Keeping employees, visitors, and customers healthy is everyone's concern. Being armed with knowledge is essential as monkeypox (orthopoxvirus) spreads rapidly across the country. 

Many people are concerned about catching the virus, including business owners, teachers, parents, college students, workers, and the general public. Our team of professionals in the cleaning and disinfection industry shares some important facts about monkeypox we have learned as a trusted commercial cleaning company.

Why should you be concerned about this virus? During the 2019-2020 season, the flu virus cost American employers and businesses an estimated $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs. There were over 14 million estimated workers sickened that year. Every year, 22 million school days are lost due to the common cold, and up to 38 million days due to the flu virus, according to the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. Despite these staggering numbers, they are not surprising.

Although monkeypox is most prevalent among men who have sex with men, anyone who has intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox is susceptible to it.

“It’s not just an issue for men who have sex with men. It’s a general public health issue,” said Dr. Daniel R. Kuritzkes, the chief of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Top 5 Questions about Monkeypox, Answered by Professional Commercial Cleaners

How long does monkeypox live on surfaces?

15 days.

Viable monkeypox samples were found on surfaces in the household of an individual who had the virus and had vacated the premises 15 days prior, according to a recent CDC report.

Can you get monkeypox from toilet seats?

Possibly.

In swabbing the rooms for environmental samples, researchers found varying levels of contamination. Monkeypox viral loads were highest in the patients' bathrooms, particularly on high-touch surfaces such as toilet seats or their sink tap handles or soap dispenser. If you have an open cut or wound on the buttocks or thigh, transmission is possible.

Does hand sanitizer work on monkeypox?

Yes.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, especially after contact with high touch areas (e.g. doorknobs, going to the restroom; commonly shared spaces, before eating, etc.). Standard hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds is recommended.

What is the best way to kill monkeypox on surfaces?

Clean, then disinfect.

Cleaning followed by disinfection is the most dependable process for killing an enveloped virus, which monkeypox is. This requires two steps: 

Step 1: clean the surface with soap and water (detergent) to remove dirt, stains, debris 

Step 2: use a disinfectant chemical to wipe down the surface. Be sure to leave the solution wet for the correct dwell time (ranges from 3-5 minutes) to effectively kill the virus

What kind of cleaning products work against monkeypox?

EPA list of cleaning products, such as Lysol & Clorox.

Cleaning solutions, or disinfectants, that have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are available. Among the products on the list are well-known products such as Lysol and Clorox. For cleaning solutions designed to prevent monkeypox, the EPA has approved special product labeling. The list of approved products can be found on the EPA website.

When monkeypox patients are at home and away from others, the CDC recommends they regularly clean and disinfect the spaces they are in to prevent the spread of the virus. Bedding and towels should be washed as well. Be careful not to shake them out.

Once the patient has gotten well from monkeypox and new skin has grown over all the monkeypox sores or spots, the home should be wiped down and cleaned as thoroughly as possible. The virus can live on surfaces such as bedding for as long as 15 days. More information and tips about home cleaning during and after monkeypox can be found here.

Bonus Tip: Talk about Disinfection Procedures

Your commercial cleaning company must be able to do more than empty wastebaskets, refill paper products, and dust bookshelves following this year's COVID-19 pandemic. Sanitizing and disinfecting all surfaces, especially those where germs tend to congregate most, requires a professional team. To prevent illnesses and diseases, ask what products they use to disinfect your offices.

Wondering about increased cleaning for your workplace?  Here’s a comprehensive study  that shows exactly what workers are saying about cleanliness.

Lacking janitorial staffing

Concerned about a staffing shortage and whether you are using the right cleaning service for your workplace? It's not too late to find the perfect janitorial team that will keep your business clean and safe. Look for solid custodian referrals and consult with System4 IPS. 

Which custodian or janitorial team is best for you? System4 IPS specializes in creating customized janitorial programs that meet the unique need of businesses like yours!



If your workplace experiences a singular COVID-19 positive case or outbreak, call System4 IPS and schedule your disinfection service today. Our professional team listens to your needs, requirements, and timing. See our many satisfied customer testimonials and public Google ratings.