Keeping a workplace clean has always mattered—but for businesses in Columbia, SC, the stakes are higher than ever. Whether you manage an office, medical facility, industrial site, school, or retail property, maintaining a healthy environment is no longer optional. It’s an expectation from employees, customers, and regulators alike.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers extensive guidance to help organizations reduce illness transmission and maintain healthier workplaces. These guidelines influence everything from routine cleaning to disinfection strategies, risk assessments, and facility management decisions.

In this in-depth guide, we break down the most important CDC office cleaning guidelines and explain what they mean for Columbia-area businesses. More importantly, we show how partnering with Assett Commercial Services—a trusted provider of Commercial Cleaning Services and Janitorial Services—helps ensure your facility remains compliant, safe, and consistently well maintained.

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Why CDC Cleaning Guidelines Matter for Businesses in Columbia, SC

Columbia is home to diverse industries—state government offices, corporate headquarters, educational institutions, medical facilities, industrial operations, and small businesses. Regardless of size or sector, every business faces similar challenges:

• Employee health expectations have risen

• Customers want visible cleanliness and safety

• Reduced absenteeism is a financial priority

• Facilities must comply with evolving regulations

• Businesses need a documented, reliable cleaning strategy

The CDC’s guidelines exist to help organizations:

• Minimize the spread of viruses and bacteria

• Establish consistent cleaning routines

• Identify high-touch surfaces requiring frequent attention

• Implement proper product usage and disinfecting procedures

• Make informed decisions about staffing and service providers

These guidelines don’t just apply during outbreaks—they represent the new standard for responsible facility management.

Assett Commercial Services follows these CDC recommendations closely when designing cleaning programs for Columbia businesses. This gives facility managers confidence that industry best practices are being applied every day.

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Understanding Key CDC Office Cleaning Terms

Before diving into procedures, the CDC emphasizes clarity around three essential activities:

1. Cleaning

Cleaning removes dirt, dust, and impurities from surfaces.
It does not kill germs, but it reduces the number of contaminants and makes it easier for disinfectants to work properly.

2. Sanitizing

Sanitizing reduces germs to safer levels based on public health standards.

3. Disinfecting

Disinfecting uses EPA-approved chemicals to kill pathogens on surfaces.
This is critical in high-touch and high-risk environments.

A proper cleaning program includes the strategic use of all three—not just one.

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CDC Recommendations for Routine Office Cleaning

The CDC outlines several best practices every Columbia business should follow.

Establish a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Offices should be cleaned at a consistent frequency based on:

• Number of employees

• Foot traffic

• Type of work performed

• Presence of customers

• Regulatory expectations

For most workplaces, the CDC recommends daily cleaning or more frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.

Assett Commercial Services designs customized schedules for each facility to ensure the appropriate level of care—no wasted budget and no gaps in coverage.

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Identify High-Touch Surfaces

According to the CDC, these areas require frequent cleaning and disinfecting:

• Door handles

• Light switches

• Elevator buttons

• Conference tables

• Breakroom areas

• Restroom fixtures

• Desks and shared workstations

• Keyboards and mice

• Railings

• Copy machine touchpads

• Kitchen appliances

Because high-touch areas can vary from building to building, Assett Commercial Services conducts on-site walkthroughs to map out these surfaces and prioritize them in your Janitorial Services plan.

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Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants

The CDC recommends using disinfectants found on the EPA List N, which includes products proven effective against viruses and bacteria. These products must be:

• Used according to manufacturer instructions

• Given appropriate dwell times

• Applied with proper safety measures

Trained cleaning technicians know how to apply these chemicals correctly. Improper usage—such as wiping too quickly or using the wrong concentration—dramatically reduces effectiveness.

Assett Commercial Services uses EPA-approved disinfectants, follows correct dwell times, and ensures technicians are trained on all safety protocols.

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Ensure Proper Ventilation During Cleaning

The CDC highlights ventilation as a key component of indoor health. Better airflow can help reduce airborne contaminants.

Recommendations include:

• Running HVAC systems consistently

• Ensuring filters are maintained

• Allowing fresh air intake where possible

• Using air purifiers in areas with limited ventilation

While cleaning companies cannot redesign HVAC systems, they can schedule tasks at times that reduce exposure and improve safety—something Assett Commercial Services integrates into its service plans.

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CDC Guidelines for Offices With Suspected Illness Exposure

If someone in the workplace becomes ill, the CDC outlines specific steps to follow.

1. Close Off the Area Used by the Sick Individual

CDC guidelines recommend restricting access to the affected areas until proper cleaning and disinfection can take place.

2. Increase Ventilation

Opening windows or increasing airflow helps remove airborne particles.

3. Wait Before Cleaning

If possible, wait several hours before cleaning the affected space.
This reduces the risk of airborne virus exposure for cleaning staff.

4. Clean First, Then Disinfect Thoroughly

All surfaces in the area must be:

• Cleaned with detergent or soap

• Disinfected with EPA-approved products

Trained professionals ensure this process is handled correctly.
Assett Commercial Services technicians follow CDC protocols to treat potentially contaminated areas safely and thoroughly.

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Special CDC Considerations for High-Risk Facilities

Certain environments carry higher risks and require stricter cleaning protocols. In Columbia, high-risk facilities include:

• Medical buildings

• Senior care centers

• Schools and universities

• Government offices

• Manufacturing plants

• Food production areas

The CDC provides additional guidelines for these locations, such as:

Enhanced Disinfection Frequency

More frequent attention paid to:

• Restrooms

• Cafeterias and breakrooms

• Shared equipment

• Reception and waiting areas

Documentation and Reporting

Facilities may need:

• Cleaning logs

• Disinfection schedules

• Product usage documentation

PPE Requirements

Depending on exposure risk, CDC guidelines may require:

• Gloves

• Masks

• Eye protection

• Additional training

Assett Commercial Services provides specialized Commercial Cleaning Services for all these environments. Their teams are trained to handle compliance-heavy facilities where documentation, consistency, and safety protocols matter.

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CDC Cleaning Guidelines for Restrooms

Restrooms are among the highest-risk spaces in any office. CDC recommendations include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting multiple times per day

• Paying extra attention to sinks, faucets, toilet handles, and soap dispensers

• Ensuring supplies (soap, paper towels, toilet tissue) are always stocked

• Using products safe for restroom surfaces but strong enough for pathogens

A well-managed restroom significantly improves employee satisfaction and reduces illness transmission.

Assett Commercial Services provides structured restroom cleaning procedures to ensure nothing is missed.

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CDC Guidelines for Breakrooms and Kitchens

Columbia workplaces often rely heavily on breakrooms, making them a hotspot for germs.

The CDC recommends:

• Daily disinfection of tables and counters

• Frequent attention to appliance handles and buttons

• Proper cleaning of coffee machines, microwaves, and refrigerators

• Ensuring hand soap and paper towels remain stocked

• Sanitizing sinks and faucets

Breakrooms should never be left unattended in a cleaning plan.
Assett Commercial Services includes thorough breakroom cleaning in all Janitorial Services programs.

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CDC Recommendations for Office Carpets and Floors

While carpets and floors don’t host pathogens the same way hard surfaces do, they still require routine cleaning.

CDC guidelines recommend:

• Routine vacuuming with HEPA filters

• Spot cleaning spills immediately

• Deep cleaning carpets on a regular schedule

• Mopping hard floors daily

• Using neutral cleaners to protect surface finishes

• Avoiding harsh chemicals unless specifically needed

Assett’s commercial floor care programs ensure Columbia businesses maintain professional, safe walking surfaces.

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CDC Guidance on Cleaning Shared Technology

Modern offices use shared technology daily. The CDC recommends disinfecting:

• Keyboards

• Computer mice

• Touchscreens

• Desk phones

• Printers and copiers

• Conference room AV equipment

These areas accumulate bacteria quickly and require proper disinfection techniques to avoid damaging equipment.

Assett’s teams use approved cleaning materials designed for sensitive electronics.

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Implementing a CDC-Compliant Cleaning Plan in Columbia, SC

Businesses often struggle to balance internal staffing with the level of cleaning the CDC recommends. In-house teams face challenges such as:

• Limited training

• Fluctuating workloads

• Inconsistent coverage

• High turnover

• Lack of specialized equipment

• Difficulty maintaining cleaning logs

This is why many Columbia businesses turn to Assett Commercial Services. Their cleaning programs are designed to meet or exceed CDC guidelines while offering consistent, professional, and documented results.

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How Assett Commercial Services Ensures CDC Compliance

Here’s how Assett builds a reliable, CDC-aligned cleaning plan:

1. On-Site Assessment

A walkthrough identifies:

• High-touch surfaces

• Facility traffic patterns

• Industry-specific needs

• Restroom and kitchen requirements

• Floor care challenges

2. Customized Service Plan

No two buildings are the same.
Assett tailors its Commercial Cleaning Services to each facility.

3. EPA-Approved Products

Assett uses disinfectants recommended by the CDC and EPA.

4. Trained Cleaning Technicians

Technicians receive:

• CDC protocol training

• Safety and chemical handling guidance

• Documentation procedures

• Equipment usage training

5. Quality Control Systems

Supervisors use checklists, audits, and inspection tools to ensure consistency.

6. Flexible Scheduling

Services are offered:

• Daily

• Weekly

• Nightly

• During or after business hours

7. Special Services as Needed

Including:

• Disinfection services

• Electrostatic spraying

• Deep cleaning

• Carpet extraction

• Hard floor care

Assett ensures that every aspect of your building aligns with CDC cleaning best practices.

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Benefits of CDC-Compliant Cleaning for Columbia Businesses

A workplace that follows CDC guidelines experiences measurable advantages:

Reduced Illness and Absenteeism

Cleaner environments mean healthier teams.

Higher Employee Satisfaction

Employees trust employers who invest in cleanliness.

Greater Customer Confidence

A visibly clean facility strengthens brand perception.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Fewer disruptions from illness lead to smoother business operations.

Compliance with Standards

Facilities avoid potential issues with inspections or audits.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Enhanced cleaning and ventilation contribute to healthier air.

Partnering with Assett Commercial Services gives your business these benefits daily—without needing to train, hire, or manage an internal cleaning team.

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Why Assett Commercial Services Is the Best Cleaning Partner for Columbia, SC Businesses

Columbia businesses need cleaning providers who understand:

• CDC guidelines

• Industry-specific compliance needs

• The importance of reliability

• The complexity of managing facility schedules

• The impact of cleanliness on staff morale and customer perception

Assett Commercial Services stands out because:

• They specialize in Commercial Cleaning Services and Janitorial Services

• They offer multi-industry expertise

• They provide consistent, documented results

• Their technicians are trained in CDC-aligned procedures

• Their services are customizable and scalable

• Their leadership is committed to quality and accountability

When cleanliness matters—and when liability matters—choosing the right cleaning partner makes all the difference.

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Protect Your Facility With CDC-Aligned Cleaning From Assett Commercial Services

CDC cleaning guidelines are now part of the standard expectations in every modern workplace. For Columbia, SC businesses, these guidelines help reduce illness, support employee well-being, and create safer, more professional facilities.

But implementing them consistently requires expertise, training, and reliable systems.

Assett Commercial Services delivers CDC-compliant Commercial Cleaning Services and Janitorial Services that keep your facility safe, healthy, and operating at its best. Whether you run an office, school, medical building, industrial facility, or retail location, Assett provides the structure and quality your business deserves.

If you want a cleaner, healthier, and more reliable workplace, contact Assett Commercial Services today to request your customized cleaning plan.

Let their team take the guesswork out of CDC compliance—so you can focus on running your business.