As temperatures drop and the winter months set in, cold and flu season becomes a real concern for every type of facility—from office buildings and schools to manufacturing plants, restaurants, and healthcare environments. While viruses are a part of seasonal life, the good news is that facility managers can dramatically reduce the risk of illness with the right combination of hand hygiene, surface cleaning, and high-quality away-from-home (AFH) professional products.
Here’s how your cleaning and maintenance strategy can help keep staff, guests, and customers safe this season.
1. Hand Washing: Still the Most Effective Defense
Proper hand washing remains one of the most reliable ways to stop the spread of cold and flu viruses. According to the CDC, regular hand washing can reduce respiratory illnesses by up to 20%. But in busy facilities, access and availability matter just as much as personal habits.
Tips to Encourage Better Hand Hygiene:
- Place dispensers where people need them most: entrances, restrooms, break rooms, cafeterias, near time clocks, and high-traffic work areas.
- Choose the right format: foam, liquid, or gel soaps based on preference and dispenser compatibility.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) in locations where hand washing isn’t practical.
- Keep dispensers stocked and functioning—empty units send the wrong message.
2. The Right Professional Products Make All the Difference
The right products are more than just soap and paper. They’re the backbone of a facility’s hygiene system, especially when viruses are circulating.
Key Categories for Cold & Flu Season:
Hand Soap & Sanitizer Systems
- Bulk-fill or sealed cartridge systems
- Foam, gel, and liquid formulas
- Choose products with proper efficacy
Paper Towels
- Roll towels, folded towels, and high-capacity dispensing systems
- Studies show paper towels remove more germs than air dryers
Tissue & Facial Tissues
- Soft, high-absorbency facial tissue helps reduce contamination from sneezes and coughs
Gloves & PPE
- Disposable gloves for cleaning staff and foodservice teams. Options include nitrile, latex, vinyl, and TPE
- Utilize masks when and where appropriate
Wipers
- Disposable wipers, microfiber cloths, and specialty wipes for sanitation tasks
Choosing high-quality products from Murphy Supply not only improves hygiene but also reduces waste, cuts down on dispenser refills, and improves the overall facility experience.
3. Surface Cleaning: The Unsung Hero of Infection Prevention
Viruses like influenza and RSV can live on hard surfaces for hours—or even days. Regular surface cleaning and disinfection is essential for reducing transmission.
Focus on High-Touch Hotspots:
- Door handles and push plates
- Light switches
- Desktops and workstations
- Breakroom tables
- Elevator buttons
- Faucet handles and restroom dispensers
- Shared equipment (phones, remotes, keyboards, pallet jacks, tools)
Effective Cleaning & Disinfection Strategy:
- Clean first, then disinfect—dirt and grime reduce a disinfectant’s effectiveness.
- Use EPA-registered disinfectants proven to kill cold and flu viruses.
- Follow dwell times—the surface must stay visibly wet for the product to work.
- Train staff to use fresh cloths or color-coding to avoid cross-contamination.
A consistent surface cleaning program not only reduces sick days but also promotes confidence among visitors and employees.
Protecting Your Facility Starts With the Right Supplies
Cold and flu season doesn’t have to disrupt productivity. With the right cleaning supplies—soap and sanitizer systems, paper products, chemical cleaners, disinfectants, wipers, PPE, and floor-to-ceiling cleaning tools—your facility can stay healthier, safer, and better prepared all winter long.
If you need help choosing the best products for your building, the Murphy team is here to guide you. We offer expert recommendations, in-person training, and a full line of away from home cleaning solutions designed to keep your facility clean, safe, and running smoothly all season long.
