Covid-19 Archives - WOW! Facility Services

People trust buildings that feel cared for. However, much of the cleaning that keeps a building healthy happens at night, when nobody sees it. Building trust through cleanliness means doing the work well and also making sure people know it is being done.

Here is how to make cleanliness visible, communicate it clearly and avoid efforts that only look good.

Building Trust Through Cleanliness Starts With Visibility

Tenants, employees and visitors judge cleanliness mostly by what they see. For example, a day porter wiping down a lobby or restocking a restroom sends a clear signal that someone is paying attention. As a result, people feel more confident in the space, and building trust through cleanliness becomes much easier.

Communicate What You Do

Next, tell people about your cleaning program. You do not need every detail. Instead, share what matters to occupants:

Which areas get cleaned daily, and which get extra attention.
When daytime support is on site.
How to report a spill, a missed area or an empty dispenser.
How quickly the team responds.

For more ideas, read our article on cleaning transparency.

Avoid Cleaning That Is Just for Show

Some measures look reassuring but add little real value. For example, using more product than the label calls for wastes money without making surfaces cleaner. Therefore, review your procedures regularly and keep the ones that actually improve health and appearance. Likewise, follow product labels and focus effort on high touch surfaces and restrooms.

Building Trust Through Cleanliness Takes Consistency

One great day does not build trust. Instead, trust comes from the building looking right every day. In practice, that takes a written scope, trained teams and regular quality control inspections. Equally important, it takes a fast response when something is missed.

Back It Up With Records

When someone asks how your building is maintained, you should be able to show them. A record of inspections, deficiencies and corrections turns reassurance into proof. Above all, it shows that problems get fixed.

How WOW! Supports Building Trust Through Cleanliness

WOW! Facility Services provides janitorial and day porter services that keep buildings clean both overnight and during the day. Every program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make cleaning more visible to occupants?
Daytime porter coverage, clear communication about your program and a simple way to report issues all help occupants see that the building is cared for.

Does more disinfecting always mean a safer building?
Not necessarily. The right product, used as the label directs on the right surfaces, matters more than simply using more of it.

Who is responsible for building trust through cleanliness?
Everyone plays a part. However, the cleaning partner should lead with a clear scope, visible daytime support, regular inspections and fast follow up.

Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.

Which areas does WOW! serve?
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, including Westchester County, Fairfield County, Rockland County and New York City.

Build Trust in Your Building

WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Book a facility assessment at no cost and with no obligation, or call 1-866-780-9966. Want a quick benchmark first? Then grade your current service with the Facility Assessment Scorecard.

Disinfection takes time and product, and both cost money. So the goal is not to disinfect everything constantly. Instead, efficient disinfection means targeting the right surfaces with the right product and method, and then doing it correctly every time.

Here is how to get better results with less waste.

Efficient Disinfection Starts With Cleaning

First, clean before you disinfect. The CDC notes that cleaning removes dirt and most germs, and that dirt can keep disinfectants from working well. Skipping this step wastes product and time.

Target the Right Surfaces

Not every surface needs the same attention. Therefore, focus disinfection on high touch surfaces such as door handles, faucets, railings, elevator buttons and shared equipment. Meanwhile, low touch surfaces usually need regular cleaning only. For more, read about restroom high touch surfaces.

Follow the Label

Every EPA registered disinfectant has directions on its label. In particular, the label lists the contact time, which is how long the surface must stay wet for the product to work. If the surface dries too soon, the product may not do its job. In addition, measured dispensing keeps dilution accurate.

Choose the Right Method

Wiping with microfiber works well for most high touch surfaces. However, large spaces with many touch points may call for other methods. For example, electrostatic sprayers can help cover complex areas when the product label allows it. Learn more in our guide to electrostatic disinfection.

Train the People Doing the Work

Efficient disinfection depends on people. Crews need to know which surfaces to target, how long to leave products wet and how to handle chemicals safely. Similarly, they need to keep tools separate by area to avoid cross contamination.

Check Your Efficient Disinfection Results

Finally, inspections show whether disinfection is happening as planned. For instance, an inspector can confirm that high touch surfaces were covered and that crews are using the correct products and tools. As a result, you can fix gaps before they become complaints. See also our article on cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

How WOW! Delivers Efficient Disinfection

WOW! Facility Services trains team members on cleaning methods, equipment handling and chemical usage. In addition, our Elevated Clean program includes integrated disinfection and high touch surface programs, and we use a color coded system to keep tools in the right zones. Every program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes disinfection efficient?
Cleaning first, targeting high touch surfaces, following the label’s contact time and using measured dilution.

Do all surfaces need to be disinfected?
No. Most surfaces need regular cleaning. Disinfection is best focused on high touch surfaces and areas with a higher risk of germs.

What is contact time?
Contact time is how long a surface must stay wet with a disinfectant for the product to work, as listed on the product label.

Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.

Make Every Disinfection Count

Airports move huge numbers of people every day, and travel peaks around holidays. All of those travelers share the same restrooms, seating areas, counters and handrails. As a result, airport cleaning has a direct effect on how passengers feel about their trip.

Here is why it deserves priority, and what a strong plan includes. Many of the same lessons also apply to any facility with heavy public traffic.

Why Airport Cleaning Matters

First, travelers judge a facility quickly. A clean restroom or gate area makes a stressful trip a little easier. In addition, shared surfaces are touched by many people in a short time. Therefore, regular cleaning and disinfection of those surfaces help keep them sanitary.

Airport Cleaning Starts With High Touch Areas

Some areas need more attention than others:

Restrooms, including faucets, dispensers and stall hardware.
Ticket counters, kiosks and check in screens.
Seating areas and armrests at gates.
Handrails, elevator buttons and door handles.
Food court tables and nearby floors.

Keep Restrooms Ready Around the Clock

Restrooms in busy facilities need frequent checks, not just a nightly clean. In particular, keeping soap and paper towels stocked supports handwashing. For more, read about restroom high touch surfaces.

Plan Airport Cleaning for Peak Travel

Holiday travel brings more people, more trash and more spills. So increase staffing and cleaning frequency during peak periods. Meanwhile, schedule deep cleaning for quieter hours when fewer travelers are present.

Do Not Overlook Floors

Floors in busy facilities take a beating from luggage wheels, carts and foot traffic. Therefore, regular sweeping, mopping and vacuuming, along with planned floor care, protect both appearance and safety.

Consistency Beats Occasional Deep Cleaning

Above all, a consistent schedule matters more than an occasional big effort. Clear routines, trained crews and regular inspections keep standards steady from one day to the next. In addition, a quick way for staff and travelers to report a spill or a messy restroom helps crews respond before small problems grow. As a result, the facility stays presentable even on the busiest days of the year.

How WOW! Supports High Traffic Facilities

WOW! Facility Services provides janitorial, day porter, floor care and disinfection services for busy facilities across our service area. Every program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important areas in airport cleaning?
Restrooms, ticket counters, seating areas, handrails and food courts, because travelers use them constantly.

How should cleaning change during peak travel?
Increase staffing and frequency in busy areas, and move deep cleaning to quieter hours.

Do these airport cleaning lessons apply to other buildings?
Yes. Any facility with heavy public traffic benefits from frequent restroom checks, attention to high touch surfaces and planned floor care.

Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.

Keep Busy Facilities Clean

Electrostatic sprayers became popular in many facilities in recent years. They can help crews cover large or complex areas with disinfectant. However, electrostatic disinfection only works when it is part of a proper cleaning process and the product is approved for that use.

Here is what electrostatic disinfection is, when it helps and how to do it right.

What Electrostatic Disinfection Is

An electrostatic sprayer gives disinfectant droplets an electrical charge as they leave the nozzle. As a result, the charged droplets are drawn to surfaces and can help reach the sides and undersides of objects. In practice, this can make it easier to treat areas with many surfaces, such as classrooms, gyms or seating areas.

Electrostatic Disinfection Starts With the Label

Not every disinfectant can be used in an electrostatic sprayer. According to the EPA, if a product’s label does not include directions for electrostatic spraying, the agency has not reviewed data on its safety and effectiveness for that use. Therefore, use only products whose labels include electrostatic directions, and follow them exactly.

Clean Before You Disinfect

No sprayer replaces cleaning. The CDC advises cleaning surfaces before you disinfect, because dirt can keep disinfectants from working well. For more on the steps, see our guide to sanitizing and disinfecting.

Electrostatic Disinfection and Contact Time

Disinfectants need time to work. In addition, the surface should stay wet for the full contact time on the label. Electrostatic disinfection still has to meet that requirement.

Protect the Crew and the Occupants

Crews should wear the protective equipment the label requires. Likewise, schedule spraying when spaces are empty, and follow label directions on when people can return.

When Electrostatic Disinfection Makes Sense

Electrostatic disinfection is a tool, not a routine for every surface. For example, it can help after an illness outbreak or in large areas with many touch points. Meanwhile, everyday high touch surfaces are often best handled with regular cleaning and wiping.

How WOW! Approaches Disinfection

WOW! Facility Services trains every team member on cleaning methods, equipment handling and chemical usage. Our Elevated Clean program includes integrated disinfection and high touch surface programs. Every program starts with a facility assessment, and then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any disinfectant be used in an electrostatic sprayer?
No. Use only products whose labels include directions for electrostatic application, and follow those directions exactly.

Does electrostatic disinfection replace cleaning?
No. Surfaces still need cleaning first, because dirt can keep disinfectants from working well.

When is electrostatic disinfection most useful?
Generally, it helps most in large areas with many surfaces, or after an illness outbreak, using a product labeled for electrostatic application.

Who should operate electrostatic sprayers?
Trained crews who know the product label, the required protective equipment and when people can safely return to the space.

Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.

Disinfect the Right Way

Clean and disinfected are not the same thing. However, many facilities treat them as if they were, and that is where gaps appear. Clear cleaning and disinfecting protocols make sure crews use the right product, in the right way, on the right surfaces.

Here are the core cleaning and disinfecting protocols every facility should follow, based on guidance from the CDC for community settings such as offices and schools.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols Start With Cleaning First

According to the CDC, cleaning with soap or detergent decreases the number of germs on surfaces. In addition, dirt can keep disinfecting chemicals from working well. Therefore, clean visibly dirty surfaces first, then disinfect where it is needed.

Protocol 2: Choose the Right Product

Not every product suits every surface. For this reason, the CDC advises always reading the label to confirm that a disinfectant is right for the surface you are treating. In practice, that means matching products to surfaces and keeping the product list simple enough for crews to follow.

Protocol 3: Respect Contact Time

Disinfectants need time to work. As the CDC explains, the surface should stay wet for the entire contact time listed in the product’s directions. Wiping too soon is one of the most common mistakes, so build contact time into training.

Protocol 4: Focus on High Touch Surfaces

The CDC recommends cleaning high touch surfaces regularly, such as door handles and countertops. In addition, high traffic areas may need more frequent attention. Other surfaces can generally be cleaned when they are visibly dirty.

Protocol 5: Protect the Team

Crews should wear the gloves and other protective equipment listed on the product label. Equally important, they should never mix products, because some combinations can create dangerous fumes. Proper ventilation and safe storage complete the picture.

Make Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols Stick

Cleaning and disinfecting protocols only work when people follow them every shift. So train new staff before they start, refresh training regularly and check the work. As a result, your protocols become habits rather than paperwork. Note that healthcare facilities follow more specific guidance, which we cover in our article on high touch areas in healthcare facilities.

How WOW! Applies Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols

WOW! Facility Services trains every team member on cleaning methodologies, equipment handling and chemical usage. Our Elevated Clean program also includes integrated disinfection and high touch surface programs.

Every program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work that sets the right cleaning and disinfecting protocols for each area of your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning removes dirt and decreases the number of germs on surfaces. Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs that remain after cleaning.

Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.

Put Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols in Place

Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting are often used as if they mean the same thing. In reality, each one does a different job. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right step for each surface and avoid the mistakes that make disinfection fail.

So here is what each term means, when to use it, and how to make sanitizing and disinfecting work in your facility.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Defined

The CDC explains the three steps this way:

Cleaning with soap or detergent decreases the number of germs on surfaces and removes dirt.
Sanitizing reduces the remaining germs on surfaces after cleaning.
Disinfecting kills harmful germs that remain on surfaces after cleaning.

In other words, cleaning comes first, while sanitizing and disinfecting build on it.

Always Clean First

Dirt and grime can keep sanitizing and disinfecting chemicals from killing germs effectively. For this reason, the CDC advises cleaning surfaces before you sanitize or disinfect them. Some products are labeled to clean and disinfect in one step, but check the label before you rely on that.

When to Use Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Not every surface needs disinfection every day. For example, the CDC recommends cleaning high touch surfaces regularly and disinfecting where people have clearly been sick. Meanwhile, sanitizing is common on surfaces such as food contact areas, where the product label allows it.

Common Mistakes That Stop Disinfection Working

Even the right product fails if it is used the wrong way. Watch for these mistakes:

Skipping the cleaning step. Visible soil blocks the disinfectant.
Ignoring contact time. The surface should stay wet for the full contact time on the label.
Using the wrong product. Always confirm that the product suits the surface.
Dirty tools. Cloths and mops can spread germs, so change them often and keep them separate by area.
Mixing chemicals. Some combinations create dangerous fumes.

Training for Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Ultimately, sanitizing and disinfecting are only as good as the people doing them. So train crews on what each product does, how to apply it and how long to leave it. In addition, check the work regularly. For a step by step approach, see our guide to cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

How WOW! Handles Sanitizing and Disinfecting

WOW! Facility Services trains every team member on cleaning methodologies, equipment handling and chemical usage. Our Elevated Clean program includes integrated disinfection and high touch surface programs, with a premium tier that adds enhanced disinfection where a facility needs it.

Every program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one product clean and disinfect at the same time?
Some products are labeled for one step cleaning and disinfecting on surfaces without visible soil. Always check the label first, and clean dirty surfaces before disinfecting.

Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.

Get Disinfection Right

Restrooms are among the most used spaces in any building. They also shape how people judge the whole facility. While toilets get most of the attention, the surfaces people touch on the way in and out matter just as much. That is why restroom high touch surfaces deserve a place at the top of every cleaning plan.

Here are four areas to prioritize.

1. Door Handles and Push Plates

Nearly everyone touches the restroom door. As a result, germs can move from one hand to the handle and then to the next person. Therefore, clean and disinfect handles and push plates often, and make sure products reach the back of the handle too. In addition, consider placing a waste bin near the exit so people can use a paper towel on the handle and throw it away.

2. Dispensers and Hand Dryers

Soap and towel dispensers that need a push or pull are touched by every user. So clean them frequently, or consider touchless models where possible. For more, read about touchless technology.

Hand dryers deserve attention as well. For example, a 2018 study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that hot air hand dryers in restrooms can deposit bacteria from restroom air onto washed hands. Similarly, a study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, which used a harmless test virus, found that jet air dryers spread about 60 times more virus particles than warm air dryers and about 1,300 times more than paper towels. If your restroom has dryers, clean them regularly, and consider offering paper towels too.

3. Faucets and Flush Handles

Faucets and flush handles are touched before hands are washed. Consequently, they can carry germs from one user to the next. Clean and disinfect them on a regular schedule, and check them during daytime restroom visits. Touchless faucets and flush valves can also reduce contact.

4. Light Switches and Stall Hardware

In smaller restrooms, people may need to turn lights on and off. Likewise, stall locks, latches and handles are touched constantly. These surfaces are easy to overlook, so add them to the checklist.

Build a Plan for Restroom High Touch Surfaces

Clean before you disinfect. Dirt can keep disinfectants from working well.
Follow the label. Leave the disinfectant wet for the full contact time.
Keep tools separate. Use dedicated cloths and tools for restrooms to avoid cross contamination.
Check during the day. Busy restrooms need attention between nightly cleanings.
Keep supplies stocked. Soap and paper towels support handwashing.

For more, read about restroom cleanliness and tenant satisfaction.

How WOW! Cleans Restroom High Touch Surfaces

WOW! Facility Services includes high touch surface programs in our Elevated Clean approach. In addition, we use a color coded system so restroom tools stay in restrooms. Every program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work around your building. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important restroom high touch surfaces?
Door handles, push plates, dispensers, hand dryers, faucets, flush handles, light switches and stall hardware.

How often should restroom high touch surfaces be cleaned?
It depends on traffic. In busy buildings, they need attention during the day as well as during nightly cleaning.

Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.

Keep Restroom High Touch Surfaces Clean

People notice how crews clean a building, and they increasingly want to know more. Tenants, employees and visitors want confidence that someone cares for the space. Cleaning transparency gives them that confidence by showing what the team does, when and how.

Here is why cleaning transparency matters, what to share, and how to back it up with real documentation.

Why Cleaning Transparency Builds Trust

Clean is not just about looks. However, people judge cleanliness mostly by what they see. When they also understand the plan behind it, they worry less and complain less. In short, transparency turns cleaning from something invisible into something people can trust.

What to Share With Occupants

You do not need to share every detail. Instead, focus on what matters to the people in your building:

What your team cleans and how often.</