Here’s how to kill harmful bacteria and viruses such as Coronavirus properly on all external hard surfaces:
First. we need to understand what we are dealing with:
I am going to direct this towards the Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as it is relevant at the moment. This information does relate to most viruses including Coronavirus.
Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) virus is not a living organism. It is made up of a protein molecule (DNA). This molecule is enclosed by a protective layer of lipid (a fat). Which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code (mutation) and turns them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
Since the Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, we can not kill it. What we are doing is speeding up the process of which it decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
The Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy because the foam CUTS the FAT. (that is why it is necessary to rub so much for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
We prefer a chemical that is from the “family” Quaternary ammoniums. “Quats” has been used since the first world war, initially in healthcare to clean and sanitise surfaces of all harmful bacteria, today they’re used. Their benefits are understood in veterinary science for sanitising kennels and operating theatres, agriculture for sanitising polytunnels and glasshouses, trailers and barns.
It is also used for numerous other cleanliness critical environments, including children’s play parks and for sanitising artificial sports surfaces. Even on the decking to prevent slip hazards caused by algae and other biofilms.
A high purity quaternary ammonium is a broad spectrum biocide killing microbial life by puncturing cell walls of the Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ). It will not contain solvents and will not affect or interact with anything other than live bacteria – so safe to use on any painted or natural surface. Quats are also a surfactant, which will foam on impact and remove grease and grime from a surface as well as sanitising it. A high purity biocide contains no aggressive or oxidising agents such as bleach or acid and is neither corrosive nor bleaching.
I now have a set of scientific papers showing the potency of our biocide on Coronavirus. The membrane of the Virus has a wall structure similar to the bacteria we treat every day – it is “lipophilic” and punctured at relatively modest concentration. The studies are not specific to Covid 19, but the lipophilic nature of the Virus external membrane is common to the genus.
This is compounded by the increase in surface concentration as the water evaporates. Leaving a thin, dry film will keep the surface biocidal – as long as there are dry biocide salts on the surface. The biocide can be left to dry without the risk of damage on the surface.
With biocides, we can safely clean all outside hard surfaces without the use high-pressure washers and ensure that canopies, benches and seating are kept sanitised of detritus from nocturnal visitors such as foxes’ birds and other unwelcome visitors.
Other methods
HEAT melts the fat that is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees F) to wash hands, clothes and everything. Also, the hot water makes more foam and as already mentioned, making more foam is good.
Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the outer lipid layer of the Virus.
BACTERICIDES DO NOT WORK on Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ). The Virus is not a living organism like bacteria. You cannot kill something that is not alive with antibiotics, but rather quickly disintegrate its structure with the methods mentioned earlier.
“Life span” of the Virus on surfaces
While attached to a porous surface, the Virus is very inert and will survive for 3 hours.
Will survive for ~4 hours in copper (because copper has natural antiseptic properties); and wood (because wood removes all the moisture and does not let it peel off and then, it disintegrates)
24 hours on cardboard
42 hours on metal, such as stainless steel and,
72 hours on plastic
The Virus will be very stable in outside low temperatures, or artificial cooling indoors, such as in air-conditioned houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable and especially need darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
Shining UV LIGHT over any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, it is perfect to use UV for disinfecting a mask for re-use. Be careful, UV also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin, eventually causing wrinkles and skin cancer.
Additional Notes
- The Virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
- Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
- LISTERINE WORKS! It is 65% alcohol.
- The more confined the space, the more concentration of the Virus is possible—the more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
- As we here repeatedly “disinfection”, you have to wash your hands before and after touching mucous membranes, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
- You have to humidify dry hands after so much washing them because the molecules can hide in the skin cracks. The thicker the moisturiser, the better.
- Also, keep your NAILS SHORT so that the Virus does not hide there.
- DO NOT mix RUBBING alcohol + bleach – it converts to chloroform and hydrochloric acid. These compounds can cause damage to the nervous system and lungs, kidneys, liver, eyes and skin.
Information for cleaning that removes bacteria and viruses on internal surfaces
When you wash hands, work surfaces or tools using soapy water, you’re transferring bacteria from where they could cause a problem. However, you are not killing the bacteria.
To kill bacteria, you need to wash surfaces at temperatures higher than 70°c – too hot for hands without the risk of severe scalding.
Surface detergents, disinfectants and sanitisers
There is a wide range of products available for cleaning and disinfection. Detergents clean surfaces and remove grease, but they do not kill bacteria. Disinfectants kill bacteria and should only be used on an already visibly clean surface. They will not work very efficiently if covered in grease or dirt (and if you haven’t followed specified contact times). A good food-grade sanitiser can be used to both clean and disinfect as part of your Food Safety Management System. It is especially crucial around outdoor food service areas where you will have much less control over environmental causes of harmful bacterial contamination.
Your Duty of Care
Proprietors of food businesses are required to identify food safety hazards and risks relevant to their business with a requirement to provide written evidence of procedures to ensure food safety has been thought through, and properly applied based, on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles – and, if you’re asked by an EHO, have a copy of written procedures available.
I hope you find this information helpful. If you need more information on disinfecting please give us a call on 08000933267 or email Info@cleaning-service.uk.com
