Ways to Kill Coronavirus

Whether it’s an office block, a factory, a dental surgery, a washroom, a waiting room, a call center, or indeed a small staff canteen setting, the need for a thorough cleaning has never been more important than it is as of right now.

A professional cleaning company like ServiceMaster by PWF, that offers Coronavirus cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection services, will, however, ensure we personally maintain the correct hygiene practices to the highest standards by regularly disinfecting equipment and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus. ServiceMaster by PWF offers pre-contamination cleaning services that can help eliminate the risk of COVID 19 exposure for areas with no confirmed cases and post- contamination cleaning services for areas/properties that have been exposed to Coronavirus. Our IICRC-certified technicians are 24/7 ready to serve you for emergency services anywhere in Clay, Duval, St. Johns, and Pinellas Counties, Florida.

Homes and businesses can be cleaned using specialist solutions and equipment which will assist in the fight against COVID-19. ServiceMaster by PWF uses the best that’s available in the industry currently.

We follow the recommended official guidelines from the CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We are also following the technical cleaning advice from the OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Here’s some quick guide on ways to kill Coronavirus.

Coronaviruses outside of the human body, like most viruses, are very weak and are easily destroyed with hot water and disinfectant, hence the medical professional’s advice to wash your hands. Needless to say, you cannot kill viruses so easily once they are inside the human body, so never, ever consume a disinfectant.

UV Light

UVC light probably destroys the novel coronavirus, but we need to learn more.

UVC light has been found to destroy viruses and other microbes on surfaces in hospitals. But it is widely unused in hospitals or other health care settings. The U.S. government and the UV technology industry are working to define standards for UV disinfection technologies in healthcare settings.

Most UV sanitizers have been untested against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. But UVC light has been shown to destroy related coronaviruses, including the one that causes the disease COVID-19.

Chemicals

The products used to kill viruses and other germs can also contain harsh chemicals that can cause health issues. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), there are cleaning agents and household products that can irritate the eyes or throat, or cause health problems that include cancer. Some products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds that other potentially dangerous substances, including ammonia and bleach.

Cleaning product labels often don’t provide consumers enough information about ingredients to allow people to make informed decisions on which ones might harm their health. Reliable guidance is offered by the EPA. The agency provides consumers a list of products that meet their safer choice requirements for cleaning your home — including products for your vehicle, another high-traffic area.

Alcohol

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water where possible and if you can’t get to a sink, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will do the trick. While the effectiveness of alcohol gels depends on the virus being targeted – which is why some alcohol hand rubs aren't very effective against norovirus – the coronavirus has an envelope structure which alcohol can attack. Hand sanitizers with more than 60 percent of alcohol content are most effective at killing microbes but don’t try and make your own sanitizer at home. At best, it’ll probably be less effective than high-street versions and at worse you could end up severely damaging your skin.

Direct Heat

Every virus and pandemic is different, and there are a number of things that influence them, even in hot and humid weather. With COVID-19, there is simply not enough evidence to know if there will be a significant slowdown in infections as temperatures rise. That’s why experts recommend that people don’t assume that summer months will be safer for the transfer of COVID-19 and to continue to take appropriate steps to protect yourself and those around you.

ESD

One innovative device using new technology is helping hospitals, businesses, and schools kill close to 100 percent of the virus on contact. Electrostatic Disinfection surface cleaning is the process of spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces and objects. The electrostatic spray uses a specialized solution combined with air and atomized by an electrode inside the sprayer. Subsequently, the spray contains positively charged particles that are able to aggressively adhere to surfaces and objects. Because the particles in the spray are positively charged, they cling to and coat any surface they’re aimed at.

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning is different from regular or spring cleaning because it reaches the deep grime and dirt in your home. While cleaning for the coronavirus is not that different from disinfecting for other viruses, like the flu or a common cold, industries are tailoring the cleaning in keeping with what makes sense for them. Public health officials suggest a few common steps that can be used by both businesses and individual households: increasing the frequency of cleanings, using disinfectant products that federal officials say are effective, cleaning high-touch spots, and making hand sanitizer readily available.

At ServiceMaster by PWF, we encourage everyone to be safe during this global pandemic. Follow CDC guidelines, consider the safety of others, and be optimistic – your attitude can be infectious. At ServiceMaster by PWF, we are specialists in coronavirus deep cleaning at all types of premises. If you have suspected contamination or want to have your premises deep cleaned professionally to dramatically reduce the threat of COVID-19, call ServiceMaster by PWF now for assistance. For immediate help, call (866) 599-0871.

What Is Electrostatic Disinfection and How Does It Work?

ServiceMaster by PWF is proud to announce our recent investment using the Electrostatic Sprayer. The electrostatic sprayer is designed to enhance the cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection services to provide the highest quality services.

Integrating electrostatic technology allows our IICRC-certified technicians to work four times faster than traditional cleaners while using less cleaning products. Overall, this will deliver excellent service and protection for our customers.

The electrostatic sprayer is excellent for both residential and commercial settings. It is ideal for a variety of areas, including: 

• home offices 
• bathrooms
• waiting rooms
• gyms 
• school classrooms

This system is a resource that will assist ServiceMaster by PWF staff in meeting the standards of hard work and compassion.

What is electrostatic cleaning?

Electrostatics provides no mechanical cleaning action; they do not remove physical soil. Rather, the electrostatic device is used to disinfect mechanically pre-cleaned surfaces. Although it may sound fancy, electrostatic disinfection is a method of disinfection that is easy to understand. It is a process that quickly and evenly coats a surface with a disinfecting solution. The electrostatic applicator gives a negative charge to the disinfecting solution as it exits the nozzle, allowing the solution to stick to a targeted surface with 360-degree coverage. Let’s look into this in a bit more detail.

Why do we need electrostatic disinfection?

1. It is faster than traditional methods.

Electrostatic disinfection is so quick that it has the potential to dramatically cut down labor time and costs. With the right technology and chemicals, there should be very minimal residue with a quick dry time.

2. It prevents the spread of COVID-19 and common viruses.

The electrostatic disinfection system includes disinfectants that are EPA- registered with kill claims against viral, bacterial, and fungal infections including TB, C. Difficile, biofilm, and a one-minute kill claim against Coronavirus.

3. The touchless application reduces cross-contamination.

When you wipe down one surface with a microfiber towel, there is the potential that you can transfer those microbes to another surface. Using color-coded microfiber towels can help prevent cross-contamination, but there is no guarantee. When disinfection is touchless, you reduce the potential of transfer completely.

Why is electrostatic disinfection so effective?

Conventional cleaning and disinfection do a fine job of managing the microbiological load on common touchpoints. However, the evolutionary flexibility of modern pathogens is such that we need to add new strategies to manage cross-contamination and microbial load in many types of facilities well beyond acute care. Electrostatic disinfecting provides a broad-spectrum approach to disinfecting a complete surface area and an entire room as we have never seen before.

ServiceMaster by PWF shall perform the services upon request in an effort to mitigate and lessen the likelihood of the spread of certain bacteria, viruses, molds, and/or odors at the property. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you service.

There are many benefits to electrostatic disinfection. It’s time-saving, it is effective, and touchless application means zero cross-contamination. If you are ready to protect yourself and others, you can request more information about ServiceMaster by PWF’s Coronavirus cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection services that use the electrostatic sprayers for effective cleaning services. Find out more! Call (866) 599-0871. We serve Pinellas, St. Johns, Duval, and Clay Counties, Florida.

Killing The Coronavirus With Cleaning: How To Clean, Sanitize and Disinfect Your Workplace and Home

Within a relatively short space of time, the Coronavirus has radically changed working life, perhaps forever in the case of some organizations. Never before has home or workplace cleaning taken on life and death implications across so many different types of life and work settings.

Studies in home and offices have shown that germs can spread from the home or office within 2–4 hours via contaminated touchpoints. They all need regular cleaning and disinfecting with approved products to ensure protection from infection. In killing the Coronavirus with cleaning, here’s how the cleaning experts at ServiceMaster by PWF clean, sanitize, and disinfect your workplace and home.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfection?

Cleaning refers to the removal of germs from surfaces.

Disinfecting refers to the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Both can lower the risk of infection spread, but you should clean first and disinfect after.

Cleaning and disinfecting are essential measures for managers of buildings and homeowners, making areas safe from the coronavirus and to quickly return them to normal use. Professional disinfection services have the techniques, tools and most appropriate products to disinfect areas to make them safe and return them to use as quickly as possible.

ServiceMaster by PWF has specialized in cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection services, servicing Clay, Duval, St. Johns, and Pinellas Counties, which means our IICRC-certified technicians are on standby for all your disinfection and sanitation needs.

ServiceMaster by PWF offers pre-contamination cleaning services for areas with no confirmed cases in residential and commercial properties and post-contamination cleaning services for areas that have a confirmed case of the coronavirus.

At ServiceMaster by PWF, we use the most advanced equipment and up-to-date techniques to clean up any type of property, that includes: 

• hospitals
• senior living facilities
• businesses
• schools
• homes

We apply these CDC- and EPA-approved cleaning agents to your: 

• floors 
• countertops
• keyboards 
• office equipment 
• shelving 
• storage areas 

Furthermore, our team is trained and equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of contamination or illness from any biohazardous material.

Above all, at ServiceMaster by PWF, we follow strict cleanup guidelines for the demobilization of our equipment and trucks and will continue to do so throughout a virus or disease.

Protecting key touchpoints against the Coronavirus

Poor hand hygiene is a particular problem because people frequently cough and sneeze into their hands or touch their mouth or nose, providing a ready means to spread the coronavirus to everything they touch. The virus can be transferred to other people when they touch a contaminated surface and become infected when they touch their mouth, nose, or eyes.

In hospitals, schools, social care, offices, retail outlets, hotels, and public transport, there are many key touchpoints that people commonly share, including:

• door handles
• supermarket trollies and baskets
• cashpoints
• petrol pumps
• rubbish bins
• kitchen and dining surfaces
• taps, kettles
• toilet flush handles or buttons
• stair rails, handrails, grab handles and grab rails
• recycling areas
• vehicles

ServiceMaster by PWF has also developed successful strategies to deal with outbreaks connected with illness, such as the COVID-19 virus, where containment and elimination of the bug are required to reduce and eliminate the presentation of new cases. Our team at ServiceMaster by PWF is able to seal off infected areas and carry out the cleaning of all surfaces, including the air in the room, to effectively bring an epidemic under control.

We are experts in making your environment safe and deliver an emergency same-day response time. When completed, you can be sure that cleaning and disinfection have been carried out using approved safety procedures, tools and products that are compliant with safety regulations. The completion report will help to reassure your staff, customers, and visitors that the premises are safe again. Ongoing cleaning regimes will provide further reassurance that facility managers are maintaining high standards of hygiene on their premises.

However, Coronavirus or COVID-19 situation is fast-changing and unprecedented. Scientists' work with COVID-19 is, at the time of writing, ongoing, so it is important to check government guidance regularly for any changes and keep up to date with expert advice on the subject. Contact us at (866) 599-0871 if you require further information.

Coronavirus - 7 Frequently Asked Questions

At ServiceMaster by PWF, the safety of our team members, our clients, and the public is always of primary importance in everything that we do. In light of the situation regarding COVID-19, ServiceMaster by PWF remains vigilant in monitoring the most up-to-date safety, infection control and cleaning protocols recommended by global experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and others.

ServiceMaster by PWF is providing cleaning, sanitation and disinfection services for buildings and facilities exposed to Coronavirus or COVID-19 (post-contamination cleaning service) and pre-contamination services for buildings to avoid the Coronavirus or COVID 19 transmission. Our cleaning services can help reduce the risk of infection or illness, cross-contamination, and downtime in operations.

If there is an outbreak or incident in your building or facility that would impact your operations, or if you would like to be proactive, e have prepared 7 most frequently asked questions below.

1. What is a coronavirus and how is COVID-19 different?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses named for their spiky surface (corona means 'crown') which were first identified in the 1960s. Seven different coronaviruses can infect humans. Four of these are extremely common around the world. Sometimes, coronaviruses that affect animals can evolve and spread to humans. There are three examples of this:

MERS-CoV

SARS-CoV

SARS-CoV-2

COVID-19 produces more serious symptoms, including fever, tiredness, and dry cough. It was unknown until the outbreak began in China  2019. Because it's novel, there isn't a vaccine that will help our bodies fight it yet, so we should be very careful and try to delay its spread by self-isolating, quarantining, and distancing ourselves from others.

2. Who is at risk?

Anybody who comes into close proximity with another person who is carrying the virus is at risk of contracting Coronavirus. That risk increases during international or domestic travel to places where Coronavirus has been especially prevalent. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or contact of surfaces.

3. How do I know if I have a Coronavirus?

One way to assess if you have Coronavirus is by your symptoms. Fever, tiredness, and dry cough are the three most common symptoms. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. Other patients may never experience symptoms, but can still be carrying the virus around — making it hard to eradicate. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis with a laboratory test. If you have symptoms or are feeling unwell, head to your nearest medical professional as soon as possible. Don't forget to call beforehand.

4. How is Coronavirus treated?

As of now, there is no official cure for Coronavirus. Treatment measures tend to be supportive in nature to alleviate the symptoms, rather than the virus itself. About 80% of people who get Coronavirus will recover normally without complications; the most at-risk for severe illness and death are older-aged people and those with health complications or pre-existing medical conditions.

5. How can I protect myself and my family?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, some health preventative measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus to your family and home are:

- Avoid close contact with sick people.

- Wear a facemask when caring for or interacting with sick people.

- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

- Stay home when you are sick, and keep kids out of school if they are displaying respiratory symptoms.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

- Wash hands often with soap and water for more than 20 seconds each time.

6. How do I prevent the spread of Coronavirus in my facility?

Encourage employees to stay home when sick, and be sure to disinfect surfaces and frequently touched items in the office each day. Promote employee wellness by allowing them to work from home in the event of mild symptoms. Ensure you are providing adequate hand sanitizer, hand soap, and disinfecting wipes or sprays for employee use. Call ServiceMaster by PWF for immediate Coronavirus Cleaning, Sanitation and Disinfection services.

7. What do I do if Coronavirus spreads in my facility?

If you find that Coronavirus has infected your facility, stay calm and remember that the situation must be handled with the utmost precaution. Close your building (if the industry allows, you can maintain operations by allowing work from home) to avoid contamination. Call your local restoration or cleanup company like ServiceMaster by PWF who will be able to disinfect the building with hospital-grade equipment and solutions.

ServiceMaster by PWF Covid-19 Cleaning, Sanitation and Disinfection Services

Our dedicated team at ServiceMaster by PWF has developed a comprehensive process for Coronavirus Prevention and Disinfection with the proper precautions and EPA-approved disinfectants. We begin with a professional analysis of the contamination and determine a protocol based on your facility’s needs. Our highly trained technicians come equipped with decades of knowledge and hospital-graded, EPS-registered disinfectants.

The Coronavirus is a serious public health concern, and we urge all of our customers to do their best to follow precautionary health care measures and to stay as safe and healthy as possible. We know that business can’t stop for anything. Give us a call today at (866) 599-0871 to begin the disinfection process. We are standing by to help you.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Northeast Florida Residents

Winter is over and we need to start our Spring Cleaning in Clearwater FL. Let’s start by preparing your long-handled duster, cleaning cloth, garbage bag, vacuum cleaner, and other cleaning materials.  This will be a big job best handled by ServiceMaster by PWF's cleaning professionals.

ServiceMaster by PWF offers upholstery cleaning in Clearwater FL, carpet cleaning service in Clearwater FL and tile and grout cleaning company in Clearwater. With our commitment to providing high-quality service and achieving complete customer satisfaction, we’ll do whatever it takes to go above and beyond your expectations. We combine green cleaning solutions with innovative technology to get your home or your business the results you need. You can rely on our professional upholstery, carpet, tile and grout cleaning in Clearwater, FL  to deal with your worn-out or stained furniture, carpets, and tiles and make them look new!

So here are some spring cleaning tips for Northeast Florida residents. 

1. Clean the windows

Let the light in this spring by giving your windows an extensive clean to get rid of the layers of accumulated muck and dust and feel the benefits of a lighter, brighter room immediately.

2. Clean and polish wooden floors

What's better than a well-cleaned and polished floor? This would make your home look newer and fresher. In addition, you can also have your home wood floors waxed  once a year.

3. Dust the house

Give your home gleaming surfaces by running over hard surfaces with a damp cloth. Intricate objects, such as beaded lampshades and ornaments, can be dusted with a clean paintbrush. Vacuum fabric such as sofas and curtains.

4.Clean the sofa

Your sofa might already have accumulated dirt and grime through the years, as well as stains from food or beverage spills. Check the kind of upholstery you have before washing it to prevent incurring damages. A professional can help you with deep upholstery cleaning, and the experts know how to do it the right way.

5. Clean the rugs

Cleaning rugs can be as simple as beating the dirt out. Leave them to air on the washing line for a few hours to get rid of odors, or sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and leave overnight before vacuuming.

6. Clean the grout

Give stained moldy grout a spring clean to get your bathroom and kitchen spic and span and more hygienic. You might be tempted to do the cleaning on your own, but you might make the problem worse. Call in the professionals for proper cleaning as well as tips and advice.

7. Declutter

There’s no point in having a sparkling clean house if every surface is covered in clutter, so while you are tidying take the opportunity to have a clear-out and donate items you no longer need to charity shops and family members, and anything valuable can be sold on eBay.

8. Clean the mattress

Make good use of the abundant sunshine by airing your mattress outside, a procedure which could also dry out dust mites that might be lurking in it. If leaving the mattress in the garden isn’t an option then open the window and leave the bed unmade during the day so the mattress can air.

9. Retouch chipped paint

Retouch chipped, flaked, or stained paint while you have the time. Painting is a cheap investment that can make your house look newer. If you don’t have any paint left but don’t fancy repainting the whole room, taster pots of the paint you originally used might still be available in DIY stores.

At ServiceMaster by PWF, we only employ fully trained cleaners and IICRC certified technicians to ensure a deep all over clean to the highest standards. There is a number of factors that explain why this service is so popular with customers:

• A team manager who will supervise the clean on the day and liaise with you throughout the job
• Experienced cleaners with equipment and products to ensure a deep clean
• Our services are insured to give you peace of mind that your home and belongings are in safe hands

It may be commercial, industrial, or residential, small or big work. You name it, we can do the job easier, faster, cost-effective and safer with the help of our most innovative tools and well-trained staff. Be assured that we will recommend only what is needed and best to save you time for a healthier home and family.

For more Spring Cleaning Tips for Northeast Florida Residents, contact us today to set up your ServiceMaster by PWF cleaning schedule.

ServiceMaster Restoration by PWF services are available in Pinellas, Ocala, Gainesville, Lake City, Duval, Clay, and St. John, Florida, as well as other surrounding areas and counties. Contact us at (866) 599-0871.

Health Risks of Mold Spores

Mold is an extremely common problem in homes in St. Augustine, usually due to the humid environment and  living habits, and therefore is a problem because of the health risks associated with mold spores.

ServiceMaster by PWF has technicians who are highly trained and have many years of experience of mold inspection St Augustine and mold remediation St Augustine. ServiceMaster by PWF is a mold removal company St Augustine that can produce before and after results to validate the clean. You can be certain that all mold will be effectively removed and its return prevented, giving you complete peace of mind. Now, let’s be sure you understand mold.

How does the mold start? 

 

Not many people realize this, but mold is generally caused by lifestyle. Put simply, this means it is caused by the way we live in our homes these days. We cause a lot of moisture from:

• Cooking
• Boiling a kettle
• Bathing
• Showering
• Drying clothes

These are everyday activities, which in the summer months rarely cause an issue because we tend to open our windows and ventilate for long periods. However,  when our windows closed to retain AC, this  prevents all the accumulated moisture from escaping, which quickly encourages mold to form.

The problems mold can cause:

• Mold produces allergens which in turn can cause an allergic reaction, along with irritants and even toxic substances.
• Inhaling mold fragments or spores can cause airway inflammation, nasal congestion, chest tightness, wheezing and a sore throat. Skin rashes and watery eyes can also be caused by mold.
• Prolonged exposure can cause chronic lung problems. Those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to have more severe symptoms when exposed to spores. 
  
  

The people most at risk:

Some people are more sensitive than others, including:

• babies and children;
• elderly people;
• those with existing skin problems, such as eczema;
• those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma;
• those with a weakened immune system.

Homes that lack appropriate air ventilation, plus those with failing insulation can be more susceptible to dampness and mold. Those that are overcrowded can also be at a higher risk of mold, as are those in rental properties. Although those with existing health issues are at a greater risk of health issues from mold, exposure can also affect healthy people.

The common places for mold to grow in houses are : 

• Wallpaper, flooring, behind wall tiles and on window frames.
• Leaking radiators and pipes are also a major cause of mold. 
• Leaking water in an inconspicuous spot means many won't notice until the damage has already been done.
• Flooding is also a factor - and unless the mold is fast-growing, the damage may not be noticeable for years.
  
  

How to prevent it:

• adequate air flow to reduce air humidity levels and condensation and not letting rooms and walls become cold
• install and use appropriate ventilation - especially in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens
• ensure the roof, pipes and window frames are watertight
• putting lids on saucepans, drying/washing outside and avoiding using paraffin or bottled gas heaters
• opening the bedroom window for 15 minutes each morning
• if you're cooking, showering or bathing – opening the window, putting the fan on and closing the door of the room you're in
• dry washing outside if possible. Otherwise, hang it up in the bathroom, close the door and have the window open or a fan working continuously while it dries

Mold and the spores it produces are a recognized health hazard. If the area affected by mold is less than 1-meter square and is caused by condensation, you may be able to remove it yourself. If the mold is a result of sewage or is one meter square or larger, you will need to contact a professional mold remediation company in St. Augustine like ServiceMaster by PWF.

How quickly can ServiceMaster by PWF be on site?

ServiceMaster by PWF can be on-site within 24 hours of your call. Dealing with mold removal early will save time and costs for any business and will reduce the risk of ill health to individuals in the environment.

For more information, please contact ServiceMaster by PWF so we can provide you with expert advice on mold treatment and prevention.