Is deep cleaning concrete flooring necessary?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces regularly deep clean their environments, sanitising concrete flooring and other hard surfaces, and scrubbing equipment. Derek Thompson, writer for TheAtlantic.com, has suggested that this might not be effective, however.

He bases his view on the COVID-19 guidance update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says that touching a surface is not the main way that the virus is spread. This view is backed up by Emanuel Goldman, a microbiology professor who says that the main spread of the virus is through airborne person-to-person transmission.

Thompson argues that surface cleaning routines are:

“…risk-reduction rituals that make us feel safer but don’t actually do much to reduce risk.”

He admits that there is much uncertainty amongst scientists about how to deal with COVID-19, and that although surface transmission is rare, it is not impossible. The consensus by scientists is that wearing face masks, social distancing and regular handwashing helps stop the spread of the virus. Thompson argues that this is what should be focussed on to protect everyone.

Deep cleaning is advisable in hospitals but may not be strictly necessary for other workplaces. However, in commercial premises with concrete flooring, it does no harm to regularly clean the floors and employees should not touch the floor with their bare hands.

There are various coating products that can make concrete flooring more hygienic and easier to clean. Cleaning machines make the cleaning of concrete flooring quicker and easier.