Most of the time, regular cleaning is enough to keep up with the cleanliness of a home or business. But there are some situations that call for more than a quick wipe-down with an all-purpose spray. When germs, bacteria, or contaminated water are involved, you’ll need to take things a step further and hire professional disinfection services to protect the people who work, live, or visit there.
Knowing when to bring a professional in can make a difference for you and others on the property. Here’s a look at when professional disinfection makes sense and what the process involves.
The Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfecting are often used interchangeably, but they accomplish different tasks. Cleaning is what removes dirt, dust, food residue, and other visible grime from everyday surfaces like counters and tabletops. Disinfecting goes a step further and uses products designed to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Both cleaning and disinfecting are important, and they work best when they’re done together. Cleaning first clears away the dirt and grime that can shield germs, and then disinfectants remove the germs and bacteria that make people sick. Professional disinfection services follow this approach, ensuring that all surfaces are clean and germ-free.
When Your Property May Need Professional Disinfection
After Illness in the Home or Workplace
When someone in your home or office has been sick with the flu, a stomach bug, COVID, or another contagious illness, germs can linger on surfaces for several months. This is why some households share colds and flus for weeks or months at a time. A thorough disinfection after an illness targets high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and countertops, reducing the chance of germs spreading. Businesses dealing with multiple sick employees can especially benefit.
After Flooding or Sewage Backups
Floodwater and sewage can carry bacteria and other contaminants into your home, no matter how clean it may look. This means that even after the water is removed and the space is dried, any surfaces or belongings that come into contact with the water need to be properly cleaned and disinfected. Otherwise, your surfaces could harbor chemicals, toxic waste, raw sewage, debris, and biological hazards.
After Mold or Fire Damage
Mold remediation and fire damage cleanup often leave behind residue, odors, and contaminants on surfaces and belongings. It’s important that these areas are disinfected and deodorized to help restore a healthy environment. In some cases, professionals use specialized tools like ultrasonic cleaners and thermal fogging to treat odors and contaminants.
Before Moving Into a New Home or Office
Moving into a new home or office is exciting, but you can never really tell how well things were cleaned. A professional disinfection before you move in gives you a fresh start, especially in areas where germs tend to collect, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and break rooms. This is also a smart step for landlords and property managers between tenants.
In High-Traffic Businesses
Restaurants, bars, retail stores, offices, gyms, and public venues see a steady stream of people every day, and every one of them touches surfaces. Routine professional disinfection can help keep high-touch areas like sales counters, restrooms, door handles, and fitness or playground equipment cleaner. It also shows customers and employees that you care about their health.
What Professional Disinfection Includes
Professional disinfection goes well beyond what a typical household cleaning or regular janitorial service covers. Dirt, dust, and grime is removed from surfaces, and disinfectant products are used on the following areas:
- Door handles, push plates, and kickplates
- Light switches and control panels
- Elevator buttons and handrails
- Office desks and workstations
- Conference room tables and break rooms
- Shared equipment like keyboards and phones
- Toilets, urinals, sinks, faucets, and handles
- Countertops, table tops, and appliance handles
At Texas Elite Restoration, we use EPA-registered, broad-spectrum products designed to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mold, while choosing environmentally friendly options whenever possible.
After water, fire, or mold damage, our contents cleaning services can also take care of the belongings inside your property. We inventory and pack out salvageable items, clean them using the right method for each material, deodorize them, and store them in a climate-controlled facility until you’re ready for them.
We offer both one-time and routine disinfection appointments, so you can schedule service after a specific event or set up regular visits that keep your property consistently clean.
Protect the People in Your Space
Whether you’re recovering from an illness, cleaning up after a storm, preparing for a move, or running a busy business, professional disinfection helps create a healthier environment for everyone who walks through your doors.
Texas Elite Restoration provides disinfection and sanitization services for homes and businesses in Harlingen and throughout the Rio Grande Valley, along with contents cleaning after water, fire, and mold damage.
Ready for a deeper clean? Contact Texas Elite Restoration or call (956) 564-1932 to request a free estimate.