CDC and EPA Guidelines
Preferred Seating ensures that its cleaning guidelines are consistent with expert government guidance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide vital information about cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing both porous and nonporous surfaces.
Guidelines crafted to inhibit the spread of Covid-19 are also valuable in reducing transmission of other viruses. Examples include: other coronaviruses, respiratory adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza.
The CDC suggests ways to limit the spread of viruses, including the use of the proper HEPA filters in HVAC systems. It is also important for everyone to wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Masks and social distancing also inhibit the transmission of certain pathogens. During the pandemic, surface disinfection seemed to have limited impact on Covid-19 transmission. However, it was and is still effective in killing bacteria, microbes, and viruses.
Find Quality Disinfectants
Are you looking for a safe and effective disinfectant to use at your venue? Look at a given product’s label to check for an EPA registration number. Confirm that the disinfectant is deemed effective in killing Covid-19 and other pathogens. Note that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of cleaning products that target Covid-19.
It is possible to thoroughly disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces. However, it is not possible to 100% disinfect upholstered and other porous surfaces. It is still possible to sanitize them, though. Give special attention to seams and contours that are prone to soiling.
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, the public has higher expectations for cleanliness. This is true of patrons at theater and music venues. Those attending worship surfaces are also conscious of the condition of their seating. It is also true of office workers who want and deserve a clean, safe environment.
Efficient cleaning addresses health and safety concerns while dealing with budgetary concerns. For example, atomizers and electrostatic sprayers are effective in treating large indoor spaces. Many venues have hundreds or thousands of seats that need treatment.
It is often challenging to apply disinfectants to upholstered and other fabric surfaces. Using the product too aggressively or to excess is one concern. This causes discoloration in some situations. Over-application can also reduce the lifespan of your commercial seating and other furniture.
Consult with staff at your place of work to determine cleaning frequency. This may include experts from the Environmental Health and Safety and Facilities teams.
Vinyl and Polyurethane Coated Fabric Surfaces: Cleaning and Disinfection
For the best results, it is important to know what you are cleaning and disinfecting. When in doubt, contact your seating supplier.
Vinyl and polyurethane surfaces are popular because they are durable and easy-to-clean. You’ll find these coated fabric surfaces in many venues, including stadiums and movie theaters. They also tend to stand up to the heavy use common at busy venues. Many theaters, arenas, and auditoriums host hundreds of events per year.
Before disinfection, clean your vinyl or polyurethane surfaces with a general purpose cleaner. The goal is to remove soil and organic matter while killing germs. Consistent
Disinfect vinyl and polyurethane using this step-by-step approach:
- Prepare a 10:1 water/bleach solution
- Apply to the area you want to clean
- Rinse with clean water
- Dry with a clean white cloth
- Apply the proper amount of disinfectant
Note that thorough rinsing and drying is critical. This is because you want to avoid any accumulation of cleaning products over time. Chemical residue may cause vinyl surfaces to dry out, leading to cracking. Delamination of polyurethane surfaces is another threat. You also don’t want any residue to transfer on to the clothing of those visiting your venue.
Always clean surfaces before disinfecting or sanitizing. Do not attempt to disinfect soiled surfaces as viruses and germs can hide under dirt and other organic matter. Again, only apply the disinfectant to surfaces you’ve just cleaned.
Application of the proper amounts of disinfectant is critical. Always check the product label to identify the manufacturer’s recommendation. Apply too little, and the product will not work as intended. Apply too much, and over-saturation is a threat.
Compatibility with the fabric you are cleaning is also critical. Be sure to test the disinfectant on an out-of-the-way area of the material you want to clean.
When possible, use an atomizer or an electrostatic sprayer. Such equipment delivers a fine mist that is gentler with upholstery.
Recommended Products
There are many disinfectants appropriate for use on both coated and uncoated fabrics. They fight viruses, residual bacteria, and other pathogens. Look for commercial disinfectants containing one of two active ingredients: quaternary ammonium and hydrogen peroxide. In all cases, it is vital to dilute per label instructions. Misting with an electrostatic sprayer or atomizer is efficient and cost-effective.
Formula 409 Multi-Surface and Virex II 256 are both products tested on a wide variety of fabrics. Formula 409 is registered as a disinfectant capable of killing 99.9% of germs on contact.
Virex II 256 is widely used in healthcare applications. It is a quantaray-based formulation capable of one-step cleaning and disinfection. It is designed not to dull, soften, or pit surfaces.
Woven Fabric Surfaces: Cleaning and Disinfection
When cleaning woven surfaces, the first step is fabric identification. You must know precisely what upholstery covers your commercial chairs. Be sure to contact your seating supplier if you need any help. It will be easier to select cleaners and disinfectants once you know the characteristics of your upholstered seating.
The reality of woven fabrics is that they were not created with disinfecting in mind. The Covid pandemic forced venues to establish best practices for sanitize upholstered seating. Owners took advantage of reduced or nonexistent crowds to clean and then sanitize their seating.
It is ideal to include cleaning and sanitizing as part of your maintenance regimen. Maintaining mechanical seat components is vital. So is maintaining the upholstery and other chair components.
Cleaning Codes
Want to clean woven fabric with confidence? Follow the guidance from the experts at the Association for Contract Textiles. Manufacturers use symbols and letters to guide woven fabric cleaning. Note that these symbols apply only to cleaning, not disinfecting. Here is a quick review.
Wet (W) – Wet cleaning is effective when cleaning seating largely because of the presence of higher temperatures. Steam cleaning and hot water extraction are two key examples of wet cleaning. Water-based cleaning compounds allow for wet cleaning select spots on your fabrics. After application, use a clean, white towel to dab at the problem areas. Avoid the use of colored towels, as the dye may transfer onto the fabric.
Solvent (S) – Some upholstery fabrics are sensitive to water. Water-based compounds may shrink the fabric and/or leave permanent water rings. Such fabrics require the use of solvent-based cleaners. The solvents in these products do a very good job of dealing with oily and greasy spots. Fabrics treated with such products tend to dry quickly. After treating dry fabrics to remove soil and other residue, be sure to vacuum them.
Wet cleaning and solvent cleaning (WS) – In some situations, it is best to combine both wet and solvent cleaning. Water-based spots get treated with wet cleaners, while oily/greasy areas get treated with solvent cleaners. Use the water-based product first. If necessary, follow with an application of a solvent cleaner.
No cleaning (X) – Some fabrics are labeled “X” for “no cleaning.” These are materials that do not stand up to either wet or solvent cleaning. They may be subject to staining, shrinking, or pile distortion. However, it is still possible to brush and vacuum such fabrics to remove dust, dirt, etc.
Again, the best way to apply disinfectant to a woven fabric is through the use of an atomizer or an electrostatic sprayer. Such equipment produces a fine mist that reduces the chance of oversaturation. Getting the fabric too wet may weaken fibers and leave residue. Misting also reduces drying times, making it possible to get your venue ready for the next event. Misting also promotes the economical use of cleaners and disinfectants.
Don’t be lulled into complacency by antimicrobial finishes applied at the factory. It is true that they prevent degradation caused by bacteria and other microbes. However, they do not address the human transmission of viruses.
For More Information
For more information, review Preferred’s library of finishes and fabrics. Should you have more questions about our products, don’t hesitate to contact us at 317-782-3323.
