Tips on Cleaning Church Worship Seating
Cleaning and disinfecting worship seating is an important practice to help maintain a clean and safe environment for worshippers. Here are some general guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting your worship seating:
Many fabrics used today on church seating are made of polyolefin because they are cost efficient and durable. Polyolefin is a type of polymer made from olefin monomers, such as ethylene or propylene. It is known for its durability and resistance to various environmental conditions.
Daily Cleaning and Maintenance
1. If there is food waste or spillage, remove with a clean, damp cloth before using a cleaner to avoid scatter on the surface.
2. Clean the entire surface using a mixture of liquid soap (neutral PH and water: middle part of soap with 9 parts of water. It is necessary to note that the soap should not have any alcohol, acetates, lactones or white spirits. Examples of cleaners to use:
- Formula 409 128-fl oz Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner, manufacturer “The Clorox Company” undiluted.
- 303 Marine Clear Vinyl Protective Cleaner, manufacturer 303 Product Inc. diluted
- Fantastik All-Purpose Cleaner, Manufacturer, 303 Product, Inc., undiluted
3. Remove excess cleaner completely with a white, clean, damp cloth.
4. Dry the surface.
NOTE: For an extended durability of our products, we recommend an inspection after each procedure, and the removing of waste with a white, clean, dap cloth. It is also required daily cleaning following all the steps of this protocol.
Regular Cleaning
For water based stains used water based cleaning agents. Use solvent cleaners for oil based stains. Establish a routine cleaning schedule to remove dust, dirt, and debris from the seating surfaces. To remove loose particles use a vacuum cleaner or a brush that is soft. Wipe down the seating surfaces with a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution appropriate for the type of material (e.g., wood, fabric, or upholstery) to remove stains or spills.
Disinfection
In addition to regular cleaning, it is important to disinfect the worship seating to minimize the risk of spreading germs and viruses. Follow these steps:
- Select an appropriate disinfectant: For effectiveness choose a disinfectant against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Look for disinfectants that are approved by health authorities and pursue the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Test on a small, inconspicuous area: Before applying the disinfectant to the entire seating surface, test it on a little concealed area to assure no discoloration or damage occurs.
Apply the disinfectant
Apply the disinfectant to all high-touch areas of the seating, such as armrests, backrests, and any other surfaces frequently touched by worshippers. Follow the suggested contact time described by the manufacturer of the disinfectant for effective disinfection.
Allow for proper ventilation
After disinfection, ensure proper ventilation in the worship area to allow any residual disinfectant fumes to dissipate.
Upholstery Maintenance
If your worship seating has upholstered cushions or fabric, consider implementing regular maintenance practices such as vacuuming, spot cleaning, or steam cleaning as recommended by the manufacturer. This helps to keep the fabric clean and remove any potential allergens or contaminants.
Hand Hygiene
Encourage worshippers to practice good hand hygiene by providing hand sanitizer stations or handwashing facilities near the seating area. Sanitize or wash before and after using the seating.
Remember to follow any specific guidelines or recommendations provided by health authorities or your local religious organization to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection practices are followed in your worship space.
