The coronavirus has changed what it means to clean.
In the year 2019 B.C. (Before Coronavirus), homeowners or their housekeepers could basically scrub, wipe, dust and vacuum their way to a clean house.
But now many homeowners are hiring companies with specialized tools and chemicals to disinfect their homes as a way to protect themselves and their families from the deadly infection.
“Our requests for disinfection services have more than doubled since the pandemic occurred,” says David Barns, director of media operations for, Southern Solutions Environmental
After cleaning, the technician typically uses a high-volume sprayer to disperse a mist of disinfectant throughout the home that is left to air dry. In some cases, the technician will use an electrostatic sprayer, which delivers an electric charge to the disinfectant to help the minuscule droplets adhere to surfaces.
TURNING TO THE PROS
Here are some of the things companies offer that go beyond routine cleaning.
Industrial-strength cleaning agents: Chemicals are typically stronger, with higher concentrations than what’s typically found at home.
Specialized equipment: Disinfectants are dispersed via foggers, high-volume sprayers or electrostatic sprayers.
Broader scope: In addition to high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, light switches and flush handles), the professionals can disinfect things like laundry hampers, electronics and gym equipment. Some technicians can also steam clean carpeting and upholstered surfaces, clean out air conditioning/heating ducts and dispose of medical waste
Southern Solutions environmental technicians don’t clean the house before disinfecting—homeowners should take care of that before the scheduled visit. Upon arrival, technicians use a fogger or sprayer to disperse disinfectant throughout the home. The chemical is allowed to remain on surfaces for the product’s recommended time before it is wiped off. Technicians also deploy air scrubbers, which have filters that remove particulate matter from the air.
With more people staying at home, certain spaces and personal items are getting heavier use, David notes. He advises homeowners to disinfect overlooked areas like the workshop, sewing room, and garage, as well as items like gym equipment and electronics.
The cleaning company Southern Solutions environmental encourages clients to sign up for regular applications of disinfectant, just as a homeowner would for pest control. In weekly, biweekly or monthly visits, Southern Solutions environmental technicians use DX sprayers to disperse its disinfectant. The chemical dries quickly after application, eliminating the need for a wipe-down after spraying. “We put a molecular coating all over your home, like powder coating,” says David.
Prices for these services vary widely, based on the location of the home, its size and the level of cleaning services requested. Baseline pricing by Southern Solution’s environmental ranges from about 25 cents a square foot up to 75 cents a square foot.
In a home that has had a confirmed COVID-19 case, costs can be higher for intensive cleaning and disinfecting. Southern Solution’s environmental averages about 40 to 50 cents a square foot in Nashville for preventive treatment, up to $1.25 a square foot for specialized treatment in a home with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
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