High-traffic facilities—such as busy office buildings, schools, hospitals, and transit hubs—see a constant flow of people every day. With so many occupants and visitors touching surfaces and sharing space, these environments can become breeding grounds for germs if not properly cleaned and disinfected. The recent global health crises (like the COVID-19 pandemic) have only highlighted how crucial effective disinfection is for public health and confidence. In this post, we will cover the importance of proper disinfection in high-traffic areas, outline best practices used by professional disinfection services, clarify the difference between routine cleaning and true disinfecting, and discuss how businesses can ensure compliance with health standards. Our goal is to provide facility managers with actionable insights to keep their busy facilities safe and hygienic.
Why Proper Disinfection Matters in High-Traffic Areas
In any facility where hundreds or thousands of people pass through and interact daily, the risk of germ transmission is naturally higher. Think of door handles in a public library, elevator buttons in a corporate skyscraper, or the check-out counter at a grocery store. Each touch can deposit or pick up bacteria and viruses. Without intervention, these microorganisms can easily spread to dozens of people in a short time. This is why proper disinfection is paramount in high-traffic facilities: it breaks the chain of infection and helps prevent outbreaks.
The impact on health and business is significant. If disinfection is neglected, facilities might experience higher instances of illnesses like colds, flu, stomach viruses, or worse, which can lead to absenteeism and lost productivity. For example, an office with 100 employees could see a flu sweep through and incapacitate a large portion of staff if surfaces aren't disinfected during flu season. On the flip side, effective disinfection practices have been shown to reduce illness rates. In one case study, a Florida school district found that daily disinfection with an electrostatic sprayer reduced student absenteeism by 14% and resulted in no major illness outbreaks, compared to a school that disinfected less frequently (Study Finds Daily Disinfection Reduces School Absenteeism). Even during the notoriously germ-heavy winter months, the school practicing daily disinfection saw dramatically lower absences (a 53% drop in December) (Study Finds Daily Disinfection Reduces School Absenteeism). This illustrates that proper disinfection protocols can tangibly improve health outcomes in a community.
Beyond preventing sickness, visible disinfection efforts also boost occupant confidence. Post-2020, people are far more conscious of cleanliness in public spaces. Surveys have shown that 94% of workers expect businesses to continue focusing on cleaning and hygiene even after a pandemic (U.S. Workers' Expectations of Cleanliness Have Changed), and a similar percentage want regular disinfection protocols as the standard. In high-traffic facilities like airports or shopping malls, customers and visitors feel safer when they see cleaning crews wiping surfaces or notice the smell of a freshly sanitized area. This confidence can affect everything from employee morale to customer willingness to enter a store. In Ohio and everywhere, many businesses have made enhanced cleaning and disinfection part of their brand promise to keep patrons safe.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Understanding the Difference
It's important to distinguish between cleaning and disinfecting, as each plays a role in facility maintenance but they are not the same. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Cleaning is the process of removing dirt, dust, and impurities from surfaces, usually with soap or detergent and water. Cleaning physically removes many germs and debris, but it does not necessarily kill the germs that remain. However, cleaning is a crucial first step because it reduces germ load and allows disinfectants to work more effectively later (When and How to Clean and Disinfect a Facility | CDC).
Disinfecting involves using chemicals (disinfectants) to kill germs on surfaces after those surfaces have been cleaned. Disinfectants (like bleach solutions, quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohol solutions, etc.) are regulated and must be used according to instructions to be effective. When used properly, disinfectants can kill a high percentage of viruses and bacteria on a surface, further lowering the risk of disease spread (When and How to Clean and Disinfect a Facility | CDC).
There's also sanitizing, which typically means reducing germs to safer levels (often used in food service contexts), but in many commercial facility discussions, we focus on disinfecting for high-touch surfaces.
A critical best practice is to always clean before disinfecting. As the CDC notes, if a surface is dirty, germs can hide under soils and organic matter, and disinfectants might not be able to contact and kill them (When and How to Clean and Disinfect a Facility | CDC). For example, simply spraying a disinfectant on a muddy floor or a sticky counter won't be very effective—the grime must be removed first. Thus, professional disinfection services will usually do a two-step process: first wipe down surfaces with general cleaners to remove gunk, then apply disinfectants to kill the microscopic pathogens. Skipping the cleaning step can significantly reduce the efficacy of disinfection.
Another difference is time: cleaning is immediate (wipe away and the surface looks clean), but disinfectants often require dwell time (contact time) on a surface to work properly. Many products specify keeping the surface wet for several minutes. Facility managers should be aware that a quick spray-and-wipe might not truly disinfect; the chemical needs to sit undisturbed for the recommended period (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes) to achieve the advertised kill rate of germs.
Understanding these distinctions helps set the right protocols. In a high-traffic facility, you might have staff do routine cleaning throughout the day (to keep surfaces visibly clean and reduce dirt), and then have a professional service perform thorough disinfection during off-peak hours. Some businesses also sanitize high-touch points multiple times a day during flu season or if there's a known illness going around.
Best Practices Used by Professional Disinfection Services
Professional disinfection services bring expertise, specialized equipment, and standardized methods to ensure effective germ control. Here are some best practices and methods commonly used by the pros, which facility managers should look for or implement:
Target High-Touch Surfaces Frequently: Not all surfaces carry the same risk. Disinfection efforts are most effective when focused on high-touch areas that many people contact. Examples include doorknobs, door push bars, light switches, elevator buttons, handrails, faucet handles, toilet flush levers, shared electronics (phones, touchscreens, copier buttons), and communal tables or countertops. The CDC advises cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly (at least daily) in high-traffic spaces (When and How to Clean and Disinfect a Facility | CDC). In practice, many facilities disinfect these critical touchpoints multiple times per day. A best practice is to create a checklist of such surfaces in each area and ensure they are wiped with disinfectant on a set schedule.
Use the Right Disinfectants Properly: Not all cleaning products disinfect, and not all disinfectants are effective against every pathogen. Professionals use EPA-registered disinfectants appropriate for the facility's needs (for instance, those on EPA's List N are approved to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19). They also pay attention to the product's label instructions – including dilution (if it's a concentrate), required personal protective equipment, and dwell time. For example, a disinfectant wipe might need to leave the surface wet for 4 minutes to be fully effective; a misting spray might require 10 minutes. Using a product improperly (like wiping it off too quickly or mixing it to weaker strength) can result in incomplete disinfection. Best practice includes training staff on these instructions and never "shortcutting" the labeled directions.
Advanced Application Methods: In large or complex facilities, professionals might employ specialized disinfection methods beyond the classic spray-and-wipe. One example is electrostatic sprayers, which charge the disinfectant droplets so they adhere evenly to surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas. This method can cover large areas like classrooms or open-plan offices more efficiently and with consistent coverage (Are Electrostatic Sprayers Effective?). Another method used in some industries is fogging or misting with disinfectants (releasing a fine mist in an enclosed space to settle on surfaces) – though its use depends on ensuring safety and proper ventilation. UV-C light disinfection is also used in healthcare and transit settings (machines that emit germicidal ultraviolet light to sanitize air and surfaces), but those are typically supplemental to chemical disinfecting and used when people are not present (since UV can be harmful to eyes/skin). A facility manager should discuss with their disinfection service which methods make sense for their facility type. For instance, electrostatic spraying has become popular for office and school disinfection because it's fast and effective for covering irregular surfaces.
Trained and Protected Staff: A best practice for any disinfection service is ensuring their technicians are well-trained and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This protects the workers and prevents mishandling of chemicals. You'll typically see professional cleaners wearing gloves when using disinfectants, and often eye protection or masks if they're spraying mist or working in less ventilated areas with strong chemicals. Proper training also includes knowing the dwell times, which surfaces might be sensitive to certain chemicals (for example, some disinfectants can corrode electronics or damage fine finishes if not used correctly), and how to avoid cross-contamination (e.g., using separate cloths for disinfecting toilets versus desks). As a facility manager, you can ensure compliance with OSHA standards by verifying that any in-house staff who handle disinfectants are informed of the chemical Safety Data Sheets and wear required PPE. If using an outside service, you can ask about their training programs and safety measures.
Scheduled Disinfection and Response Disinfection: Most places will benefit from routine disinfection schedules (e.g., nightly, or specific days of the week). However, high-traffic facilities should also have plans for situational disinfection. For example, if someone vomits or if a visitor is found to have a contagious disease, immediate targeted disinfection of affected areas is crucial. Professional services often offer on-call or rapid response for such incidents, using hospital-grade disinfectants on the contaminated area. Additionally, in times of a known outbreak (say a confirmed COVID case or a flu outbreak in the community), ramping up frequency – even temporarily – is a best practice. For instance, common areas might shift from daily disinfection to twice daily during a peak illness period. The plan should be flexible to scale up when risk is high.
Ventilation and Air Quality Considerations: While disinfecting surfaces is key, don't forget the role of good ventilation in reducing disease spread, especially for airborne viruses. High-traffic facilities should ensure HVAC systems are well-maintained (filters changed, bringing in adequate fresh air). Some professional services also offer disinfection of air ducts or the use of air purifiers with HEPA filters as part of an overall hygiene program. While this is more cleaning than disinfecting, it complements surface disinfection by tackling another vector: the air. Ensuring proper airflow and perhaps even using UV-C within HVAC units to kill airborne germs can provide an extra layer of protection in facilities like clinics or densely occupied offices.
Ensuring Compliance with Health Standards
Maintaining effective disinfection in a facility isn't just about doing the right thing for health—it's also often about complying with health guidelines and regulations. Various authorities, from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to local health departments, have standards that intersect with cleaning and disinfection practices.
For example, OSHA's general sanitation standards require that workplaces be kept clean and hygienic for employees (29 CFR 1910.141). While it doesn't prescribe specific disinfection routines, a consistently dirty workplace could be seen as a violation of providing a safe work environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA and CDC issued guidance for routine cleaning and disinfecting of workplaces, especially if someone in the facility was suspected or confirmed to have the virus (Safety Precautions: Cleaning and Disinfecting for COVID-19). Following such guidance (like the CDC's Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility recommendations) helps ensure you're meeting your due diligence in keeping the workplace safe. Businesses in Ohio also had to follow state health department directives on cleaning protocols during health emergencies; staying attuned to such guidance is now a standard part of operations.
To ensure compliance and effectiveness, facility managers can:
Develop a Written Disinfection Plan: This document should outline what gets disinfected, how often, with what products, and by whom. It can be simple but should cover all areas of the facility. Having it written helps train staff, keep contractors accountable, and demonstrate to any inspectors or stakeholders that you have a systematic approach.
Keep Logs and Checklists: Many cleaning services provide logs (e.g., a sheet on the bathroom door signed off when last cleaned/disinfected). In high-traffic facilities, you might also keep daily or weekly logs of disinfection tasks completed. This not only ensures the work is done, but also is useful in case of any health investigation to show your compliance.
Choose Certified Services: If outsourcing, look for cleaning companies that have certifications or follow standards from reputable industry organizations (for instance, the ISSA's Cleaning Industry Management Standard or GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) Star accreditation which specifically focuses on outbreak preparation and response). A certified service is likely to be up-to-date on best practices and regulatory requirements.
Train Your Staff on Hygiene Practices: Beyond the cleaning crew, the facility's employees should be educated on basic hygiene that complements surface disinfection. Encourage regular handwashing, provide hand sanitizer stations (especially near entrances and elevators), and put up signage reminding everyone of proper hygiene etiquette (like covering coughs and sneezes). Disinfection can knock down germs on surfaces, but personal habits matter for stopping spread between people. Creating a culture where everyone participates in keeping the facility safe is the ultimate best practice. For instance, an employee who wipes down a conference table after a meeting or who stays home when sick is contributing to the overall health standard of the workplace.
Stay Updated on Public Health Guidance: Health recommendations can evolve. The definition of "high-touch" might expand with new technology (who thought about disinfecting touchscreens 15 years ago?), or new pathogens might emerge. As part of facility management duties, keep an ear out for updates from the CDC or Ohio's state health department regarding cleaning and disinfection. For example, during a norovirus outbreak advisory, there might be specific guidance to use a certain type of disinfectant on bathroom surfaces. Flexibility and responsiveness to current health concerns will ensure your facility is always at or above the recommended standard.
Conclusion
Effective disinfection in high-traffic facilities is a multi-layered effort that, when done right, significantly reduces the risk of illness and fosters trust among employees and visitors. By understanding the science (clean first, then disinfect; target high-touch surfaces; use proper agents) and implementing the best practices of professional services, facility managers can create safer environments even in the busiest of buildings. The difference between a merely "clean-looking" facility and a truly hygienic one comes down to these diligent practices.
In summary, key takeaways for facility managers are: prioritize regular disinfection of high-touch areas, use certified disinfectants and follow their instructions, consider advanced methods for comprehensive coverage in large spaces, and ensure those performing the work are well-trained and protected. Remember that cleaning removes the crumbs and smudges, but disinfection is what kills the unseen germs that cause illness – both are needed for a healthy facility. Also, maintain documentation and stay compliant with public health guidelines; this not only keeps people safe but also demonstrates your organization's commitment to their well-being.
High-traffic facilities can be challenging to keep germ-free, but with a proactive and informed approach, you can significantly mitigate health risks. Many businesses in Ohio and around the country have successfully adopted enhanced disinfection routines, and it has become the new norm to protect public health. As we move forward, the lessons learned – that consistent, proper disinfection is critical to operational resilience and occupant health – will continue to guide best practices. By implementing these, you ensure that your facility is not just busy, but also clean and safe for everyone who walks