• Propre & Net Services
  • June 02, 2026
  • 72 times

Simple Practices to Protect Your Home and Workplace

Infection control is not limited to hospitals and healthcare facilities. At home, in an office, retail business or residential building’s common areas, good hygiene practices can help reduce the spread of germs and maintain a healthier environment.

Infection control relies on several complementary measures, including hand hygiene, surface cleaning, targeted disinfection, ventilation, respiratory etiquette and responsible behaviour when someone is sick. The World Health Organization defines infection prevention and control as a practical, evidence-based approach designed to prevent the transmission of infections.

Here are the main measures you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Understanding How Infections Spread

Infections can be caused by different microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Some can spread directly from person to person, through respiratory droplets and particles, contaminated hands or contact with certain surfaces.

Transmission does not always occur in the same way. For this reason, no single measure can eliminate every risk. An effective strategy combines several actions adapted to the location, the level of traffic and the people using the space.

In homes and businesses, risks may be greater in enclosed, crowded or poorly ventilated spaces and in areas where several people regularly touch the same objects.

1. Make Hand Hygiene a Priority

Hands can carry germs from one surface to another and may contribute to their transfer to the eyes, nose or mouth.

To wash your hands properly, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends using soap and water and rubbing every part of the hands for at least 20 seconds. This includes the palms, backs of the hands, areas between the fingers, thumbs and underneath the fingernails.

It is especially important to wash your hands:

  • after using the washroom;
  • before preparing or eating food;
  • after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose;
  • after handling garbage;
  • after cleaning a dirty surface;
  • when arriving in a shared space;
  • before and after caring for someone who is sick.

When running water is unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol may be used. Washing with soap and water remains preferable when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

2. Understand the Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting do not serve exactly the same purpose.

Cleaning

Cleaning means physically removing dust, dirt, residue and some germs by using water, soap or detergent.

Cleaning should generally be completed before disinfection because dirt present on a surface may reduce the effectiveness of certain disinfectants.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting means using a product designed to neutralize or destroy microorganisms present on a surface.

Disinfection is particularly useful on frequently touched surfaces, in high-traffic areas or when a sick person has used the space. Health Canada recommends cleaning surfaces first with soap or detergent and then applying the disinfectant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Using excessive amounts of disinfectant or using products incorrectly does not necessarily provide better protection. Always follow the dosage, compatible-surface guidance, safety precautions and contact time listed on the label.

3. Use Appropriate Products

In Canada, authorized hard-surface disinfectants carry a Drug Identification Number, commonly called a DIN. This number indicates that the product has been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality for the uses stated on its label.

Before using a product:

  • read the label carefully;
  • confirm that it is suitable for the surface;
  • respect the recommended contact time;
  • wear the protective equipment indicated;
  • ensure adequate ventilation;
  • store the product out of the reach of children;
  • never mix different chemical products.

Mixing household products can create dangerous reactions. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions instead of creating an improvised solution.

4. Focus on Frequently Touched Surfaces

Not every surface requires the same cleaning frequency. High-touch points used by several people deserve special attention.

In a home, office or residential building, these surfaces may include:

  • door handles;
  • light switches;
  • railings and handrails;
  • elevator buttons;
  • faucets;
  • countertops;
  • shared telephones;
  • keyboards and computer mice;
  • remote controls;
  • meeting tables;
  • payment terminals;
  • shared kitchen equipment.

Canadian recommendations pay particular attention to frequently touched objects and surfaces, including phones, desks, keyboards, elevator buttons, handles and railings.

The ideal cleaning frequency depends on the number of users, the traffic level and whether someone using the space is sick.

5. Clean From the Least Soiled Areas to the Most Soiled

An organized cleaning method helps prevent dirt and germs from being transferred from one area to another.

When cleaning:

  1. Begin with the least soiled surfaces.
  2. Progress toward more contaminated areas.
  3. Generally work from top to bottom.
  4. Use separate cloths for the kitchen, washrooms and other rooms.
  5. Change the water or cleaning materials when they become dirty.
  6. Clean or wash reusable equipment after use.
  7. Finish by cleaning your hands.

It is also best to avoid using the same cloth on a toilet, kitchen countertop and office desk. Using separate cloths helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

6. Maintain Cleaning Equipment Properly

A poorly maintained cloth, mop or sponge can spread dirt instead of removing it.

After each cleaning session:

  • wash reusable cloths;
  • allow mops to dry completely;
  • clean buckets and accessories;
  • replace worn sponges;
  • dispose of single-use items properly;
  • store products in a dry and secure location.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends washing reusable cleaning items with soap or detergent and hot water while following the applicable care instructions.

7. Improve Indoor Ventilation

Surface cleaning is important, but some respiratory infections can also spread through particles in the air.

Good ventilation helps dilute and remove certain indoor contaminants. When it is safe and practical, you can:

  • open windows or doors;
  • use the ventilation system correctly;
  • maintain the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system;
  • replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
  • avoid blocking air intakes and vents;
  • use exhaust fans in kitchens and washrooms.

Health Canada states that ventilation can improve air quality by removing or diluting contaminants and introducing outdoor or filtered air. It should be combined with other preventive measures.

8. Practise Good Respiratory Etiquette

The following habits can help limit the spread of respiratory infections:

  • cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow;
  • discard used tissues immediately;
  • clean your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose;
  • avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
  • limit contact with others when you are sick;
  • wear a well-fitting mask when appropriate.

Current Canadian recommendations include staying home when sick, improving ventilation, washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes.

9. Strengthen Precautions When Someone Is Sick

When someone shows symptoms of a contagious infection, temporary additional precautions may be required.

Whenever possible:

  • limit close contact;
  • ventilate the rooms;
  • clean frequently touched surfaces more often;
  • avoid sharing towels, glasses and utensils;
  • wash used fabrics regularly;
  • wear gloves when required by the product or task;
  • wash your hands after removing gloves;
  • follow the recommendations of public health authorities.

Gloves never replace hand hygiene. They should be changed between different tasks to prevent contaminants from being transferred from one surface to another.

When symptoms are severe, persistent or concerning, consult a healthcare professional.

10. Create a Clear Cleaning Plan

For a business, retail space, office or residential building, a written plan makes it easier to maintain good practices.

The plan can identify:

  • the areas to be cleaned;
  • the surfaces to be disinfected;
  • the frequency of service;
  • the authorized products;
  • the equipment assigned to each area;
  • the person responsible;
  • the procedures to follow when someone is sick;
  • the waste-handling method;
  • daily, weekly and periodic tasks.

A simple cleaning log can also help confirm that important tasks have been completed.

The Role of a Professional Cleaning Service

Infection control involves more than simply applying a disinfectant. It requires an organized method, suitable products, clean equipment and careful attention to cross-contamination risks.

A professional cleaning service can help you:

  • establish a consistent routine;
  • clean high-traffic areas regularly;
  • maintain frequently touched surfaces;
  • adapt the cleaning frequency to traffic levels;
  • separate equipment used in different areas;
  • keep common spaces clean;
  • reduce the accumulation of dirt;
  • prepare a space after an illness or a particularly busy period.

It is important, however, to distinguish routine cleaning from specialized intervention. Situations involving hazardous biological materials, significant contamination or healthcare-specific requirements may require specially trained professionals and dedicated procedures.

Protect Your Spaces With Propre & Net Services

At Propre & Net Services, we provide cleaning services for homes, offices, businesses, short-term rentals and residential building common areas in Moncton and the surrounding areas.

We can create a customized cleaning checklist based on:

  • the type of space;
  • its size;
  • the level of traffic;
  • priority areas;
  • the desired cleaning frequency;
  • your specific needs.

Our goal is to help you maintain a clean, organized and welcoming environment through professional cleaning services adapted to your daily needs.

Request a Quote

Are you looking for professional cleaning services in Moncton or the surrounding areas?

Contact Propre & Net Services to discuss your needs and receive a customized quote.

Phone: 418-550-0997 / 506 922-0181
Email: propreetnetmenage@gmail.com

This article provides general information about hygiene and infection control. It does not replace advice from a healthcare professional or mandatory protocols applicable to medical facilities, daycare centres or other regulated environments.