Cleaning & Disinfecting

With hundreds of cleaning chemicals on the market, it can seem overwhelming when selecting the right product for the job. Below is a quick overview of basic terms, but don't forget to consult your Mailender support team with any questions.

CLEANING removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects, especially when utilizing microfiber cloths. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not kill germs, viruses or pathogens, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. Cleaners are not regulated by the EPA.

SANITIZING lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements (generally kills 99% of germs). Sanitizers can be approved for food and non-food use, and are EPA regulated.

DISINFECTING kills 99.99% of germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection. Disinfectants are EPA regulated. CLICK to see some disinfectants EPA approved to fight Human coronavirus.

SURFACE PROTECTING provides continuous protection by forming a lasting bond of nanospikes that mechanically kill microbes, inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew and provides persistent, continuous protection against a broad range of harmful microbial germs.

Don't Neglect These Germ "Hot Spots"

Where laundering is not an option, disposable towels are recommended for cleaning & disinfecting to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the spread of germs.

MICROFIBER CLOTHS

When using launderable cleaning cloths, microfiber can’t be beat for effectiveness, durability, economy, and sustainability.

Benefits of Microfiber Cloths

• Millions of tiny fibers hold & trap dirt, oils, and moisture better than traditional cleaning cloths (and hold 7x their weight in water!)
• Reduced need for chemical detergents for light cleaning tasks such as dusting, glass cleaning, etc, however any heavily soiled surface, especially a porous one, needs a detergent to break apart thick soils and lift them out of surface grooves and pits. Complex soils, such as soap scum and hard water stains are chemically bonded to the surface and must be dissolved by chemical reaction before they can be rinsed and wiped away.
• Microfiber is lint-free and won’t scratch surfaces.
• Microfiber has no ability to kill germs, so should be used in addition to disinfecting cleaners in germ-prone areas such as bathrooms and high-touch areas.
• The variety of colors available allows users to set up color-coding systems to help prevent cross-contamination between critical areas.