Introduction

In a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Infection Control, researchers concluded “that floors in patient rooms were frequently contaminated with health care associated pathogens and demonstrated the potential for indirect transfer of pathogens to hands from fomites placed on the floor.” Moreover, “In a survey of 5 hospitals, [they] found that floors in patient rooms were frequently contaminated with health-care associated pathogens and it was not uncommon for high-touch objects… to be in direct contact with the floor.” In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak, we have developed this guide to help you use your automatic scrubbers and sprayers with disinfectants in an efficient and effective manner.

In this article, we take you step-by-step through the process of disinfecting a floor with an automatic floor scrubber.  As many employers are undertaking a deep cleaning before re-opening offices, this procedure can help speed up the process in large areas.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are the definitions of cleaning and disinfecting.

• Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs. But by removing the germs, it decreases their number and therefore any risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. But killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces any risk of spreading infection.

How to disinfect floors and hard, non-porous high-touch surfaces

Step 1. Clean the surface.

Follow a normal, thorough cleaning routine. Routine cleaning will decrease the amount of virus on a surface. Visible dirt on surfaces can reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants because the disinfectant may be unable to reach the surface being disinfected.

Step 2. Choose a disinfectant.

Use disinfectants that are listed on the EPA’s website that are designated for use against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The list of approved chemicals can be found on the EPA’s website at this link: https://cfpub.epa.gov/giwiz/disinfectants/index.cfm

It is important to know that the EPA registration number listed on the chemical label may contain more digits than the number on the EPA website. If the first two parts of the number on the chemical label match the number on the EPA website, then the chemical is approved for use against SARS-CoV-2. See Figure 1 below as an example. In this example, the full EPA Registration number on the chemical label is 1839-167-5741. The EPA Registration number on the list of approved chemicals is 1839-167.

Figure 1.  Compare the EPA Registration Number on the EPA website with a chemical label

Step 3.  Read and follow the label and safety data sheet for the disinfectant selected.

The safe use of any cleaning chemical depends on your understanding of the proper procedure and risks.  Carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and the safety data sheet.  Be sure to use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), provide adequate ventilation, follow the instructions for applying the chemical, and use the correct dilution ratio for concentrated disinfectant chemicals.

The tables below show the amount of concentrated disinfectant chemicals, in ounces, you should use with a full tank of clean water for NSS automatic scrubbers and sprayers.