CIRI, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and dissemination of unbiased, peer-reviewed research for the professional cleaning and disaster restoration industries, issued its official Guidance document for the cleaning and decontamination of hard surfaces in non-healthcare environments from SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).  

Developed by CIRI’s Science Advisory Committee members, “Guidance for Decontamination of the Built Environment: Cleaning, Disinfection, Worker Protection, and Post Cleaning and Remediation Assessment,” provides an overview of what’s known about COVID-19, including its biology, epidemiology, pathology and current modes of transmission. Using this framework, the authors use peer-reviewed research to outline recommendations around health-based cleaning and disinfection practices. 

Within the guidance, cleaning and restoration professionals will find best practices and resources around the following areas of their custodial or remediation operation:

• Worker Protection
• Decontamination
• Cleaning
• Disinfection 
• Post-Cleaning Assessments and Measurement

Of specific note, the Guidance advises against the use of fogging or misting machines as an effective means of disinfection. Researchers cite a 2013 letter written by Steven Bradbury, PhD, Director of the U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs. The letter highlights issues with the efficacy of the application method. 

“Guidance for Decontamination of the Built Environment: Cleaning, Disinfection, Worker Protection, and Post Cleaning and Remediation Assessment” is available free of charge on the CIRI website at https://www.ciriscience.org/CIRI-COVID-19-Guidance.php.