Deep Clean, Then Clean Again

Read: The dos and don’ts of ‘social distancing’

“A lot of calls they’re getting are fear-driven,” says Norris Gearhart, a consultant for the industry. He adds that uncertainty about the virus is a big part of it. We don’t know exactly how many people are infected, because of the lack of testing in the U.S. We don’t know exactly how long the virus survives on surfaces, because this particular coronavirus is so new to science. (Just on Tuesday, scientists posted a preprint, which has not been peer-reviewed, suggesting that the coronavirus is viable for two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.) In this time of uncertainty, of course people are looking to the most expensive, high-tech, and thorough option—even if it’s probably overkill.

“It’s very good for internal relations, so your staff know you’re going above and beyond,” Licker says. With the onslaught of cases, though, he’s been prioritizing jobs for hospitals and assisted-living facilities, where people are most likely to be vulnerable to the coronavirus, as well as jobs for existing clients.

Ernie Storrer is president of Bales Restoration in Lynnwood, Washington—“eight miles from the epicenter,” he notes, referring to the Seattle-area nursing home that has accounted for 22 of the state’s coronavirus deaths. At this point, the virus is clearly spreading through the community around Seattle. So although Storrer’s company largely works with health-care facilities, his staff has been to retail businesses, such as beauty salons and electronics store where customers are constantly coming in to touch phones. “It’s just a very stressful time,” he says.

Read: What will you do if you start coughing?

John Stavros, owner of Bio Management Northwest, also in Washington State, says he’s tripled his staff in the past week and a half. With the ripple effects of COVID-19 already causing layoffs, it hasn’t been hard to hire through word of mouth. “Right now there are businesses shutting down, and people are looking to keep food on the table,” he says. He’s sending out crews of 15 to 20, with new hires tasked with high-touch surfaces and seasoned staff using the specialized foggers. Other companies have also prepared for a rush of business. Scott Vogel, CEO of Emergi-Clean in New Jersey, says he and his family canceled their upcoming vacations when the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in the U.S.

Many in the industry say they are worried that those without adequate training might try to fill the sudden demand for these services. “The fringe companies are just seeing the dollars and rushing after them, and I’m really concerned,” Gearhart, the industry consultant, says. Cleaning is one thing, and it certainly helps against the coronavirus. But complete disinfection is a whole lot trickier. It requires knowing how to use disinfectants: Many of them—including bleach and Lysol—actually need to stay wet on a surface for several minutes, even though no ordinary person uses them that way. Some disinfectants can be used with electrostatic sprayers; others cannot. And in scenarios where risk of exposure to the virus is high, putting on and taking off your respirator and Tyvek suit without accidentally contaminating yourself is hard.

A school or an office is ultimately only as germ-free as the people in it. A complete disinfection can buy temporary peace of mind, but it’s no substitute for routine, ongoing cleaning. “As soon as we get done with our work, you open the door and somebody walks in,” Storrer says, “and boom, it might be all over.”

Sarah Zhang is a staff writer at The Atlantic.