Sanitization Practices for Dubai’s Urban Living: Addressing High-Touch Surfaces

In populated urban areas like Dubai, the accumulation of viruses, bacteria, and infections poses a significant concern. High-touch surfaces, frequently contacted by multiple individuals, become breeding grounds for germs. While government and health officials implement measures, personal hygiene and proper cleaning practices are crucial in curbing the spread of pathogens.

This article explores practical methods for cleaning and maintaining high-touch surfaces in urban living areas to secure a healthier environment.

Identifying High-Touch Areas

Public places such as schools, restaurants, offices, hospitals, and businesses harbor numerous high-touch surfaces demanding vigilant cleanliness. Recognizing these areas is the first step toward ensuring their upkeep. Notable high-touch surfaces include:

• Communal Spaces: Windows, stair railings, door handles, light switches, chairs, tables, elevators, showers, changing rooms, and common lunch areas.

• High-Touch Bathrooms: Flush handles, toilets, dispensers, toilet rolls, sinks, and hand dryers.

• Work Equipment: Monitors, phones, keyboards, desks, chairs, and computer mice, frequently touched by multiple people.

• Shared Kitchen Areas: Appliances like microwaves, cupboards, and kettles.

• Shared Vehicles: Steering wheels, door handles, gear sticks, seat belts, and internal surfaces.

• Shared Tools and Equipment: Card machines, touch screens, control panels, water coolers, and delivery boxes.

These surfaces necessitate meticulous cleaning and maintenance to ensure hygiene. For instance, as Dubai’s public places often feature air conditioning units, engaging reputable HVAC maintenance companies in Dubai is essential to maintain clean and debris-free systems. This is because HVAC systems are responsible for circulating and filtering the air within public places, including offices, malls, and restaurants. These systems can compromise indoor air quality by accumulating dust, debris, and contaminants.

However, cleaning high-touch surfaces requires a distinct approach, as outlined below.

Cleaning and Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces Effectively

To clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces effectively, follow these guidelines:

Choose Suitable Cleaning Products: Businesses and public areas can select their preferred cleaning products, but effectiveness in killing microorganisms is paramount. Always read product labels for proper usage instructions. Additionally, consider HVAC cleaning for cleaner air in shared spaces.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, it’s essential to wear protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and eye protection. It’s dangerous to handle cleaning products and disinfectants directly. PPE not only safeguards the health of the cleaning staff but also prevents potential cross-contamination from their hands and respiratory droplets. This is one of the main reasons to hire professionals to do the job.

Implement Regular Cleaning: High-touch surfaces require scheduled maintenance to remain sanitary. It is advisable to wipe these surfaces at least twice daily. Some areas may necessitate even more frequent cleaning based on the level of contact. Calculate the frequency based on risk assessment; for instance, door handles, elevator buttons, and stair handrails should be cleaned multiple times daily.

Plan for Deep Cleaning: Incorporate deep cleaning into your routine, preferably once daily for high-touch surfaces. This comprehensive approach ensures long-term cleanliness and safety.

Conclusion

A comprehensive approach, including disinfection, cleaning, technological integration, and personal hygiene practices, such as home sanitization, is vital for maintaining clean and safe urban living areas in Dubai. When urban residents collaborate to uphold cleanliness in their environment and high-touch surfaces, it fosters a secure and hygienic atmosphere for everyone.