A Guide to COVID-19 Approved Disinfectants for Office and Retail Sanitizing

With people slowly getting back to work, restaurants and retail, it is more important than ever that shared public spaces be properly sanitized to minimize the spread of the COVID 19 corona virus. In this article, we will review a COVID-19 approved bulk sanitizer that can be used for daily sanitation in public buildings to safely and effectively kill the COVID-19 virus. Please note, using this bulk sanitizing material should still be used in conjunction with best practices like social distancing, hand sanitizing and frequent hand washing.  

Our EPA approved COVID-19 sanitizer is a water based, bleach-free, biocide and virucide disinfectant that is "Ready to Use." As we take new precautions and prepare for more retail and customer-facing businesses to open up, use the EPA Approved Disinfectant on any surface, walls, counters, machinery, shopping carts, handles, door knobs and more.

The EPA Approved COVID-19 Bulk Industrial Cleaner and Disinfectant can be dispensed in any sprayable dispenser. There is no need to wipe or scrub product, the material will disinfect as designed. Sprayers like trigger sprayers, pump-up garden sprayers or low-pressure airless sprayers can be used for easy dispensing.

Depending on the method of application, (wipe cloth, mop, sponge or coarse spray) you will want to make sure the surface is sufficiently covered with the cleaner. It is recommended to apply in sufficient quantity to ensure that the surface remains wet continuously for at least ten minutes. Do not dilute the disinfectant! Any attempt to dilute will drastically reduce the effects of the product.

Disinfecting our work spaces has become more important than ever. As we join together to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping our employees - and their families healthy and safe is our top priority. Work spaces, offices, waiting rooms, retail spaces and any common areas should be disinfected regularly.

As part of standard infection control practices, routine cleaning should be ongoing, and time should be allocated for individuals to routinely clean. Surfaces touched most often should be prioritized for routine cleaning because soiled and frequently touched surfaces can be reservoirs for germs and an exposure pathway for transmission to people through contact with these surfaces.

• Check In/Out Stations and Frequently Touched Surfaces - High contact surfaces that are touched by many different people, such as carts and baskets, check out stations and payment pads, light switches, handrails, store entrance push-pull pads/doorknobs and handles.
• Restrooms - Clean and disinfect all restroom surfaces, fixtures, door knobs, push plates, and switches (at least once a day).
• Dining Areas/Breakrooms - Clean and disinfect counters, tables, and chairs regularly (at least once daily).

It is important to identify and routinely clean and disinfect high-risk locations even before a confirmed case of COVID-19 occurs on a regular schedule as operational considerations allow, at least daily.

Can I fog this product? Can I heat it up and spray a fine mist?

Fogging is not a use included on our label. It is coarse spray only. Sprayers like trigger sprayers, pump-up garden sprayers or low-pressure airless sprayers can be used, but we don't suggest fogging or misting type sprayers.

Can this be used for food contact surfaces in food production facilities?

The EPA Approved COVID-19 Bulk Industrial Cleaner and Disinfectant is NOT for food contact surfaces in food production facilities. We do not have any FDA approvals for this product. Do not use for sanitizing food production equipment. As stated on the label "Before use in a federally inspected meat and poultry food processing plants and dairies, food products and packaging materials must be removed from the room or carefully protected." Therefore, this product would not be appropriate for food production areas, but other areas in the plant where food is not present or can be isolated may be possible. See label instructions for more information.

Can this product be used for food contact surfaces in non-food production facilities?

As stated on the product label, this disinfectant may be used on washable hard, non-porous surfaces such as tables, floors, walls, and countertops. It may be used in hospitals, homes, institutional locations such as restaurants, hotels, health clubs, spas and more. If used on food prep surfaces the label directions require rinsing of all surfaces that come in contact with food such as countertops, appliances, tables, and stovetops with water before reuse. Please note, this product should not be used on utensils, glassware or dishes.

What does "some potential volatility with water" mean?

"Water" is not 100% pure. IT can contain impurities that will react with our active ingredient. In our plant we use de-ionized water to get the active to the right concentrate to be ready to use. This gives us confidence that the active level will be right on when end customers use the product. In other words, some impurities common in water can react with these active ingredients.

Hotmelt.com has been working tirelessly during the COVID-19 outbreak with manufacturers, start-ups, universities and more to help produce a wide range of products from masks and hospital gowns to ventilators. Contact us with any questions related to COVID-19 projects, our engineers are here to help and we are prioritizing these projects in terms of resources and shipping priority.