Fogging and sanitization over the years has become a common word for many Malaysians to use, but there’s still a lot of confusion regarding what it is, and when it really counts. Is it simply spraying disinfectant everywhere? Does it take the place of regular cleaning? Who does this apply to? These are legitimate queries, as fogging is a particular process, a particular application—understanding what that is can help determine if the process should be scheduled for your home, office or business premises.
Learn what Fogging and Sanitization are, and what they are not.
Fogging is a disinfection technique that involves the use of special equipment to atomize a disinfectant solution to a very fine mist or “fog,” which is sprayed throughout an area. The droplets are very fine, so they even distribute on surfaces and penetrate into the difficult areas such as high corners, gaps, crevices and the awkward areas behind furniture and equipment which manual wiping requires greater effort. The objective is to minimize the presence of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in a specific area and not just a specific surface (the surface that a person touches or wipes with his or her hands). Sanitization in this context is to reduce the amount of germs present in a room to a safer level; and one of the quickest ways to do this is through the use of fogging.
The difference between a Fogging and a Regular Cleaning.
This is a significant difference since fogging is not a substitute for normal cleaning but rather it goes hand-in-hand. Regular cleaning physically cleans off surfaces of dirt, dust and grime. Fogging disinfects and removes the microscopic germs that cleaning alone does not necessarily remove. In fact, the two should be used in combination, first cleaning, then fogging. Fogging on a dirty surface is not as effective as it is on a clean surface because grime and dirt can provide a barrier between the disinfectant and the germs. The correct approach is: cleaning – what you can see, fogging – what you cannot.
The best place for Fogging and Sanitization to be of help.
Fogging is especially advised if a large number of people are in the same room, or if the expectations for hygiene are higher than normal:
Offices and shared work areas — where many people come into contact with the same surfaces every day
Restaurants, schools, and other environments where cleanliness is expected.
Children’s homes, such as schools, childcare and tuition centres where children come into close contact with one another and germs spread easily
Restaurants and food-handling establishments — where there are health and reputation concerns regarding hygiene
Gyms and fitness studios — high contact, high sweat environments
Homes following a sickness — upon sickness of a family member, when you want to clean the house to a pristine condition
In the context of premises after a period of vacancy, offices or units that have been closed for some time, will be considered.
Success is realized when it makes sense for a home.
Fogging is not just for commercial areas. There are serious instances in which a home may benefit from it — typically following an illness in the family and needing to thoroughly disinfect shared rooms, or when relocating to a new property where you’d like a sterile beginning. Periodic fogging is an added precaution for some families with young children, elderly individuals or those whose family members have compromised immune systems who also want added protection when illness is rampant. While it’s not a home service that everyone has to have on a regular basis, it can be a service offered for specific situations that can give peace of mind for the occasional homeowner.
If you need a professional fogging service, you will want to know what to expect.
The process of a professional fogging job typically takes the following steps. First, there is normally a thorough cleaning process so that disinfectant can do its job on surfaces and not over dust and grime. The area is then put into preparation — people and pets are removed, sensitive items protected or removed as necessary. The technician will use the fogging equipment to evenly distribute the disinfectant mist all over the area, making sure it is covered on the surfaces and also hard to reach places. Depending on the product and process used, there is typically a period of time between the fogging and readmission to the space for use. A professional service will be able to tell you when this area will be ready for use.
How professionals can help here and why.
Fogging requires the use of disinfectant solutions and special equipment; it is a complex process that must be performed properly, including knowledge of the correct disinfectant solution, its correct dilution, proper coverage, and safe handling around people, pets and sensitive surfaces. It’s not a job to be done on a wing and a prayer, with a random sprayer and whatever is under the sink. Bamboo Cleaning Services conducts fogging and sanitising by using cleaners who have been trained at our own training centre and certified by HRDF, MECSc, CIDB and ISSA which means that the procedures are performed properly and safely, not just a spray around. Again, in offices or business buildings, matters of certification and professionalism are important as they help to instill confidence among employees and clients that hygiene is being taken seriously.
Fogging should be part of a comprehensive hygiene protocol.
Fogging or sanitization should be considered a part of a comprehensive hygiene strategy rather than a standalone solution. A space is physically clean day to day with regular cleaning, grime is addressed with periodic deep cleaning and fogging is added as a disinfection level when required to perform. A hybrid approach (regular cleaning and regular sanitization) is the perfect compromise for most offices and communal areas where you need an office to be clean regularly but don’t need to focus on germ control.
Fogging chamber in a book storage area.Fogging chamber for the storage area of books.
If you have concerns about your staff’s or business’s hygiene, if you need to disinfect an area after someone has been ill, or if you’re an office manager who needs to let your employees know you are taking steps to keep them safe, professional fogging and sanitization is a simple solution to thoroughly disinfect an area. Bamboo Cleaning Services offers fogging and sanitizing services by trained and certified personnel in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka. Contact us to discuss your space and we’ll provide you with the best solutions that fit your situation.
