Sanitizing Tips for Facility Managers

As a facility manager, you know that maintaining a clean and sanitized environment is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of everyone in your building. The challenges of upkeeping rigorous cleaning protocols, while navigating ever-changing guidelines, regulations, and new sanitizing solutions can be daunting.  

We at Benjamin Office Supply understand the complexities of modern-day facility management and are here to provide a comprehensive guide to anyone new to the world of cleaning and sanitation, as well as any facility managers looking to elevate their strategies.  

Stay ahead of the curve with Benjamin.

Understanding A Facility’s Sanitizing Goals is Paramount

For individuals new to the facilities management arena, it is important to be acquainted with and understand the goals of a facility manager across all industries.

• Responsible for the health and safety of employees, clients, and visitors.
• Adhering to local, state, and national health regulations and sanitation standards
• Sustaining operational continuity.
• Boosting morale and productivity by keeping communal areas clean and sanitized.

Refining Sanitation Protocols

Given the familiarity with basic cleaning protocols, it becomes important for facility managers to optimize their cleaning and sanitizing strategies and refine them in such a way that boosts operations, employee health, and elevate hygiene standards. This can be done in a few ways.

Frequent Touchpoint Sanitation 

High-touch surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, and light switches are some common areas where germs are spread. Ensure areas like these are sanitized multiple times a day, using EPA-approved disinfectants that target a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria.  

Scheduled Deep Cleans 

While daily cleanings keep high-traffic zones clean, scheduling regular deep cleans for areas like restrooms, breakrooms, and meeting spaces brings cleaning regimens to the next level. Integrating antimicrobial treatments into deep cleans can create a lasting protective barrier on high-touch surfaces.  

Air Quality Management 

Beyond surface cleaning and sanitation, air quality plays a crucial role in dealing with airborne contaminants. Ensuring your facility is using HEPA filters and air purifiers will only elevate your cleaning strategies.  

Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Cleaning Products

With a wide range of sanitizing and cleaning products available, it is important to use the correct products based on your facility’s needs. 

Advanced solutions to consider incorporating are: 

• Broad spectrum disinfectants
• Surface wipes for quick sanitizing
• Antimicrobial coatings
• Hand sanitizer stations

Cleaners to Incorporate  

Common cleaners include multi-surface sprays, degreasers, and glass cleaners. While they may contain some mild germ-fighting properties, their primary function is to improve the appearance of surfaces by removing particles. 

Examples of Cleaners: 

• All-purpose cleaning sprays
• Surface wipes for desks and counters
• Glass cleaners for windows and mirrors 

Sanitizers that Slay Germs 

Sanitizers lower the number of germs to safe levels, as defined by health and safety standards. Sanitizers are less potent than disinfectants but are essential for routine cleaning. 

Examples of Sanitizers: 

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Sanitizing wipes (often for food prep surfaces)
• Sanitizing sprays for tables and chairs 

Disinfectants that Do the Heavy Lifting 

Disinfectants are more powerful than cleaners and are vital in high-risk environments. They are specifically designed to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When using disinfectants, it is essential to follow the product’s instructions for effectiveness, including contact time.  

Examples of Disinfectants: 

• Bleach-based solutions
• Hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants
• Quaternary ammonium compounds (often labeled “quats”) 

Automation and Technology Integration

Integrating technology can significantly help in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in cleaning. Using things like UV-C light technology or robots to monitor cleanliness levels will bring your cleaning and sanitation program to the next level.

Ongoing Training of Staff

Even with the right products and tools, the effectiveness of your sanitizing strategy relies heavily on your cleaning team’s understanding of proper protocols. Invest in ongoing training for your staff to ensure: 

• Proper product usage- Ensure that staff knows the correct application techniques and dwell times for various sanitizing products.
• PPE Usage- Instruct staff on the proper usage of personal protective equipment to ensure safety during cleaning and sanitation tasks.
• New techniques- Keeping your cleaning teams in regular training keeps them updated on the latest sanitization techniques, tools, and products.  

Businesses Are Made Better with Benjamin 

Maintaining a clean and safe environment goes beyond just choosing the right products—it’s about knowing which cleaners, disinfectants, and sanitizers are best suited for your specific industry. With a wide range of high-quality solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of different sectors, we help facility managers elevate their cleaning game. Our team is always here to guide you in selecting the ideal cleaning solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and cleanliness in your facility.”