How to Clean and Sanitize Wood Doors for COVID-19
Your doors are one of the heaviest traffic touchpoints in your entire building. Everyone who enters or leaves your building is bound to touch the doors' surface and handles, leading to a buildup of germs and dirt that can quickly spread from person to person.
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Keeping your doors clean is more important than ever during this global health crisis. Properly sanitized doors can play a tremendous role in helping to flatten the curve and prevent an outbreak. Wondering how to clean wood doors and trim effectively? We have put together a few tips.
How Does Disinfecting Doors Prevent COVID-19
Disinfecting your doors regularly is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your building remains a sanitary environment. Cleaning helps to remove dirt, while disinfecting kills most types of germs. It is particularly crucial to disinfect frequently used areas, like doors, in order to protect everyone who enters or exits the building.
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should use an approved disinfectant that is able to kill the coronavirus. This list includes popular products like disinfectant sprays and wipes, as well as hydrogen peroxide. Following proper techniques — like letting the product sit on the surface of the door for at least 10 minutes — will ensure you effectively kill up to 99.9% of germs.
What Wood Doors Are Easiest to Clean?
Laminate wood doors are typically the easiest surface to clean and maintain. Wiping the door's surface regularly with the proper disinfectants and a soft cloth will keep them looking as good as new while killing the growth and spread of viruses and bacteria. Typical disinfectant and cleaning solutions will not cause any damage to the door or handles.
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However, abrasive cleaning agents can damage a laminate wood surface. Steer clear of cleaning agents like bleach, wax furniture polish or any other abrasives, as well as products with strong acid bases.
How Often Should You Clean Doors in Your Building
During the current situation with COVID-19, experts recommend cleaning doors regularly. Coronavirus can live on certain surfaces, like stainless steel and plastic, for up to three days, so frequent cleanings are essential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests disinfecting all high-touch areas in your building on a daily basis. This action will help to eliminate the possibility of exposure as people come in and out.
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If your doors receive high traffic or are in a particularly risky zone — such as a hospital — you may wish to clean multiple times throughout the day.
How to Clean Hardware
Your door surfaces are not the only areas that need regular disinfectants. Perhaps the most important area to pay attention to is your door's hardware, particularly your doorknobs. Follow these steps to properly disinfect your hardware and keep an outbreak at bay:
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Put on disposable gloves that are dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces for COVID-19. After you have finished cleaning, you should dispose of the gloves properly and wash your hands immediately.
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Start by cleaning your doors of any dirt or debris using a general detergent or mild dish soap. Use a nonabrasive sponge to scrub the surfaces.
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Use your disinfectant of choice at room temperature, and follow the instructions on the label to determine the correct amount.
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Leave the disinfectant wet on the door hardware for the recommended amount of time. Make sure no one uses the door while the solution is drying.
Cleaning Doors Is a Simple Way to Do Your Part
We all have a part to play in helping to flatten the curve. Making a move as simple as daily door disinfecting can help to kill viruses and prevent the spread of disease. Together, we can all play an essential role in keeping our colleagues, peers and loved ones healthy and safe.
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If you are looking for new wood doors that are easy to clean, feel free to contact us today.