Discretion comes first
People who call about mpox are often worried about privacy as much as cleaning. We keep conversations confidential, do not ask for medical details beyond what affects the work, and treat every household with the same respect.
The person who was ill, a family member, a landlord or a hotel manager may be the one who calls. We work with whoever is responsible for the space and follow any instructions they have received from a healthcare provider or the health department.
Products for emerging viral pathogens
EPA maintains List Q, a list of registered disinfectants for emerging viral pathogens. Under that program, products can carry claims against a newly emerging virus once EPA's criteria are met. We select a List Q product suited to the surfaces involved and follow its label directions and contact time.
As always, cleaning comes before disinfection, so soil and residues do not interfere with the product.
Handling linens and soft items
Bedding, towels and clothing used by the person who was ill get particular care. Gentle handling keeps material from being spread around the room.
- Linens are rolled and bagged without shaking
- Bags are sealed in the room before being carried out
- Laundering follows care labels, or items are discarded with your agreement
- Upholstered furniture is treated only with soft-surface labeled products, or covered items are removed
Wet methods, not dusting
Dry dusting, sweeping and vacuuming can stir up particles. We use damp wiping and wet cleaning for surfaces and floors in the affected areas, followed by disinfection.
The work typically covers the bedroom, bathroom and high-touch surfaces the person used, such as door handles, light switches, counters and electronics, along with any shared areas in the home or rental.
Floors in the affected rooms are damp-mopped rather than vacuumed. If carpet is involved, we discuss whether extraction with a labeled product, or removal, makes more sense for the room and the household. Rooms the person did not use are generally left alone unless you ask otherwise, which keeps the visit focused and shorter. When we finish, we can leave a written record of the areas treated and the product used.
Who we work with
We take mpox calls from individuals cleaning their own homes after an illness, from family members helping a relative, and from landlords, hotel managers, care facilities, other businesses, shelters and shared-housing operators. Each situation has its own concerns about privacy and timing.
For individuals, we arrange the visit at a time that suits you and keep the crew small. For property managers, we agree on access, which rooms are in scope and how the space will be returned to service, and we provide a brief written report afterward. For shelters and shared housing, we plan around residents so common areas stay usable while we work.
In every case, we follow whatever direction a healthcare provider or the health department has given the person responsible for the space.
What to do and who else to involve
Until we arrive, avoid shaking or sorting the person's linens, and keep others out of their room where practical. Questions about symptoms, vaccination, isolation and returning to work belong with a healthcare provider or the health department; we do not offer medical advice.
Hotels and property managers may also want to see our hotel and motel service or property management service. Calls are welcome from Nashville and anywhere in Middle Tennessee.