The COVID-19 pandemic has made everyone more aware of germs and the spreading of illness. Suddenly, everything in a shared-space setting like an office or warehouse needs to be sanitized and spot-cleaned. Just a few years ago, the concept of fogging cleaning probably sounded alien to many, but anyone paying attention to news bits in the last two years likely watched figures in PPE spraying disinfectant in public areas with the help of wand-like devices. This is what chemical fogging disinfecting looks like – and is/was commonplace in food preparation, pharmaceutical trades, fitness centers, healthcare facilities, as well as any other spaces that cannot be closed, like vital infrastructure facilities, or spaces that have recently been introduced to viruses or other health-related contaminants.
But what exactly is fogging disinfecting and more importantly – do you need to invest in this service?
The Facts About Fogging
A fogging machine uses a liquid antimicrobial solution that is converted into vapor. A fan then disperses the vapor to desired areas. As more vapor is dispersed it develops into a thick mist or fog-like atmosphere, hence the name fogging. The fogging application will cover anything it comes in contact with: surfaces, floors, and hard-to-reach places that oftentimes go unnoticed. Disinfectant fogging also combats airborne pathogens as it passes through the air and lands on a surface. Once disinfection has been completed, all hard surfaces are wiped down to remove excess solution.
Chemical fogging disinfection is the process in which a disinfecting aerosol is introduced to a workspace to kill bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing germs. It is an effective way to disinfect high levels of horizontal surfaces, hard-to-reach areas that are often missed or forgotten and small, and confined spaces such as extractor units. Disinfecting chemical fogging will also kill contaminants in the air. Airborne contamination might not be thought about during a regular cleaning process, but it’s something you need to think about in highly sensitive areas, such as in the pharmaceutical or medical industry.
No matter who you choose for fogging disinfecting services, ensure that they are using a modern cleaning solution with products listed on the CDC N-list and is safe for use around delicate areas and electronics. The solution should also be sprayed in a way that won’t wet down the area but will saturate the space and the atmosphere with a fine mist or fog. Give the fogger about 15-30 minutes to work depending on the size of the space. Typically, a fogging will be performed during downtimes such as evenings or weekends, but it is possible to continue operations during a fogging disinfecting procedure if carefully planned and executed.
The CDC recommends a two-step preventative measure for virus control: “Cleaning of all surfaces followed by disinfection.” Legacy’s fogging service follows the CDC disinfecting guidelines by disinfecting all surfaces in your space including:
- Doorknobs
- Handles
- Light switches
- Thermostat controls
- All surfaces/desks and countertops
- Office chairs
- Carpets
- Trash cans
- Bathroom surfaces
Despite its many benefits, fogging does have certain limitations:
- Fogging is only partially effective on vertical walls due to the presence of gravity, meaning the disinfectant will fall
- Fogging is not effective at disinfecting the undersides of horizontal surfaces
- It has no impact on closed areas – electrical boxes etc.
- Electrical components can be damaged by the fog if not bagged up or removed from the area
- Fogging is not a replacement for standard cleaning practices
Three Benefits of Fogging with Legacy Construction Cleaning
Large facilities that need to be regularly disinfected, sterilized, decontaminated, reduce airborne particulates, or deodorized quickly, commercial fogging with a company that has the right tools and training is the answer. Legacy Construction Cleaning offers fogging for commercial buildings in the Denver area.
Our industrial foggers are a great option for fogging large facilities quickly and our precision foggers are well suited for sensitive areas and electronics. If you are looking for a green-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient commercial fogging service in Denver that treats safety as the highest priority, you have come to the right company.
Green Decontamination:
On top of fogging disinfection, we can combine fogging with a more thorough cleaning and disinfectant application for successful sterilization. The disinfectant we use is from EPA’s N List and is one of the only green-friendly botanical options on the list. With minimal dwell time, you may safely resume work immediately without the need for respiratory protection.
Odor Control:
Because our fogging solution lends a pleasant smell as a byproduct of the botanical nature, it also helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. If you have an odor issue and aren’t sure where it is stemming from, then fogging can quickly eliminate the problem. However, you may need to further investigate the source of the odor for more permanent elimination of malodors.
Cost-effectiveness:
Large, high-traffic offices or warehouses can be costly to clean on a daily basis. If you want to avoid all that intensive labor, then fogging or an automated fogging solution may be right for you. If you have a lobby or common area in your industrial facility that you would like to have fogged nightly, we can set equipment that will automatically complete the service after hours. This cost-effective approach is a great way to accomplish consistent disinfectant applications without additional labor charges.
Please contact us today to learn more about our fogging disinfect sanitation services. We have many solutions that can be tailored to the needs of your business!
