Stepping Up Your Cleaning Regime This Flu Season in Melbourne

As flu season approaches in Victoria, Australia, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is more important than ever. Influenza can spread rapidly, affecting individuals, families, workplaces, and vulnerable communities. By adopting thorough cleaning practices and promoting good hygiene, we can reduce the risk of infection and keep our spaces safe.

The Impact of Flu Season

Each year, thousands of Victorians suffer from influenza, leading to increased hospital admissions, workplace absenteeism, and strain on healthcare services. According to health authorities, flu cases typically peak between June and September, but early outbreaks can occur.

Predictions for This Year’s Flu Season

Experts predict this year’s flu season may be severe, influenced by fluctuating immunity levels and new strains of the virus. The best defence remains flu vaccination, which significantly reduces the risk of severe illness.

Cleaning Practices to Prevent the Spread of Flu

At Melbourne Cleaning Supplies, we understand the importance of maintaining a rigorous cleaning routine during flu season. Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces, improving ventilation, and using effective cleaning agents can make a significant difference in preventing the spread of influenza.

Ensure Your Commercial Clean is Winter-Specific

Your commercial cleaning routine should be tailored to address the unique challenges of winter. Seasonal cleaning requirements vary depending on the type of space, whether it's an office, warehouse, school, or medical facility. During flu season, businesses should prioritise specialist surface disinfection to eliminate pathogens and reduce the risk of outbreaks. Regular window cleaning is also essential to maximise natural light and warmth, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Shared spaces such as kitchens and washrooms require extra attention, as illnesses commonly spread in these areas. Floors should be vacuumed and mopped frequently, particularly during wet and windy weather, to maintain hygiene and safety. Facilities with high foot traffic, like shopping centres and offices, may need increased cleaning frequency to manage seasonal illnesses effectively.

Additionally, many people keep windows shut during winter, leading to poor indoor air quality that can impact cognitive function and overall well-being. Deep-cleaning air vents, vacuuming upholstery, and replacing HEPA filters can significantly reduce allergens and airborne pathogens such as COVID-19 and flu viruses. Allowing fresh air in when possible also helps improve air circulation and minimise the spread of germs.

General Cleaning Procedures for Infection Control

Proper cleaning procedures play a crucial role in preventing infection transmission. The following guidelines help ensure cleaning is effective and safe:

• Establish Written Cleaning Protocols: Clearly defined cleaning schedules should be in place, outlining methods and frequency, along with protocols for disinfectant use.
• Use Standard Precautions: Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn as needed, and standard precautions should be followed to minimise contamination.
• Avoid Aerosol Generation: Cleaning methods should not create airborne particles that could spread infection.
• Change Cleaning Materials Regularly: Items such as cloths, mops, and cleaning solutions should be changed after each use and cleaned thoroughly before reuse. Single-use items are recommended where possible.
• Avoid Spray Disinfectants: Sprays can become contaminated and may not effectively cover all surface areas.
• Prepare Fresh Cleaning Solutions: All cleaning solutions should be freshly prepared before use to maintain effectiveness.

Specific Cleaning Procedures

• Surface Cleaning: Work surfaces should be wiped with a neutral detergent and warm water, rinsed, and dried before and after each session. Disinfectants should be used according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Floor Cleaning: Carpets should be vacuumed daily with particulate-retaining filters, while hard floors should be cleaned using damp mopping techniques to minimise dust dispersal.
• Washroom and Wet Areas: Toilets, sinks, showers, and surrounding surfaces should be cleaned at least daily and more frequently as required.
• Specialised Areas: High-risk environments such as hospitals, aged care facilities, and childcare centres require enhanced cleaning measures, including increased disinfection and waste disposal procedures.

Key Measures to Implement:

• Hand Hygiene: Encourage regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Provide alcohol-based hand sanitisers in workplaces and public areas.
• Using the Right Detergents: Use hospital-grade disinfectants and antiviral cleaning products to eliminate flu viruses from surfaces. Focus on high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, and communal spaces. Melbourne Cleaning Supplies offers a range of effective cleaning products to help keep your environment safe.

Cleaning Focus Areas

1. Kitchen

• Wipe down countertops, dining tables, and appliance handles with disinfectant.
• Regularly clean and sanitise shared utensils and dishcloths.
• Ensure communal fridges and microwaves are disinfected frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

2. Workplace

• Disinfect shared workstations, keyboards, and office equipment.
• Encourage employees to maintain personal hygiene and sanitise their desks regularly.
• Increase ventilation and air circulation to reduce airborne transmission.

3. Public Places (Shopping Centres, Malls, Public Transport)

• Clean high-contact surfaces such as lift buttons, handrails, and food court tables frequently.
• Increase the frequency of cleaning in washrooms and entry points.
• Ensure rubbish bins are emptied regularly to prevent contamination.

4. Schools

• Sanitise desks, chairs, and shared learning materials daily.
• Ensure proper ventilation in classrooms to reduce airborne transmission.
• Disinfect playground equipment and high-touch areas frequently.

5. Aged Care Facilities

• Implement strict cleaning protocols for communal areas and residents' rooms.
• Encourage staff and visitors to follow hand hygiene practices.
• Use air purifiers and regularly replace filters to maintain indoor air quality.

6. Childcare Centres

• Clean toys, play mats, and surfaces multiple times a day.
• Promote good hygiene practices among children, including handwashing.
• Ensure nappy change areas and sleep spaces are thoroughly sanitised.

Stay Proactive This Flu Season

Preventing the spread of influenza requires a combination of thorough cleaning, personal hygiene, and proactive health measures. By stepping up cleaning efforts and encouraging flu vaccinations, we can help keep our communities safe and healthy during flu season.

At Melbourne Cleaning Supplies, we provide high-quality cleaning products to help you maintain a hygienic environment. Contact us today for expert advice and the best cleaning solutions for flu season!