Thermal fogging is effective at disinfecting surfaces for pathogens, perhaps including COVID-19 since this strain of coronavirus shares some characteristics with other viruses. Decontaminating high-traffic areas with sanitation fogger is vital when trying to manage the effects of a pandemic, thus thermal fogging disinfecting could be one effective means to combat COVID-19 in both public and private spaces.

How does this fogging process work? Thermal foggers convert cleaning solutions into heated fog that can penetrate gaps and crevices as the disinfecting fog permeates the entire structure. Done correctly, thermal fogging eliminates many pathogens found in the air and on surfaces in a given area.

We generically refer to "cleaning" throughout this site, and even in our company name, in order to simplify things; however, Orlando-area JQS Commercial Cleaning, serving central Florida, does more than just "clean." Here's more information regarding the difference between cleaning vs disinfecting vs sanitizing:

• Cleaning removes -- but not necessarily kills -- dirt, dust, crumbs and germs from surfaces or objects via soap (or detergent) and water. Cleaning alone, the first step, may not necessarily kill the germs. Removal of at least some of the germs lessens, but doesn't eliminate, the chances of getting an infection.
• Disinfecting, the second step after cleaning and preparing an area, utilizes chemicals (disinfectants) to kill germs on surfaces and objects. Common disinfectants are bleach and alcohol solutions. Generally, this requires leaving a disinfectant on the surfaces and items for a certain period of time to kill germs. Disinfecting without the first step of cleaning doesn't necessarily clean grime or remove germs.
• Sanitizing can be accomplished by either cleaning or disinfecting or both; as such sanitation decreases to a "safe level" the quantity of germs -- dependent upon public health standards or requirements at a given office, school, etc. For example, there may be stricter standards in restaurants and other food-service establishments than for wiping a TV remote control. Basically, if something is both cleaned and disinfected, then the risk of spreading infection is further lowered; and there are indeed products that clean and disinfect  simultaneously (including Green, environmentally-friendly options).

 Robust cleanup protocols typically entail cleaning porous and non-porous surfaces; disinfecting non-porous surfaces; cleaning and disinfecting equipment, tools and/or supplies used for entire cleanup process; and safe removal and disposal of waste. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) encourages paying particular attention and care to frequently-touched surfaces like counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards and tablets. Other high-volume touchpoints cited in CDC’s commercial spaces guidance include the following:

• Kitchen, breakroom and other areas with food
• Bathrooms
• Classrooms and schools
• Offices
• Retail spaces
• Water fountains
• Shelving and racks
• Sales counters
• Rugs and carpets
• Guardrails and stair handrails
• Elevators
• Playground equipment
• Fitness equipment