1. Dismissing Mats

Sturdy mats and rugs should be every facility’s first defense against salt and moisture. In fact, an effective matting system can trap 90% of debris.

• A coarse, sturdy mat should be placed right outside the facility for the purpose of stomping off snow and dislodging salt particles before entering.
• Another mat to wipe shoes on should be placed directly inside each doorway to catch any remaining salt or moisture before it can be tracked into the facility.
• Depending on the type of facility, it may also be worth considering addition of a third waterproof mat to the side of select doors, where heavy snow boots can be placed to dry, as well as keeping towels handy to wipe up any wetness that makes its way onto floors.

2. Letting Moisture Linger

When liquid, slush, or ice is spotted resting on floors, cleaning professionals should make every possible effort to remove it immediately. Not only is moisture a slip/fall hazard, but depending on the floor type, it can also seep into the floor and cause mold growth beneath the surface or warping.

• If the amount of liquid is excessive, a wet/dry vacuum, like the Workman^® 20, may be the best tool to start. Take heed, however, that some sensitive flooring types when utterly soaked may crack if they are dried too quickly, like wood.
• Heat should also be avoided during the drying process, as it may cause damage to the finish or flooring itself.

3. Shrugging off Salt

Most cold-weather salts or ice melt products are made from Calcium Chloride, which is popular due to its affordability and relative effectiveness.

• Calcium Chloride is crystalline, and the rough texture of each individual crystal—most visible under a microscope—has the potential to scratch and abrade floor finish if tracked inside and dragged across or ground into the floor.
  • Custodial staff should regularly vacuum floors to suck up these micro-abrasive particles. If equipped with a rotating brush, it should be off or removed entirely before vacuuming.
• When Calcium Chloride is dissolved in water, it creates Calcium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid, both of which leave behind a noticeable white residue. If the residue is not promptly removed, it can chemically damage the finish, causing hazing and premature degradation, which can also increase dirt embedment.
  • If the residue is “fresh,” it can likely be removed with a dampsoft cloth. Older or more stubborn salt stains will require a thorough cleaning.

4. Cleaning with Whatever's in the Supply Closet

After vacuuming over and around an older or more stubborn salt stain, it is important to thoroughly clean it.

• Don't be misguided by advice on some websites to use a mixture of vinegar and water on salt stains. This “quick fix" will leave a residue of its own and is harsh on finish if concentrated too strongly.
• The temptation should also be resisted to use general cleaners or disinfectants facilities may already have on hand, and instead opt for a cleaner specifically formulated for finished floors. Otherwise, they risk damage from inappropriate pH levels and ingredients, such as Hydrogen Peroxide, acids, Sodium Hypochlorite, etc.

No matter the floor type, Betco^® has solutions to help facilities safely remove salt stains while maintaining the finish.

• Suitable for use on most hard floors, pHerfect is formulated with neutralizing agents and surfactants to remove tough soils and neutralize common ice melt ingredients and byproducts, such as sodium, Calcium Hydroxide, and Hydrochloric Acid. Using pHerfect cuts labor by 50%, as there is no need for a separate neutralizing step. Please note that this product is NOT recommended for use on surfaces that may be harmed by acid products.
• For Formica^®*, marble, polished stone, or other acid-sensitive surfaces, Top Flite^™ all-purpose cleaner will suspend salt-related soils safely. 
• For wood floors specifically, begin with I.F.T. (Intensive Floor Treatment) and finish with Squeaky^™ floor cleaner.
• For larger spaces or excessive salt levels, our GeneSys^™ 15 cleaning machine is designed to provide a risk-free and complete clean that mopping alone cannot, as well as suction excess water away from the floor surface.

If severe damage is already present, facility managers may need to hire a professional to replace a portion of floors or the entire floor itself. If the floor is in good condition, however, and these 4 mistakes are avoided, they should be able to successfully escape the floor care perils of winter weather. 

*Formica^® is a trademark of The Diller Corporation.

Before jumping in to the 5 most important factors to consider when choosing a disinfectant or sanitizer, a common misconception needs to be dispelled: While disinfecting and sanitizing are both commonly employed strategies to protect public health, they are not the same.

• Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Surface disinfectant products are subject to more rigorous EPA testing requirements and must clear a higher bar for effectiveness than surface sanitizers.
• Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements, without necessarily eliminating them completely.

How does one know, first, which type of product to use and, second, which specific product within that type to choose? Read on!

1. Target germs

Sanitizers and disinfectants claim to kill organisms so both are regulated as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In order to be classified as a sanitizer or a disinfectant, a product must meet specific testing requirements against certain bacteria, and their efficacy data must be reviewed by the EPA. Any claims made outside of those specific bacterial claims—such as other bactericidal claims, virucidal claims, and fungicidal claims—are considered additional and must also be supported by data and approved by the EPA.

Though widely held, the belief that sanitizers can only kill bacteria is incorrect; sanitizers and disinfectants can both carry kill claims against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. That said, due largely to differences in active ingredient concentration, disinfectants tend to have a wider range of kill claims than sanitizers so are preferred when the objective is stopping disease transmission.

When deciding between individual products, it’s best to consult each label to identify which best addresses your pathogens (and strains) of greatest concern, which is often informed by facility type and/or area. In a childcare setting, for example, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may be of concern, or VRE in a healthcare environment, and Serratia may be a target in a facility’s restroom, while MRSA is a focus in their gym.

Because SARS-CoV-2 and influenza are high priorities throughout most facility types and areas, public health antimicrobial products with a wide range of claims against viruses are particularly suitable. Betco® infection prevention products that are EPA recommended for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 can be viewed here and here. For a comprehensive document of all Betco disinfection claims, please click here to contact us.

2. Surface type

Disinfectants and sanitizers are suitable for use on most hard, non-porous surfaces, but extra caution must be taken when it comes to food-contact surfaces, or areas where food may be prepared, served, or stored. While disinfectants can be used on food-contact surfaces, they must be rinsed with potable water after the required dwell time. Sanitizers, on the other hand, are divided into both food-contact and non-food-contact categories, and most food-contact sanitizers have directions for use on food-contact surfaces WITHOUT rinsing (though the specific label should always be consulted), like Sanibet™ RTU and Symplicity™ Sanibet at proper dilution. As such, they are usually favored for food service settings.

When it comes to soft, porous surfaces, such as carpets, curtains, and upholstery, no product can make legal claims of disinfection. Though these surfaces cannot be disinfected, they can be sanitized, and there are both disinfectants (like Betco Triforce) and non-food-contact sanitizers that have soft surface sanitization claims. Appropriateness for use as a soft-surface sanitizer would of course be indicated on the product label.

Finally, label directions should always be consulted to determine if a certain disinfectant or sanitizer can be used on sensitive surfaces.

3. Intended application

It is crucial to consider whether a disinfectant or sanitizer is compatible with your intended application according to the label directions, and contact time or dwell time in particular cannot be overemphasized. In order for either of these product types to work as intended, the surface or object must remain wet for the entire length time that is listed on the label. If cleaning staff members are working under significant time constraints, a product that eliminates enough of your pathogens of concern in a shorter amount of time may be a better choice than a product that takes longer. Dwell times for Betco disinfectants against common pathogens are outlined here.

In a similar vein, the time needed to take additional steps before or after application may influence product choice, such as rinsing food-contact surfaces after use of a disinfectant. As another example, almost all sanitizers require pre-cleaning, but many “combination” disinfectant cleaners allow clean teams to cut pre-cleaning out except in cases of gross filth or heavy soil.

Other facets of application that must be evaluated revolve around product format. Are tools and training in place to ensure proper dilution of chemical concentrates? Is there adequate room in the supply closet to house enough bottles of ready-to-use (RTU) product? Additionally, except in the case of wipes, the compatibility of available equipment with a specific product should also be reviewed on the label.

4. Safety

Any sanitizer or disinfectant sold in the U.S. is approved by the EPA, and just as efficacy data is required for approval, so is data regarding safety. Included in this are recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE), which should be carefully considered during the product selection process. Not only should access to appropriate PPE be evaluated, but so also should ability and willingness of cleaning staff to adhere to more intensive requirements—such as a half respirator mask for electrostatic spraying of certain disinfectants.

The general safety of all EPA-approved products when used in accordance with directions is not to say though that all sanitizers and disinfectants are created equally in this regard. The EPA actually has a Design for the Environment (DfE) program by which qualifying antimicrobial pesticides (disinfectants, sanitizers) can demonstrate their elevated safety for human and environmental health. Betco’s GE Fight Bac™ RTU is one such disinfectant. The EPA states on their website that each product that bears the DfE logo:

• is in the least-hazardous classes (i.e., III and IV) of EPA’s acute toxicity category hierarchy;
• is unlikely to have carcinogenic or endocrine disruptor properties;
• is unlikely to cause developmental, reproductive, mutagenic, or neurotoxicity issues;
• does not require the use of Agency-mandated personal protective equipment;
• has no unresolved or unreasonable adverse effects reported;

For food-contact sanitizers, NSF food service certification verifies that a product has been proven safe to use in food and beverage processing and food service establishments. NSF, a highly respected, independent third party, requires rigorous testing to ensure sanitizers, disinfectants, and other types of products comply with food safety schemes. Our NSF products are documented here.

5. Cost

Finally, as with any selection of any cleaning solution, cost is a factor. Concentrates dispensed via chemical management systems—such as Betco FastDraw®—can certainly help cut down on costs by providing a much lower "in-use cost" as compared to ready-to-use products. Other benefits include decreasing shipping weight, guaranteeing accurate dilution of cleaning chemicals, eliminating spills, and discouraging theft. 

In addition, purchasing the types of “combination” products mentioned above can lead to savings through reduced inventory and stocking levels:

• Some sanitizers can also be used as disinfectants—see Symplicity Sanibet
• Some disinfectants can double as food-contact sanitizers—see GE Fight Bac™ RTU
• Some disinfectants also can be used as soft-surface sanitizers—see Triforce
• As mentioned above, many disinfectants also clean and deodorize—see all Betco disinfectants

If you need more help selecting a Betco disinfectant for any given application, head over to our Disinfectant Selector Guide on our Disinfection Solutions page. Answer a few simple questions like preferred format, primary application, and food-contact or soft-surface sanitization needs and the tool will pick the best product for you. For help building the framework and confidence needed to ensure healthy facilities during and beyond this crucial period, turn to our Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program. Combining evidence-based infection control strategies supported by agencies such as the CDC, EPA, and FDA with tactics to put the minds of facility leadership and occupants at ease, this 5-step program is the ultimate weapon against infectious diseases.

Clearly, the importance placed on restrooms by savvy facility managers and the cleaning and maintenance programs they implement is not misplaced. Recently, endeavors to improve restrooms have revolved around automation, with major benefits that warrant consideration for any facilities with restrooms that have not yet been upgraded with automatic, touch-free fixtures.

1. Enhanced Perception of Cleanliness

According to a survey of 2,050 U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll earlier this year, restroom automation has the power to seriously improve individuals’ perception of an entire facility’s cleanliness.

• 59% stated that the presence of touch-free hand hygiene dispensers would boost their overall impression of cleanliness.
• 60% indicated that inclusion of touch-free paper towel dispensers would enhance their feeling that a facility is clean.
• 65% agreed that touch-free toilets and faucets would positively impact their opinion of a building’s sanitary practices.

Given responses to a different survey by Bradley Corp., the ramifications of those perceptions shouldn’t be underestimated:

• 64% of people said they make a conscious decision to choose a business based on cleaner, well-maintained restrooms.
• 52% stated they’re likely spend more money at a business with a well-maintained restroom.
• 55% shared that they’d be unlikely to return to a business after a bad restroom experience.

Restrooms with more touchless accessories correlate to a better perception, and a better perception correlates to repeat business and customer loyalty; whether or not a facility manager truly understands this equation can significantly impact the bottom line. This is especially true in a COVID-19 world, where the relationship between cleanliness of environment and personal health and safety continues to be emphasized.

2. Infection Prevention

The notion that restroom automation improves cleanliness is actually rooted in science, as nearly 80% of illness-causing germs are spread by hands. Hands coming into contact with and then transferring germs to the nose, mouth, eyes, or environmental surfaces is particularly concerning in restrooms, given that surfaces within them often function as reservoirs of contamination. Fortunately, increasing the number of touchless fixtures decreases the number of touch points, especially high touch points, by which facility occupants encounter and spread germs, directly reducing the transmission of infection.

Studies also show that individuals wash their hands more often when they feel safe to do so. Because handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens (see Why Skin Cleansers Are Effective Against Viruses), it is important to foster feelings of safety and encourage compliance through touch-free soap and sanitizer dispensers, faucets, and paper towel dispensers. In fact, 30% more people will wash their hands if touch-free products are provided.

Soap and sanitizers should also be free from contamination, which is best achieved through a sealed system (for more information on bulk soap dispenser contamination, click here). Otherwise, not only will visitors to the restroom be less likely to wash their hands, but also those who do wash their hands with contaminated soap will experience an increase in bacteria on the skin.

Increase handwashing compliance with annual savings of up to 60%! The Clario® Touch-Free Dispensing System from Betco® stretches hand care budgets without sacrificing the safest, cleanest space possible. The pump is built in to the dispenser and not allocated in the cost of each refill Sanitary, factory-sealed refill bags eliminate cross contamination Precise portion control for cost-effective dispensing (see #3 below) Industry-leading 98% “no-waste” evacuation for more usable product per bag Product formulations with EcoLogo, FDA, and NSF certifications Twice the battery life of the leading brand Durable ABS construction and 2-year warranty for customer peace of mind

3. Greater Cost Savings

Automation allows facility managers to decrease waste and associated cost through exact proportioning. Because touch-free fixtures are programmed to dispense a certain amount of product or water at one time, the result is often a reduction in the amount used.

• Automatic hand hygiene dispensers prevent the reflexive double or even triple pump common among users of manual dispensers by dispensing the exact right amount of soap or sanitizer needed. Use of foaming products instead of lotion soap or gel sanitizer further compounds savings, as foam lasts twice as long.
• Touchless paper towel dispensers allow users one sheet at a time. This eliminates the option to unnecessarily grab handfuls of paper towels, which are almost as likely to end up on the countertop or floor as in the trash.
• The average person uses over a quart of water when washing their hands for the recommended 20 seconds with a standard faucet, but touch-free faucets reduce water waste by turning flow off during handwashing steps that don’t require running water, like lathering. Many automatic faucets feature low flow aeration to further lessen the amount of water discharged. Plus, they prevent restroom users from leaving the faucet running.
• Touch-free toilets and urinals also decrease water usage by thwarting multiple flushes in a short period of time and those who hold manual handles down longer than necessary in a (misguided) attempt to increase flushing power. Some automatic urinal flush valves can also be programmed to flush once in a specific period of time. 

1. Put safety first.

When assessing a building’s condition and repairing damage or otherwise preparing to get back up and running, safety is the single most important consideration. If local officials have indicated that it is safe to return to the area, it is critical to:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including:
  • Hard hat
  • Goggles
  • Heavy work gloves (rubber if sewage is present)
  • N95 mask or respirator with a higher level of protection
  • Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole
  • Earplugs or protective headphones (if working with loud equipment)
• Wait until daylight to visit the site, especially if the power is out, so it will be easier to spot and avoid danger.
• Visit the site with a partner, if possible.
• Check for structural damage and downed power lines before entering the building.
• Test major appliances one at a time and don’t use wet or damaged appliances.
• Be wary of:
  • Standing water, which could have submerged debris or carry an electrical charge from underground or downed power lines.
    • If there is pooled water and you can turn off the electricity without actually standing in the water, then do so. Otherwise, call an electrician.
  • Gas leaks
    • If a gas leak is suspected, turn off the central valve if possible, leave the area immediately, and contact the utility company, taking care to avoid any actions that could cause a spark.

2. Prioritize removal and prevention of mold.

If standing water has been present in the building for more than 24 hours, it is safe to assume that mold is growing. As continued mold growth in the wake of a natural disaster often proves to be a difficult and long-term problem, it is important to dry everything and remove all mold as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours.

• If there is no electricity, use a generator to power equipment, but ensure it is at least 20 feet away from the building and is operated with a proper transfer switch or interlock device.
• Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water.
  • Product recommendation: Workman® 20 (E83012-00) 20-gallon wet/dry vacuum with powerful 1.75 hp motor for maximum recovery and multi-task toolkit.
• Remove all soaked materials, including furniture, and dry or discard them.
• Remove mud or silt before it dries.
• Open doors and windows.
• Use fans, dehumidifiers, and similar devices to blow air out of/away from the building and aid in the drying process.
• Product recommendation: FiberPRO®  Air Mover (#89968-00) with 3 operating positions for maximum convenience and 3 speed settings to accelerate dry times.
• Check to see if water has seeped into your HCAV system, behind walls, into the building’s insulation, beneath the carpet or floor boards, behind tiles, and similarly “hidden” areas.
  • HVAC flooding leads to corrosion, mold growth, and other problems. An affected system will likely need to be entirely replaced.
  • Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
  • Remove and discard carpet that has been flooded with highly contaminated water and/or soaked for more than 48 hours. For salvageable carpet, a hot-water extraction holds the best chance for remediation.
  • Product recommendations:
    • Fiberpro® 20 (E87303-00)  carpet extractor with 20-gallon solution and recovery tanks, Carpet and Rug Institute certification, and floating vacuum shoe for superior water recovery.
    • Fiberpro® 8 (E87304-00)  carpet extractor with 8-gallon solution and recovery tanks, Carpet and Rug Institute certification, and floating vacuum shoe for superior water recovery.
    • Fiberpro® ES-Steam™ (402)  for extraction with a highly concentrated formula that quickly penetrates heavy soil and eliminates odors at their source.
    • Green Earth® Peroxide Cleaner (336)  as a carpet pre-spray with reduced toxicity and powerful mold removal capabilities.
    • Push® (133)  with cultured bacteria and malodor counteractants capable of digesting organic waste for use with or without powered equipment.
• Clean everything with mold on it by using appropriate products according to label directions.
• Product recommendations:
  • AF79 (079)  and  AF79 Concentrate (331)  for superior mold and mildew control and disinfection on hard, non-porous surfaces, including bathroom surfaces.
  • BTB (321)  for instant removal of mildew stains.
  • Green Earth® Peroxide Cleaner (336)  as a non-bleaching, all-purpose cleaner.
• Fix any leaks as soon as possible.
• For especially intense and/or hazardous cleanup, consult a professional.

3. Prevent disease.

Flood water can contain dangerous pathogens, which is why it is important to safeguard your health and the health of others after a natural disaster.

• Clean and disinfectant all surfaces and objects, even those without visible mold growth.
  • Product recommendations:
    • Fight Bac™ RTU (311) to kill Hepatitis A in 10 minutes and Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in 1 minute.
    • GE Fight Bac™ RTU (390) to kill a broad spectrum of disease-causing pathogens with EPA Design for the Environment approval.
• Wash your hands throughout cleanup or use a hand sanitizer if clean water is not available.
  • Product recommendations:
    • Antibacterial Foaming Skin Cleanser (751) for rapid broad spectrum germ killing without dryness or irritation.
    • Advanced Alcohol Foaming Sanitizer (795) and Advanced Alcohol Gel  Sanitizer (796) to kill 99.999% of germs on the hands in seconds and prevent cross-contamination.

To learn more about any of the products recommended above, click on each. For information regarding specific cleanup procedures, please click here, sign in or register, then click Betco U to access our training library.

• N95-style masks imported from overseas have fallen short of certification standards.
• Sanitizers have been improperly labeled, riddled with false claims, formulated with suspect ingredients, or otherwise out of compliance with FDA guidelines.
• The disinfectant market is now being exploited in a similar manner. We will reference the handful of examples pictured above throughout this post:
  1. Disinfectant that was falsely labeled as a registered disinfectant.
  2. Unregistered stickers that claim to provide protection against viruses without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA.
  3. Unregistered disinfectant wipes shipped from Asia without EPA registration.
  4. Unregistered disinfectant that promises long-lasting or residual protection specifically from COVID-19 without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA. 
  5. Unregistered lanyard that claims to provide 60-day residual protection against the virus without supporting evidence reviewed by the EPA.
  6. Services claiming use of multi-week residual disinfectant without supporting evidence and in direct conflict with statements from the EPA.

EPA Regulation

As explained in a previous post, disinfectants are considered pesticides—further classified as antimicrobial pesticides—because they control bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi, which are considered pests. As such, they are regulated by the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, and any disinfectant sold or distributed in the United States must be registered with the EPA.

In order to register a product, manufacturers submit:

• Proposed labeling.
• Safety data.
• Efficacy data:
  • In order to be labeled a disinfectant, a product must meet specific testing requirements against certain bacteria.
  • Any virucidal claims, such as efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), are considered additional claims, and they must also be supported by data and approved by the EPA.

If the EPA is satisfied with the information provided by the manufacturer, registration is granted. While the burden of EPA regulations and registration should pose a larger hurdle to entry into the disinfectant market, the tidal wave of newcomers is both mostly unaware of their violations and too large for the EPA to police. Eventually, these dishonest marketers will receive fines and be ordered to cease and desist, but until then, buyers (and users) must beware.

Illegal Disinfectants

Illegal disinfectants are sold or distributed without a valid EPA registration. This includes products without an EPA registration number listed on the label—such as examples 2 through 5 above—as well as products using a fake EPA registration number—such as example 1 (click here for more information).

To ensure that a disinfectant is legal:

• Don’t buy or use products from suspicious sources.
• Don’t buy or use products that seem unusual in their packaging or labeling.
• Check the label, which must be in English, for:
  • A valid EPA registration number (validity can be confirmed here).
  • A list of active ingredients, as any product registered with the EPA must state them on the label.
  • Hazard and precautionary statements.

Illegal Claims

As stated in the EPA Regulation section above, disinfectants may only make virucidal claims that are supported by data and approved by the EPA. This includes both legally registered and illegally unregistered disinfectants claiming to kill SARS-CoV-2.

As stated in the EPA Regulation section above, disinfectants may only make virucidal claims that are supported by data and approved by the EPA. This includes both legally registered and illegally unregistered disinfectants claiming to kill SARS-CoV-2.

There are also disinfectants approved by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2, based not on a demonstrated efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, but on demonstrated efficacy against:

• A pathogen that is harder to kill than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
• A different human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

To confirm the legitimacy of a disinfectant’s claim that it outright kills SARS-CoV-2 or that it is recommended for use against SARS-CoV-2 due to other kill claims:

• Navigate here and input the EPA registration number found on the label. If there are 3 sets of numbers (separated by hyphens), only input the first 2. 
• If there are no matching records found, the disinfectant’s claims are illegal—as is most evident in examples 4 and 5 above (which claim 99.9% protection against COVID-19 and to "block coronavirus," respectively).
• If there is a matching record found, but the product information does not match the information on your label, it is likely a sub-registration marketed under a different name, which is legal. 
• Note that List N search results also indicate whether a product is proven or simply expected to kill SARS-CoV-2.

Because the EPA has not evaluated the “long-lasting” or “residual” efficacy of disinfectants against viruses, however, NO disinfectant can legally claim effectiveness against viruses . . .

Residual Claims and Treated Articles

There are products that claim 24-hour sanitizing against bacteria only. 

Because the EPA has not evaluated the "long-lasting' or "residual" efficacy of disinfectants against viruses, however, NO disinfectant can legally claim effectiveness against viruses over hours—as in example 4 (24 hours)—days—as in example 5 (60 days)—or weeks—as in example 6 (3–6 weeks), with the exception of 1 recently granted short-term exemption.

In a similar vein, there are antimicrobial pesticides that can be incorporated into plastics, textiles, or other materials to protect the “treated article” from mold or bacteria that would harm it, such as a shower curtain. These pesticides are used more in the manner of preservatives, preventing discoloration, odor, or deterioration, and treated articles may not have any claims associated with public health. In other words, treated articles CANNOT legally claim that they are effective against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

In other words, treated articles CANNOT legally claim that they are effective against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Our Promise

We would like to take this opportunity to assure our customers that each Betco® disinfectant is registered with the EPA and adheres to their every guideline. Not only can we guarantee our total regulatory compliance, but as demonstrated by our legacy in disinfectants, we can also guarantee their quality and efficacy.

We have prioritized production toward disinfectants that appear on List N and are recommended for use against SARS-CoV-2. We are currently maximizing output of all products effective against the spread of COVID-19, and we continue to take every possible step to ensure the health and safety of our customers.

If you would like to request information about List N disinfectants, please click here to fill out the online form, and a Betco representative will contact you.

As shown in the table above, citric acid:

• Is not a carcinogen—nor is it likely to have endocrine disruptor properties.
• Does not cause reproductive issues—nor is it likely to cause developmental, mutagenic, or neurotoxicity issues.
• Is not a skin or lung irritant—nor does it have any unresolved or unreasonable adverse effects.
• Is not toxic to aquatic life.
• Does not break down slowly in the environment or accumulate in humans and other species.

Further, each of these active ingredient safety and health assurances also extends to all of GE Fight Bac RTU’s inactive ingredients, which—along with its rating in the lowest EPA toxicity category—have qualified GE Fight Bac RTU for the EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) label for use on antimicrobial products, like disinfectants and sanitizers.

This label is intended to help distributors and end users identify products that are proven safer by meeting the program’s stringent requirements and high standards. Currently, there are only 11 disinfectants that have qualified for DfE certification, less than half of which appear on EPA’s List N and are approved for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).

In fact, GE Fight Bac RTU and its ingredients are so nonhazardous that this product scores 0 for every category on the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) scale*! 

• Minimal Health Hazard: The slash in the left box indicates that the chemical does not cause chronic health problems, and the 0 in the right box that these chemicals cause little or no significant acute health risk. This category includes chemicals that are basically nonirritating to the skin and eyes.  • Minimal Flammability Hazard: These chemicals will not burn when exposed to a temperature of 1500 degrees F for a period of 5 minutes. • Minimal Reactivity Hazard: These are chemicals that are normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and are not reactive with water. • Furthermore, no special technical protective measures are necessary, which is why the white box at the bottom usually reserved for PPE is blank.

*HMIS is a voluntary hazard rating scheme to aid employers and employees in day-to-day compliance with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). It includes a rating system for acute and chronic health, flammability, and physical hazards, with ratings based on a 0–4 scale: 0 represents minimal hazards or risks, and 4 represents significant hazards or risks.

2. It's Effective

GE Fight Bac™ RTU is a hospital-grade disinfectant that kills 15 viruses and bacteria in just 3 to 5 minutes, saving on time and labor costs.

In 3 minutes, kill Hepatitis B and C and the common cold.

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Salmonella enterica
• Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA
• Aids Virus
• Influenza A virus
• Feline Calicivirus

Plus, in 60 seconds, sanitize food contact surfaces against Staph and E. coli. GE Fight Bac RTU is also tuberculocidal, meeting OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standards.

Because it has demonstrated efficacy against harder-to-kill feline calicivirus, citric-acid-based GE Fight Bac RTU is recommended by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2 under the emerging viral pathogen policy.

All the various viruses and bacteria that GE Fight Bac RTU is proven effective against are listed in the table on the right.

3. It's Versatile

Because GE Fight Bac RTU is free from harsh chemicals, it can be used:

• As a food contact sanitizer with no rinsing or wiping required.
• In sensitive environments—such as day care centers.
• On sensitive surfaces without leaving damage, streaks, or residue.

A more complete listing of surfaces on which and areas in which GE Fight Bac RTU can be used are summarized in the table on the right.

GE Fight Bac RTU is also versatile when it comes to application methods, because package sizes range from quart bottles, gallon bottles, and 5-gallon pails all the way up to 55-gallon drums and 275-gallon disposable totes. The quart bottles come with a trigger sprayer for immediate use, and the larger package sizes can be used to fill:

• Pump-up sprayers
• Electrostatic handheld sprayers, backpack sprayers, and carts
• Airless sprayer floor units and carts

4. It's Available

Quaternary ammonium compounds—often referred to as simply “quats”—are the active ingredients in most disinfectants. In the U.S., the 3 main producers of quats create them by reacting alkyl halides with tertiary amines—the latter of which are made from ammonia and alcohols. An explosion in demand for quat-based disinfectants due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with related challenges regarding importation of necessary raw materials from usual international sources, has led to quat shortages.

As a result, alternative disinfectant active ingredients are gaining traction in the industry, such as citric acid, GE Fight Bac™ RTU’s active ingredient. Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, particularly lemons and limes, and is currently much easier to source than quats.

Because citric acid is abundantly available at the present moment, Betco is running a promotion on 55-gallon drums of GE Fight Bac RTU through the end of July. To learn more and begin leveraging this citric-acid-based disinfectant as a sustainable alternative to quat-based disinfectants, please click here.

1. Site Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
2. The Right Application Method and Disinfectant
3. Proper Infection Control Procedures
4. Critical Touch Points
5. Documentation of Tasks Performed

What Is GBAC Star™ Accreditation?

GBAC stands for the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, and it is a division of ISSA (The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic reopening, the council formed the GBAC Star™ performance-based facility accreditation program. Accreditation is intended to help facilities demonstrate a comprehensive system for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention, including:

• Commitment to strict protocols
• Confirmation of work practices, procedures, and documented systems in place
• Convincing customers that a facility is safe for business

Comprised of 20 steps, GBAC Star is promoted as the “gold standard of prepared facilities.” It is currently the industry’s only outbreak preparation, response, and recovery accreditation, though others may soon follow.

How Does the Smart Tools Program Support Accreditation?

Clearly, the goals of the Betco Smart Tools Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program and GBAC Star accreditation have much in common. Adoption of the Betco program and the act of seeking GBAC Star accreditation are extensions of the mission to provide safe and clean environments. Both communicate to facility occupants that providing services in a way that exceeds quality and compliance standards means something to your organization, and both lead to higher quality cleaning and disinfection, as well as better business performance.

The difference between the two, however, becomes more apparent in the steps themselves. While the steps for accreditation focus on actions a facility must take, the Smart Tools program is your go-to source for easy and straightforward information on how to take those actions. For example, the GBAC Star accreditation stipulates that “the facility shall share their PPE requirements for their cleaning and disinfection activities with the GBAC STAR™ review team.” Step 1 in the Betco program equips you with the knowledge to determine which types of PPE will be necessary, as well as resources for proper donning and doffing techniques.

In fact, the processes and tools in the 5 steps that comprise the Smart Tools Enhanced Facility Disinfection plug directly into the 20 steps that are required for GBAC Star accreditation, as demonstrated in the comparative guide below. In other words, Smart Tools provides a simple recipe and almost all of the ingredients for a stress-free and successful accreditation attempt the first time.

Click here to download the flyer.

With Smart Tools, you can get started immediately with our online tools that remove the guesswork and minimize disruption to your facility. Resources—many of which are available in both English and Spanish—include: 

• Outlines: Guide selection of the best products and application methods based on the needs of a specific facility
• Task cards: Explain cleaning procedures with step-by-step instructions and guide clean teams to specific chemical products and equipment to accomplish any cleaning or disinfection task
• Wall charts: Define chemicals, show the proper methods of application, and highlight the surfaces on which chemicals should be used
• Touch point lists: Establish a baseline for a successful disinfection program by identifying and confirming critical high-touch surface disinfection objectives
• Certificates, posters, signs, flyers, and table tents: Provide reassurance to your employees, customers, and vendors that enhanced disinfection was completed according to the highest industry standards
• Survey: Confirms your facility has been disinfected properly with EPA-registered products that meet CDC guidelines

With Betco, you are also gaining a partner in the process every step of the way. Our experts provide practical, straightforward guidance for your specific business model. Whether your facility is large or small, new or established, Betco’s Smart Tools Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program can stand on its own and—should you wish to pursue GBAC Star accreditation—provide an “easy button” to help you streamline your application efforts for a positive outcome.

If you’re interested in learning more, please click here to fill out the online form, and a Betco representative will contact you.

• N-95 surgical mask or powered air purifying respirator (PAPR)
• Eye protection – face shield, safety glasses, safety goggles
• Disposable gown or properly laundered reusable covering
• Gloves
• Shoe covers or shoes that can be properly decontaminated

16. Are all sprayers in the Application Method Guide available at Betco?

No, Betco only makes the disinfectants that can be used in these sprayers. Please consult the applicator companies directly for purchase.

17. Can I use microfiber wipes to apply the disinfectant?

Yes, microfiber wipes are an excellent way to apply disinfectants. These wipes must be changed when visibly dirty and should be laundered on a frequent basis.

18. Which products are safe to use when disinfecting food-contact surfaces?  

All Betco disinfectants can be used on food-contact surfaces (areas where food may be prepared, served, or stored). You simply need to rinse with potable water after the required dwell time.

Betco’s Symplicity™ Sanibet™ Multi-Range Sanitizer may be used to sanitize food contact surfaces and does not require a rinse with potable water. Please consult the product label for more specific instruction.

19. How long do you have to wait after disinfection before allowing people to enter the room?

This answer depends greatly on several conditions, such as the size of the room, the amount of ventilation and air flow in the room, and how the disinfectant is applied. In general, if spraying a coarse spray directly on the surface, people should be able to enter the room shortly after the necessary dwell time (5–10 minutes).

20. How effective are alternative disinfection methods, such as ultrasonic waves, high-intensity UV radiation, and LED blue lights?

From the CDC, “The efficacy of these disinfection methods against the virus that causes COVID-19 is not known. EPA only recommends use of the surface disinfectants identified on List N against the virus that causes COVID-19. EPA does not routinely review the safety or efficacy of pesticidal devices, such as UV lights, LED lights, or ultrasonic devices. Therefore, EPA cannot confirm whether, or under what circumstances, such products might be effective against the spread of COVID-19.”

21. Can sanitizing tunnels at a building's exit or entrance prevent the spread of COVID-19?

CDC does not recommend the use of sanitizing tunnels. There is no evidence that they are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Chemicals used in sanitizing tunnels could cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation or damage.

22. How do I disinfect children's toys?

Be careful when disinfecting any item that could enter children’s mouths. The best recommendation is to wash the toys in soap and water, rinse, and allow to air dry. If this is not feasible, use either Betco’s Symplicity™ Sanibet™ Multi-Range Sanitizer or Sanibet RTU according to label directions, making sure the toys are completely dry before allowing children to use them.

23. How long are dilutable disinfectants effective for after dilution? 

Check the specific label. In general, if a disinfectant solution becomes visible dirty, it must be discarded. A few products at use-dilution have bactericidal stability for extended periods, like Symplicity Sanibet (up to 5 months) or Triforce (up to 1 year). Other diluted products on List N must be made fresh daily according to the EPA label.

24. How often should cleaning and disinfecting be done?

The CDC states, “Surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, bathroom surfaces, and handrails, should be cleaned with soap and water or another detergent at least daily when facilities are in use. More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use. For example, certain surfaces and objects in public spaces, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads, should be cleaned and disinfected before each use. Cleaning removes dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs, but it reduces the number of germs on a surface.”

25. Is there any residual efficacy after the disinfectant dries?

No, that is why it is important to disinfect high-touch surfaces and areas. Be wary of products that claim residual efficacy. These claims are only relevant to preserving the surface where they are applied (prevent odors or staining). They do not have residual viral efficacy and none of these products are recommended on List N.

26. How long do I leave the disinfectant on the surface?

All disinfectants have different and specific dwell times depending on the organism you are trying to kill. Refer to the EPA List N for the recommended dwell time for use against SARS-CoV-2.

27. I have heard the virus can spread on shoes, is this true?

A recent study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can potentially be spread by shoes. In the study, researchers took samples from various surfaces at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China, the early epicenter of the outbreak—including samples from the soles of ICU staff members' shoes. Half of the samples taken from the shoes tested positive for the virus.

This demonstrates the importance of disinfecting floors during corrective disinfection.

This depends on the disinfectant and the surface. Most surfaces can be allowed to air dry. For sensitive surfaces like electronic equipment, after the required dwell time, it is advised to wipe any residue from the surface. Food-contact surfaces should be rinsed with potable water after disinfecting.

29. Is it safe to vacuum a facility after a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case has been present?

According to the CDC, “The risk of transmitting or spreading SARS-CoV-2 during vacuuming is unknown. At this time, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 associated with vacuuming. If vacuuming is necessary, first follow the CDC recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities that apply, which includes a wait time of 24 hours, or as long as practical.

“After cleaning and disinfection, the following recommendations may help reduce the risk to workers and other individuals when vacuuming:

• Consider removing smaller rugs or carpets from the area completely, so there is less that needs to be vacuumed. 
• Use a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particular air (HEPA) filter, if available.
• Do not vacuum a room or space that has people in it. Wait until the room or space is empty to vacuum, such as at night, for common spaces, or during the day for private rooms.
• Consider temporarily turning off room fans and the central HVAC system that services the room or space, so that particles that escape from vacuuming will not circulate throughout the facility. 

30. Do I need to disinfect the tools and equipment used after performing corrective disinfection? 

Yes, it is advisable to disinfect all materials. Betco has a guide to proper equipment disinfection.

31. How does the EPA regulate companies with cleaning services claiming to disinfect for COVID-19?

The EPA does not specifically regulate cleaning companies. However, if the company uses a product or makes an efficacy claim that cannot be backed up by an EPA registration, then that is a violation, and the company can be subject to substantial fines and penalties.

32. Are non-alcohol hand sanitizers effective?

The CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and has stated, “Hand sanitizers without 60-95% alcohol 1) may not work equally well for many types of germs; and 2) merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright.”

33. How long can SARS-CoV-2 survive on various surfaces? 

According to an NIH (National Institute of Health) study, SARS-CoV-2 remained active on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces for 2–3 days under the conditions in this experiment. It remained infectious for up to 24 hours on cardboard and 4 hours on copper. The virus was detectable in aerosols (in the air) for up to 3 hours. These times will vary under real-world conditions, depending on factors including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and the amount of virus deposited.

34. What is the recommendation for areas that cannot be disinfected, like paper or cardboard (that break down when wet)?

Since the virus has only been shown to survive for 24 hours on these surfaces, it is best to remove these items to a secure spot and not handle them for a few days.

35. Should outdoor playgrounds in schools and parks be disinfected?

From the CDC, “Outdoor areas generally require normal routine cleaning and do not require disinfection. Spraying disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public.”

36. Is it recommended to disinfect roads or sidewalks to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

CDC does not recommend disinfection of sidewalks or roads. Spraying disinfectant on sidewalks and roads is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public. The risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 from these surfaces is very low and disinfection is not effective on these surfaces.

37. Is it necessary to disinfect the duct work in the ventilation system?

It is not necessary to disinfect the HVAC system, including ductwork. We are focusing on the high-touch points.

38. Does an ATP meter show the virus is killed?

An ATP meter shows how much organic material has been removed from a surface and is a good measure of cleaning performance. It cannot show if there are any microorganisms present or what those specific organisms are. The only way to do this is to swab the surface, transfer to a growth plate, and check for growth over 24–48 hours. This is normally done in a microbiology laboratory.

Our new Smart Tools™ Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program provides the framework, tools, techniques, procedures, safety guidelines, and support materials for facilities of all types to develop and execute a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection work plan, allowing them to confidently reopen while keeping all who enter safe.  It combines evidence-based infection control strategies supported by agencies such as the CDC, EPA, and FDA with tactics to put the minds of facility occupants at ease in just 5 steps. Click here to learn more. 

Click here to visit our dedicated SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 web page, which also has crucial information and resources.

As stated in List N’s introductory text, "these products may be marketed and sold under different brand names, but if they have the same EPA registration number, they are the same product. " These are known as supplemental, secondary, or sub-registrations.

Currently, Betco® has a collection of products formulated to stop COVID-19 in its tracks. We have isolated them for your reading convenience in a Betco-only version of List N, which you can download by clicking here.

All disinfectant product labels must include the EPA registration number. For secondary registrations, a company EPA ID follows the registration number, which is why Betco's ID—4170—appears after the EPA registration number on our labels.

3. How does the EPA know these products work against SARS-CoV-2? 

Because SARS-CoV-2 is such a new virus, it is not available commercially for laboratory testing. The EPA expects these disinfectants to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 based on:

• Demonstrated efficacy against a harder-to-kill virus
• Demonstrated efficacy against another human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2
• Qualification for the emerging viral pathogens claim

4. What is an emerging viral pathogen claim?

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases defines emerging infectious diseases/pathogens as those “that have newly appeared in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range.” Many of the emerging pathogens of greatest concern are pathogenic viruses, and the ability of some of these viruses to persist on environmental surfaces can play a role in human disease transmission. SARS-CoV-2 is such a pathogenic virus.

Because the occurrence of emerging viral pathogens is less common and predictable than established pathogens, few if any EPA-registered disinfectant product labels specify use against this category of infectious agents. Therefore, in 2016, EPA provided a voluntary, two-stage process to enable use of certain EPA-registered disinfectant products against emerging viral pathogens not identified on the product label.

A company can apply for an emerging viral pathogen claim, even before an outbreak occurs, based on previous EPA-approved claims for harder-to-kill viruses.

The emerging viral pathogen guidance was triggered for SARS-CoV-2 on Jan. 29, 2020. EPA reviews the supporting information and determines if the claim is acceptable. Once approved, a company can make certain off-label claims as specified in the policy in the event of an outbreak such as SARS-CoV-2. For instance, the company can include an efficacy statement on:

• Technical literature distributed to health care facilities, physicians, nurses, and public health officials
• Non-label-related websites
• Consumer information services
• Social media sites

5. Why are there no skin care products on list N? / Can skin care products make COVID-19 claims? 

List N only includes EPA-registered surface disinfectants. Hand sanitizers, antiseptic washes, and antibacterial soaps are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). EPA-registered surface disinfectants, including surface wipes, SHOULD NOT be applied on your skin or ingested.

Only products approved as pharmaceutical drugs can legally make COVID-19 claims, not over-the-counter topical anesthetics, which skin care products are considered. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. It does not differentiate between different types of soaps (antibacterial or plain soap). When soap and water is unavailable use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

6. What is the difference between disinfectants, sanitizers, and cleaners?

Cleaners use soap or detergents to physically remove dirt, dust, other soils. While cleaners do not kill germs, they do remove them. Cleaners are not regulated or tested by the EPA.

Sanitizers reduce bacteria on a surface by at least 99.9%, while disinfectants kill bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, and fungi. Both sanitizers and disinfectants are regulated and tested by the EPA and must be proven efficacious for specific germs.

7. How do I use disinfectants against coronavirus?

The CDC recommends pre-cleaning surfaces before using a disinfectant.

All disinfectant label instructions should be followed carefully, especially with regard to:

• Dwell time, or amount of time that the surface must stay wet to ensure that germs are killed
• Concentration, as some products may need to be diluted before use
• Application method, including whether to use a sponge, paper towel, microfiber cloth, etc.
• Personal protective equipment and other safety considerations
• Suitability for use on different types of surfaces (see question #9 below)

8. Can I use disinfectants in an electrostatic sprayer, fogger, or mister?

In order for a disinfectant to remain effective, it has to be applied as a wet spray. Most disinfectants recommend a coarse wet spray. This can be achieved by use of a spray bottle, pump up sprayer, or an electrostatic sprayer. The key is that the particle size of the droplets has to be greater than 80 microns, and most electrostatic sprayers are 80–150 microns. Check the specific disinfectant label for further instructions on use in these machines.

Foggers/misters create a thick fog or—in the case of thermal (heat) foggers—steam and use very little product. This is an insufficient delivery system for disinfectants.

9. What surfaces should I disinfect?

All reachable hard, non-porous surfaces can be disinfected, but high-touch surfaces should be paid special attention. These include but are not limited to tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

The World Health Organization says studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 may last for a few hours or several days on surfaces, depending on the kind of surface, temperature, and humidity. Under the conditions in at least 1 experiment, the virus remained active on plastic and stainless steel for 2–3 days.

Not all disinfectants are appropriate for use on medical devices or food-contact surfaces. Disinfectants that are suitable for use on these surfaces may, furthermore, require additional actions, such as rinsing after disinfection. This information will be located on the product label.

10. What about soft or porous surfaces, like carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes?

No disinfectant can claim to disinfect soft surfaces. You may, however, sanitize with an EPA-registered soft surface sanitizer, such as Betco’s Triforce Disinfectant and Soft Surface Sanitizer, according to label directions.

You may also clean soft surfaces with soap and water or a suitable cleaner, then launder if possible (see question #11 below).

According to Juan Dumois, a pediatric infectious-diseases physician, “In general coronaviruses last a lot longer on hard non-porous surfaces compared to porous surfaces.”

11. How should I do laundry with regard to SARS-CoV-2?

Clothing, towels, linens, and similar articles should be laundered using manufacturer’s directions in the warmest suitable water and be completely dry before use. Items used by an infected person can be washed with other items.

Dirty laundry should not be shaken to avoid releasing the virus into the air and should only be handled when wearing disposable gloves. Wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing the gloves.

Remember to pre-clean and disinfect hampers according to label instructions.

12. How should I disinfect electronics?

First, always check with the manufacturer of the electronics to see if there are any explicit requirements or specifications. To apply disinfectant to most electronics, spray the disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth or towel, do not oversaturate the fabric, then wipe the surface and allow to air dry.  Never spray directly on electronics.

13. What precautions should I take when cleaning/disinfecting?

If someone in a facility is sick, all areas they have used should be closed off, with any outside doors and windows opened to increase air circulation. Wait 24 hours or as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting all areas and surfaces used by the sick person.

Whether a sick person has used an area or not, always wear disposable gloves and gowns for the entire cleaning and disinfecting process, including handling trash. After you carefully remove these items, immediately wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If hands are not visibly dirty and soap and water are unavailable, you may use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Additional personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, might be need based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash. Always consult product labels and ensure proper ventilation of the area.

Never mix bleach with any other chemicals.

Our new Smart Tools™ Enhanced Facility Disinfection Program provides the framework, tools, techniques, procedures, safety guidelines, and support materials for facilities of all types to develop and execute a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection work plan, allowing them to confidently reopen while keeping all who enter safe.  It combines evidence-based infection control strategies supported by agencies such as the CDC, EPA, and FDA with tactics to put the minds of facility occupants at ease in just 5 steps. Click here to learn more. 

Click here to visit our dedicated SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 web page, which also has crucial information and resources.

There is much more to learn about how the virus (2019-nCoV) spreads, severity of associated illness, and other features of the virus. Investigations are ongoing. Based on current information, however, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is deemed to be low at this time. Nevertheless, the CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.

The following information is for Common Human Coronaviruses:

Symptoms of human coronavirus may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore threat
• Fever

The transmission method when spread from an infected person to others:

• The air by coughing or sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
• Rarely, fecal contamination

Usually infections occur in the fall and winter, although there is a possibility of infection throughout the year.

Best prevention measures include:

• Staying home when sick
• Avoiding close contact with others
• Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, discarding the tissue, and washing your hands with soap and water—or, when soap and water are unavailable, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing a minimum of 60% alcohol as recommended by the CDC.

Betco® Advanced Alcohol Hand Sanitizer is a new formula that contains 70% alcohol. Though tough on germs, this sanitizer is gentle on hands, thanks to added aloe that moisturizes and conditions.

• Advanced Alcohol Foaming Sanitizer
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #79504-00 
  • 6 - 1000 mL Clario Bags Item #79529-00 

   

• Advanced Alcohol Gel Sanitizer
  • 12 - 900 mL BIB Item #79619-00 
  • 6 - 1000 mL Clario Bags Item #79629-00 

The following Betco® disinfectants have proven efficacy against the human coronavirus (10-minute kill claim unless otherwise noted):

• Symplicity™ Sanibet™ Multi-Range Sanitizer (at Hospital Disinfectant dilution)
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #23704-00 
  • 5 Gal. Pail Item #23705-00 
  • 2.5 Gal. BIB Item #23725-00 
  • 4 - 2 L Fast Draw Item #23747-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #23755-00 

• Betco® Pine Quat Cleaner, Disinfectant, and Deodorant
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #30404-00  
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #30455-00

• Fight-Bac® RTU Broad Spectrum Disinfectant Cleaner (2 minutes)
  • 12 - 32 oz. Bottles Item #31112-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #31155-00

• pH7Q Neutral pH Disinfectant, Detergent, and Deodorant (1 minute)
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #31604-00 
  • 5 Gal. Pail Item #31605-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #31655-00

•  Triforce Disinfectant (3 minutes)
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #33304-00 
  • 4 - 2 L Fast Draw Item #33347-00

• Quat-Stat™ 5 Alkaline Disinfectant (5 minutes)
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #34104-00 
  • 4 - 2 L Fast Draw Item #34147-00 
  • 6 - 32 oz. Dosing Bottles Item #34148-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #34155-00

• pH7Q Dual Concentrated Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner
  • 4 - 1 Gal. Bottles Item #35504-00 
  • 4 - 2 L Fast Draw Item #35547-00 
  • 55 Gal. Drum Item #35555-00

There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronavirus. Rest, drink plenty of liquids, and take fever medications. If symptoms persist, you should see your healthcare provider.

Visit the CDC's website for more information.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc.).
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

During scrubbing, the World Health Organization has outlined the following steps:

1. Rub your hands together, palm to palm.
2. Rub the back of each hand with the palm of the opposite hand with fingers interlaced.
3. Again, rub palm to palm, but this time with fingers interlaced.
4. Rub the backs of your fingers using opposing palms with fingers interlocked.
5. Rub around each thumb with the palm of the opposing palm.
6. Finally rub the palm of each hand with fingers of the opposing hand.

By using this model for hand hygiene, you can protect yourself and others—especially children—from the spread of germs.

To view Betco’s comprehensive line of flu-fighting hand soaps, please click here.

Clearly, it is of critical importance to properly mix concentrated cleaning solutions, and the first step in doing so is to consult the product label for the dilution ratio. If a product is multi-purpose, the label will often indicate different dilution ratios for different applications, so it is important to select the appropriate ratio for the task at hand.

Dilution Ratios and Ounces per Gallon
Dilution ratios are written as 2 numbers separated by a colon. The number to the left of the colon represents the amount of concentrated chemical, while the number to the right of the colon represents the amount of water. For example:

In this example, the dilution ratio can be verbally expressed as 1 part chemical to 32 parts water.

In place of or in addition to the dilution ratio, the label may supply the number of ounces of concentrated chemical per gallon of water.

If given the dilution ratio only, ounces per gallon may be calculated by dividing 128 (the number of ounces in a gallon) by the amount of water (the number to the right of the colon). In continuing with our previous example of a 1:32 dilution ratio:

128 (ounces in a gallon) ÷ 32 = 4 ounces per gallon of water

If given ounces per gallon only, the dilution ratio may be calculated by dividing 128 by the recommended number of ounces per gallon. The quotient is the number of parts water to 1 part chemical, and as such goes to the right of the colon. For example, if a label indicates 4 ounces per gallon:

128 (ounces in a gallon) ÷ 4 = 32, or a dilution ratio of 1:32

Other Units of Volume
If you would like to calculate ounces of concentrated chemical per a different amount of water, simply swap 128 for the appropriate number of ounces:
• 10 gallons = 1280 ounces
• 5 gallons = 640 ounces
• 1 gallon = 128 ounces
• 1 quart = 32 ounces
• 1 pint = 16 ounces
• 1 cup = 8 ounces

For example, if you want to know how much concentrated chemical to use with a quart of water, and the dilution ratio is 1:32:

32 (ounces in a quart) ÷ 32 = 1 ounce per quart of water

To download a chart with ounces per gallon for common dilution ratios, click here.

The Metric System
If calculating milliliters per liter from dilution ratio or dilution ratio from milliliters per liter, the same logic holds. Using a dilution ratio of 1:32:

1000 (milliliters in 1 liter) ÷ 32 = 31.25 milliliters per liter

1000 (milliliters in 1 liter) ÷ 31.25 = 32, or a dilution ratio of 1:32

If conversion between metric and imperial is necessary, here are some common metric volume equivalents:
• 1 ounce = 29.6 milliliters
• 1 cup = 236.6 milliliters
• 1 pint = 473.2 milliliters
• 1 quart = 946.4 milliliters (or 0.9464 liters)
• 1 gallon = 3.8 liters (or 3785.4 milliliters)
• 5 gallons = 18.9 liters (or 18927.1 milliliters)
• 10 gallons = 37.9 liters (or 37854.1 milliliters)
• 33.8 ounces = 1 liter (or 1000 milliliters)

Real-World Applications
Most of the time, the ready-to-use solution will go into a receptacle with an actual volume that is slightly greater than the advertised volume. For example, a 5-gallon pail really holds approximately 5.75 gallons. For this reason, it is often easiest and most expedient to use 5 gallons of water plus the appropriate amount of concentrated chemical, even though this results in more than 5 gallons. Using our familiar 1:32 dilution ratio example:

4 (ounces of concentrated chemical per gallon of water) x 5 (gallons of water) = 20 ounces of concentrated chemical

20 (ounces of concentrated chemical) + 5 (gallons of water) = 5 gallons, 20 ounces of ready-to-use solution

The total volume of 5 gallons, 20 ounces will usually not be a problem.

If, however, an exact amount of ready-to-use solution is required, then click here to download and use a chart that takes this into account.

Cost per Diluted Gallon
Finally, it may be useful to calculate cost per diluted gallon.

For this calculation, the parts concentrated chemical and water expressed in the dilution ratio must be added together. For our 1:32 dilution ratio:

1 + 32 = 33 parts

Then divide the concentrated chemical’s cost per gallon by the total parts. For example, if the cost is $10.00 for 1 gallon of concentrated chemical:

$10.00 ÷ 33 (total parts) = $0.30 per diluted gallon

Safety
When manually mixing chemical, it is important to always add water before you add the concentrated chemical in order to minimize chemical splash and foam. As with any chemical, always read the Safety Data Sheet before use and be sure to wear the proper PPE, such as gloves and eye protection.

If you would like to avoid the hassle and safety risks associated with manually mixing chemicals, Betco® offers several closed dilution control systems that consistently provide the correct dilution for cleaning staff. Learn more here.  

Also, educating your staff about the disease is very important. Knowledge is power! Below is a list of frequently asked questions so you can better understand measles and take measures to keep everyone healthy.

What are measles? Measles is caused by a single-stranded enveloped virus. Humans are the only natural hosts of the measles virus.

What illness does the measles virus cause? Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. It causes a high fever (up to 105° F), cough, nasal congestion, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of transparent covering of the eye), followed by a rash that appears as a flat, red area with small bumps. The rash usually appears 14 days after a person is exposed and can spread all over the body. Patients are considered to be contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears. Some high-risk patients do not develop the rash.

How does measles spread? Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases. Up to 9 out of 10 susceptible persons with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles. The virus is spread by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.

Who is at high risk for contracting measles? Anyone born after 1957 who has not been vaccinated is at a high risk for contracting measles. Infants and children younger than 5 years old, adults over the age of 20, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are at a high risk for having complications from measles.

What are common complications from measles? Pneumonia, bronchitis, and diarrhea are common complications.

• One out of every 1,000 measles cases will develop acute encephalitis, often resulting in permanent brain damage.
• One or two out of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory or neurological complications.

How can I prevent getting the measles? There is only one sure way to prevent contracting measles, and that is through vaccination. The vaccine is usually given as a combination MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella). The MMRV vaccine can be used for children aged 12 months through 12 years for protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox). One dose of MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles. Two doses are approximately 97% effective.

What can I do if there has been a confirmed or suspected case of measles in my facility? Whoever has a confirmed or suspected case of measles should stay home for four days after developing the rash. Ask your doctor when it is safe to be around other people again.

Good practices to stop the spread of any disease:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and put used tissues in the trashcan. If you do not have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing drinks or food utensils.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, and counters. Standard disinfectants will readily kill the measles virus.

Why have we seen such an increase in measles? I thought the disease was eradicated in the US? Measles is still common in many parts of the world, including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Travelers with measles continue to bring the disease into the US. Measles spread when these travelers visit US communities with pockets of unvaccinated people. As of April 26^th, 22 states have reported measles cases.

Betco has a complete line of skin care products and programs to encourage frequent handwashing and also has numerous disinfectants that help reduce disease transmission.

Proliferation of bacteria is particularly problematic with regard to regular and antibacterial hand soaps and cleansers, as bacteria can overwhelm any active ingredients and render the product ineffective, ultimately leading to increased spread of potentially harmful germs.

In order to inhibit undesirable bacterial growth, preservatives are commonly used in hand hygiene and other cosmetic products. To properly defend products against contamination, it is important that manufacturers use a preservative package that is effective against a variety of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. One of the most common preservative packages is MCI/MI: a combination of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. The MCI component provides quick initial protection from contamination, while the MI component holds off bacteria in the long term. 

Although preservatives like MCI/MI often get a bad reputation, these and all other ingredients in cosmetic products such as soaps and cleansers are regulated by the FDA to ensure the safety of consumers. It is true that MCI/MI has been associated with skin irritation, but those associations were largely formed in previous decades with relation to leave-on products and when MCI/MI was used at higher concentrations. Now primarily used in rinse-off products and at much lower concentrations, rates of contact allergy or irritation from MCI/MI in rinse-off products are extremely low. Indeed, MCI/MI has been repeatedly proven safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products at concentrations up to 15 ppm.

Beyond the FDA, MCI/MI has been ruled safe for use in rinse-off products at appropriate concentrations by other organizations, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and the European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Neither MCI nor MI have been listed by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a known, probable, or possible human carcinogen.

MCI/MI is an effective preservative package that plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficacy of cosmetic products, including hand hygiene products. When products that contain preservatives are manufactured as stipulated by regulatory agencies and used as directed by consumers, the preservatives therein are not only safe, but are furthermore necessary to safeguard the health of consumers. Betco is committed to using preservatives to maintain hand hygiene products that are both safe and effective for the end user. 

Many diseases and conditions are spread by improper hand washing. Germs and viruses from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects like door handles, table tops or toys and then transferred to another person’s hands. One of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs and viruses to others is by keeping hands clean.

Implementing a hand hygiene program at schools is a must and it’s a fact that good habits start when we are young. Learning the proper technique for hand washing proves to be valuable for a lifetime of healthy hand hygiene practices. When implementing a hand hygiene program, a school is committed to a healthy atmosphere for children, staff and families. Not to mention, hand washing with soap could protect approximately 1 in 3 children who get sick, improving attendance and increasing dollars for the school.

Here are some quick tips to teach germs and viruses a lesson:

• Wash hands frequently – make sure hands are washed before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing and after recess.
• Follow the CDC model for hand washing – wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean water.
• Place hand sanitizer outside the restroom door for use after leaving the restroom.
• Don’t spread germs to others – stay at home when you are sick.

No touch is germ-free, but when it comes to keeping students and staff healthy throughout the school year, prevention by hand washing protects them from the spread of germs and viruses.

Want to reduce absenteeism at your school? Implement the Compass® Program from Betco®. Compass is the only Active Learning™ Hand Washing System that follows the CDC guidelines. Click here to learn more.

Handwashing may seem like a simple task – however, most people don’t wash their hands according to the recommended Centers for Disease Control model (the one that’s actually proven to prevent germ spread and cross-contamination).

A separate study done in 2013 by Michigan State University found that only 5% of people washed their hands according to the CDC model. This lack of proper handwashing contributes to the CDC’s staggering numbers like:

• 48 million Americans are sickened by foodborne illnesses each year
• 90,000 people die from Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) each year
• Over 22 million school days are lost due to the common cold each year

How do we break our poor handwashing habits and change our handwashing behavior? By following the CDC model – it only takes 20 seconds.

Here’s a simple break-down you can follow to make sure you are doing a good job when washing your hands:

Step 1: Wet your hands with clean, running water.

Step 2: Turn off the water and apply enough soap to cover your hands.

Step 3: Scrub, scrub, scrub! Make sure you get the backs of your hands, under your nails and in-between your fingers.

Step 4: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Step 5: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Step 6: Dry your hands with a clean, single-use towel or air dry them.

Pro-tip: Want to take extra precautions? Place hand sanitizer outside the restroom door and use it after you leave the restroom.

Think about it – no touch is germ-free. When we wash our hands correctly, we prevent the spread of germs and viruses to others.

Want to teach people in your facility how to wash their hands the right way? Implement the Compass^® Hand Hygiene Program from Betco^® today! Click here to learn more.

Consisting of six cloud-based applications, iBet is designed specifically to help cleaning and sales professionals assess, plan, implement, reinforce and manage the cleaning programs for their facility maintenance plan. Quite frankly, these tools are impressive!

Here’s a breakdown of the great tools in iBet and how they can help you manage your facility better:

Betco^® U
Enjoy on-site and online training for your new and experienced cleaning and sales professionals. Keep employees engaged via learning everything there is to know — from those who know the most.

Charter

Easily make custom wall charts to define the chemicals in use in your facility and how to use them properly. Nothing beats a quick cheat sheet right where you need it.

Task

Create customized visual aids with step-by-step instructions that make it easy for professionals to understand cleaning procedures, even guiding them to specific chemical products and equipment. Looking good!

Inspector

Increase efficiency and reduce costs by creating market segment-specific surveys to find out what changes need to be made in a cleaning and maintenance program. Together, we’ll get some answers!

Estimator

Assess your facility’s needs by estimating labor, general cleaning and floor care costs plus equipment ROI. Then see how converting to Betco’s superior innovative chemical and equipment solutions can improve every operation — in every way.

Proposer

Build modern, professional proposals that sales representatives can use in showcasing the advantages of using a custom cleaning and maintenance program (like a Betco^® program). Presenting the total package has never been so simple!

Betco is all about comprehensive programs for high quality cleaning and facility maintenance solutions. Making your life easier is what gives us — and you — the competitive advantage.

To learn more about Betco’s proprietary iBet Facility Resources Suite, click here.

With 80% of germs transmitted by hand-to-hand contact, keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. This flu season the highest rate of infection was among older adults aged 65 years and older, followed by adults between the ages of 50-65. As the baby-boomer population ages and requires more care, the impact of hand hygiene in nursing homes is extremely important for infection control, and it starts with following the model for proper hand hygiene.

The Science behind Handwashing

The Centers for Disease Control recommends a six step process for washing hands. It only takes 20 seconds and is one of the best proactive methods to disinfecting your hands to stop the spread of germs.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to clean all surfaces on your hands (backs of your hands, between your fingers, under your nails, etc).
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

This model for proper hand washing has been proven to remove the tiny microbes, germs and bacteria that may inhabit your hands throughout the day. By staying compliant with this model for hand hygiene, you can protect yourself and others from the spread of germs.

Want to increase hand hygiene compliance in your workplace? Implement the Compass Program from Betco®. Compass is the only program that guides users to proper hand hygiene as recommended by the CDC. Click here to learn more.

The main advantage microbes offer is in achieving a continuous clean: they work long after their application, and they won’t stop working until the substance — their food — is gone. Using it at the close of the business day or when foot traffic is the lightest lets them go to work. Plus, because they’re stable and biodegradable, they’re sustainable. Using them is quite simply the most environmentally friendly way to clean.

If the initial thought of using bacteria to clean doesn’t sit well, think of all the everyday ways we already use enzymes. For example, we eat them in yogurt and we use them to make cheese.

At Betco^®, our BioActive Solutions™ product line is formulated for specific applications to provide the right bacteria for the job. In addition to fats, oils and greases, they can clean sugar starches, urine, organic waste, hydrocarbons, industrial waste and malodors (very bad smells).

To learn more about how BioActive Solutions works, click here.