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Real Life, Everyday Questions We Receive About Disinfecting

Real life, everyday questions Summit receives about disinfecting, sanitation, reopening, and when to call in professional support.

2 min read

By Summit Cleaning & Restoration · Company news & team profiles

Summit Cleaning & Restoration has handled fire, water, mold, and biohazard recovery across Oregon and SW Washington since 1978.

Real Life, Everyday Questions We Receive About Disinfecting

Real Life, Everyday Questions We Receive About Disinfecting

I recently attended multiple webinars where the main topics cover the reopening process for businesses in Oregon, primarily hotels and restaurants. There was one prevalent theme: many business owners were overwhelmed by the amount of COVID-19 information in their inboxes.

Can I do my own disinfecting?

The short answer is yes. Many customers call Summit because they have a hard time locating the items they need, such as sprayers, foggers, sanitizers, and PPE. As a contractor, we have long-standing supplier relationships and prepared the best we could to have these items on hand.

What about the CDC statements about viruses on surfaces?

The real message remains the same: there will always be some level of risk associated with contact from surfaces. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces is a great precautionary measure no matter what pathogen you are dealing with.

How do I know if I am applying disinfectants properly?

Disinfectants have dwell times that must be followed. Products should be applied evenly, surfaces should be visibly wet, and the disinfectant should dwell for the recommended time frame for maximum efficacy.

What if my budget is tight?

Choose the option that follows CDC guidelines, provides peace of mind, and stays within your budget. If a staff member tests positive, calling a professional helps ensure proper protocols are followed.

What do I have to do before a sanitation visit?

Usually, nothing. We work according to your schedule and can come before or after closing, overnight, or on weekends.

Can your disinfectants be used in food establishments?

Yes. We offer non-toxic, botanical-based options for locations where food is prepared.

Does your fogging process leave a residue?

Our process does not leave a visible residue. The disinfectant is applied to applicable surfaces and allowed to dwell appropriately.

Do I need cleaning and disinfecting?

Industry best practices recommend cleaning a surface before applying a disinfectant. Sanitizing removes harmful substances from surfaces; disinfecting applies a biocide or viricide to inactivate harmful substances.

Can carpets hold pathogens?

Yes. As a porous surface, carpet can harbor pathogens much like a hard surface can. Carpet also acts as a filter, pulling particles like pollen, dust, pet dander, microbes, and other contaminants from the air.

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About Summit Cleaning & Restoration Company news & team profiles

Summit Cleaning & Restoration has handled fire, water, mold, and biohazard recovery across Oregon and SW Washington since 1978. Profiles, interviews, company milestones, and articles from the archive are published by the Summit team rather than credited to a single author.

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