ surfaces, making hypochlorite ion less effective at killing germs. The ratio of the two compounds is determined by the relative acidity (pH) of the water. Water treatment specialists can adjust the pH level to make hypochlorous acid more dominate, as it is more efficient at killing bacteria. The hypochlorous acid’s lack of electrical charge allows it to more efficiently penetrate the protective barriers surrounding germs. 

Offshore Carpet Cleaning & Janitorial services produces this solution onsite at their location in Linwood, New Jersey. When sanitizing homes or businesses the highest quality of products and services are used. Visit www.WeCleanSouthJersey.com for more information. Contact us for a free quote.

original article found here

As the country faces a shortage of protective gear and healthcare workers are asked to keep masks in paper bags between shifts, why don’t we have masks that can be disinfected safely?

https://www.fastcompany.com/90481370/why-havent-they-designed-reusable-n95-masks?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds

One of the tragedies of the coronavirus crisis is the lack of protection for healthcare workers: With a shortage of N95 masks—the respirators that can help filter out virus-filled droplets from coughs or sneezes—doctors and nurses in the U.S. are begging the government to do more to increase production. In Italy and China, thousands of doctors were infected with COVID-19 in part because they didn’t have masks, gloves, or other protection. Many have died.

The U.S. government’s national stockpile includes 12 million N95 masks and 30 million of the less-effective simple surgical masks. But during a pandemic, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that as many as 3.5 billion could be needed in a single year. Already, hospitals and clinics are rationing masks. Some healthcare workers, in desperation, are using DIY masks, or none at all. “It’s like going to war with a butter knife,” one doctor told The Atlantic. It raises a question: Why aren’t N95 masks designed to be safely reused?

The mask shortage problem has happened before, including in the SARS epidemic, when some areas ran low on respirators. Following that, the National Academy of Sciences said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should study whether the masks could be decontaminated and reused. “The problems that we’re facing today are not new, in that there was at least a small group of people that had recognized this was going to be a problem and we should be better prepared for it in the future,” says Ron Shaffer, a scientist who previously worked at the CDC and led a team researching the potential for reusing personal protective equipment.

The challenge, of course, is that if a mask is exposed to a virus like SARS-CoV-2, reusing it could potentially spread the virus. In a series of studies, Shaffer’s team identified some promising methods for eliminating viruses on N95 masks, including generating steam heat along with the mask in a microwave, and treating the mask with ultraviolet light. (Other methods, including using bleach, killed the virus but left an unpleasant smell and could also potentially damage the mask.) “The trick is you have to create a decontamination method that’s rigorous enough to kill the virus but gentle enough not to destroy the respirator,” he says. One problem is the fact that all masks are not alike; the researchers found that some were sturdier than others, and some broke down more easily. Some more recent studies by other researchers confirmed that when masks were disinfected with UV light multiple times, it affected the longevity of some models.

The decontamination process also has to be precise, and Shaffer says that’s one reason that manufacturers have resisted making reusable N95s. “We contaminated respirators with certain influenza strains and other viruses, and sure enough, you could kill the virus and keep the respirator intact, but that was in trained hands under well-controlled conditions,” he says. If the public was told that they could decontaminate masks, for example, with 30 seconds of steam in a microwave, some people might decide that two minutes would kill more germs—and destroy the mask’s material in the process. “You’ve melted the respirator, and they may not know that and they may try to put it on. Now they don’t get protection. There’s a false sense of security, and then I think the companies were afraid they’d get sued for that because somebody had used their product in a way that it wasn’t designed for.”

Even in a hospital that has the right disinfecting UV equipment, simply processing masks during a pandemic would be difficult. New York-Presbyterian Hospital, for example, is reportedly using 40,000 masks a day, and may use as many as 70,000 as the virus peaks in the city. While a hospital might have a microbiology lab with UV equipment, “they’re really not set up for sort of a routine operation, especially with the quantity of masks that we’re talking about,” says Shaffer. “Really, it’s a logistical problem to deal with. This is a tough problem to solve.”

Because of the current shortage, some hospitals are now taking a different approach of “limited reuse” recommended by the CDC as a last resort, and storing some used respirators in paper bags to be used for the next shift. But it’s not ideal. Some companies also already sell “elastomeric respirators,” reusable respirators that hospitals tend to avoid, both because of their expense and because they look more like gas masks, which can make patients more anxious. (Scientists are also working on washable cloth masks.)

As manufacturers scramble to make more disposable masks now—including clothing companies like Hanes that have been recruited for the effort—preparing for the next pandemic may mean revisiting the idea of reusable masks. The healthcare system can also do a better job of keeping masks on hand. “Stockpiling has a place, but it’s not the perfect solution,” says Shaffer. “I think that reusable respirators, like the elastomeric, are a solution for some situations. And I think that the manufacturers could do better working with what traditionally looks like the N95 masks and helping them to be a little more reusable.”

Offshore Carpet Cleaning located in Linwood, New Jersey offers ECO Friendly cleaning products. This prevents you, your family or pets from have a reaction or side effects from harsh chemical cleaning products. Offshore offers environmentally safe options when cleaning your home or business. Offshore recommends regular deep cleaning to eliminate dirt and germs and keep a consistently clean space.  Annually or bi Annually cleaning of your floors and carpets not only extends the life of your flooring, but provides a deep cleaning that keeps your home free of dirt and germs.  Do you need pet remediation to eliminate pet and urine odors?  Offshore can be your resource.  We use deodorizing products that can tackle to toughest odors.  Emergency service is another great benefit and we are owner operated to ensure every client is completely satisfied.

Call for a free estimate – 609-365-8045

Search for:  http://www.offshorecarpetcleaning.com

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Offshore Carpet Cleaning is owner operated so you can count on top not service every time.  We offer emergency 24 hour service as well as : restoration, water removal, window cleaning, contractor management, storm checks, rental property oversight, furniture and upholstery cleaning, tile and grout, area rugs, business cleaning, daily cleaning or weekly cleaning of your commercial property.  We are located in southern New Jersey and offer these services for all of Cape May County and Atlantic County.  Including Atlantic City, Margate, Linwood, Absecon, Brigantine, Ocean City, Atlantic City, Linwood, Northfield, Egg Harbor Township, Hammonton, Vineland, Marmora, Sea Isle City, Cape May, Avalon, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and surrounding areas. You Property Service Company at the Shore.

If your floors could talk, they might very well cry out for a thorough cleaning. Laminate and wood flooring is often able to conceal dirt so it isn’t visible—how disgusting! Now is the time to once and for all figure out how to clean, maintain, protect, and restore your floors the right way.

HOW DIRTY YOUR FLOORS REALLY ARE

The ugly truth with both laminate and wood floors is they can look perfectly clean, despite actually being filthy. Try this simple trick of grabbing a white paper towel or dish rag, wetting it slightly (with an emphasis on the word slightly because moisture is terrible for craftsman wood). Wipe the damp cloth across the floor and see how dark the white area has become. Bacteria tends to grow like crazy on neglected surfaces, with germs seeping into the crevices. Trust us, your floors are typically much dirtier—and less sanitary—than you think.

WHAT NOT TO DO TO CLEAN & MAINTAIN FLOORS

Knowing what to do in order to properly clean and maintain floors is tough. More importantly, consider what not to do. If going the DIY route, it’s very important you don’t use steam cleaners on the wooden floors in your home. Steam cleaners are great for tile or even vinyl, but when water soaks into the wood grain, it causes discoloration and expansion in the wood. However, using a damp mop is fine, but the use of vinegar is strongly discouraged, as this will significantly dull the finish over time.

The most important thing you can do is sweep or vacuum your wood floors on a regular basis, since this is a great way to get rid of dust.

WHY TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL FOR YOUR WOOD (OR LAMINATE) FLOORS

Over time, you often won’t notice how day-to-day wear gradually ages your wood floors. Professionally cleaning hardwood will restore the wood to its youthful beauty. It’s recommended you have this done every 24 months to maintain the wow factor.

Offshore follows a strict procedure of removing loose debris, scrubbing the surface, carrying out a detailed hand cleaning, then scrubbing a second time, and finally applying a top coat to leave a streak-free finish.

Commercial Wood Floor Cleaning

Another service Offshore offers is wood floor cleaning for businesses. This commercial service combines intensive floor treatment products with masterful techniques to achieve proven results. Why not prolong the life of the wood floors in your office? We will help your facilities maintain a long-lasting finish.