Slow the Spread: Cleaning + Disinfecting

Date: | Blog

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Cleaning your surfaces is an important step to removing dirt, organic matter, and most germs from surfaces. Unfortunately, this may not eliminate harmful germs that remain. In a time with viruses like COVID-19, it’s just as important to disinfect surfaces to reduce the spread of infection. We’ve written about the importance of cleaning your surface environment, and even though Polyvision products have always been bacteria resistant and easy to clean, here are some ways you can safely disinfect the surface.

Always Clean Before You Disinfect

Cleaning Polyvision surfaces can be done either by dry or wet cleaning. Dry cleaning is done using a microfiber cloth or eraser to remove marker or chalk. Wet cleaning can be done daily with a wet cloth or weekly with cleaner to remove residue, smudges, and other agents on the surface. By doing this you bring your surface back to pristine condition.

Effective Cleaners to Disinfect Surfaces

After cleaning your writing surfaces, you can proceed with disinfecting. The best three options include an alcohol-based solution (~70% alcohol), diluted household bleach, or an EPA-registered household disinfectant. (Note: This disinfecting process is intended for CeramicSteel surfaces and not other surfaces like painted steel, melamine, or other lower quality surfaces)

Before disinfecting your Polyvision surface, remember:

  • Wear disposable gloves
  • Work in a well-ventilated room
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia
  • Bleach can be used on Polyvision surfaces, but it could remove the color from paints on board edges
  • Alcohol-based solutions are flammable, so keep away from open flame

How Effective Are Disinfectants?

Alcohol-based solutions should contain between 70%-85% alcohol to eliminate germs by breaking down cell walls. There are several types of alcohol you can use in disinfecting, but Ethanol is the most readily available and effective virus-killer noted to eliminate viruses including herpes and flu. No matter which alcohol-based solution you choose, make sure to apply it to the surface, rub it in, and then let it dry. A final rinse with water will ensure everything is disinfected, clean, and ready to use again.

Diluted household bleach solutions can either contain Chlorine or Peroxide. Chlorine-based bleaches are a water-based solution of sodium hypochlorite and can be applied to surfaces and allow to air dry.  Peroxide-based bleach contains hydrogen peroxide which decomposes to O2 and H2O when applied to a surface and allowed to air dry. Rinsing with water after air drying will make sure everything is disinfected, clean, and ready to use again.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) registered household disinfectants will also sterilize surfaces however they could slightly alter surface chemistry and influence the dry erase properties on your surface.  Read more about EPA or ECHA registered household disinfectants.

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