Finishes and upholsteries have always played an important role in the aesthetics of a space. With today’s need of keeping surfaces free of germs and bacteria, cleanability is now just as important.
KI’s comprehensive approach to product maintenance includes ongoing research. During this time of global pandemic, KI has taken action to ensure our care and maintenance protocols are aligned with CDC cleaning and disinfecting guidelines. Following are KI’s guidelines, which are acceptable for mitigating infection and maintaining the appearance, finish and function of your products.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting - Defining the Difference:
In today's environment, it's good to remind ourselves of the difference between cleaning and disinfecting.
Cleaning - to remove dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs, but by removing germs, it decreases their number and therefore the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting - to kill germs on surfaces or objects by using chemicals, for example EPA-registered disinfectants. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces the risk of spreading infection.
It is also imperative to understand the difference between cleaning agents and EPA-registered disinfectants that are proven to kill viruses similar to COVID-19. To confirm your cleaning agent is EPA-registered, visit epa.gov/listn and search for the registration numbers found on the cleaning product packaging.
All About Antimicrobials
Antimicrobial - an agent that is toxic to microorganisms and inhibits microorganism growth or action. The main types of antimicrobial agents are disinfectants (such as bleach), which kill a wide range of microbes on non-living surfaces to prevent the spread of illness.
As consumers prioritize health and safety, the term antimicrobial has become a popular term in product advertising. However, products with antimicrobrial properties have not been proven to combat viruses such as COVID-19. If your product has antimicrobrial properties, it still needs to be properly cleaned.
KI and Pallas currently have limited products with antimicrobrial properties.
Important Notes About Cleaning and Disinfecting:
We recommend testing cleaners and disinfectants on an inconspicuous area before proceeding and always finish with a clean rinse of water and dry with a soft cloth. Residue left by a cleaning agent may degrade surfaces and affect the warranty.
Cleaning information is not a guarantee and does not relieve the user from the responsibility of the proper and safe use of the product and all cleaning agents. The use of certain cleaning agents can be harmful to the surface appearance and lifespan of surfaces. KI assumes no responsibility resulting from the use of such cleaning agents.
Guidelines
Hard Surface Materials
Acrylic
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Use a mild solution of water and detergent. Always rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth. |
Use a bleach solution with a ratio of five tablespoons bleach (1/3 cup) to one gallon of water or four teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Uniformly spray the solution as a mist and wipe off the surface moisture to help spread the bleach solution. Always finish by rinsing with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Alternative approved disinfectants:
Disapproved disinfectants:
NOTE: For some healthcare-specific applications requiring a more concentrated bleach solution, a 10:1 water to bleach ratio can be used. |
Laminate Molded Plastic/Edges, Powdercoat Paint/Chrome
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Use a mild solution of water and detergent. Always rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth. |
Use a bleach solution with a ratio of five tablespoons bleach (1/3 cup) to one gallon of water or four teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Uniformly spray the solution as a mist and then wipe off the surface moisture to help spread the bleach solution. Always finish by rinsing with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Alternative approved disinfectants:
NOTE: For some healthcare-specific applications requiring a more concentrated bleach solution, a 10:1 water to bleach ratio can be used. |
Glass
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Use Windex® Original Glass Cleaner. |
Use a bleach solution with a ratio of five tablespoons bleach (1/3 cup) to one gallon of water or four teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Uniformly spray the solution as a mist and then wipe off the surface moisture to help spread the bleach solution. Always finish by rinsing with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Alternative approved disinfectants:
NOTE: For some healthcare-specific applications requiring a more concentrated bleach solution, a 10:1 water to bleach ratio can be used. |
Wood (Solid & Veneer)
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth and wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Dry immediately with a dry, clean, lint-free cloth. |
Use a bleach solution with a ratio of five tablespoons bleach (1/3 cup) to one gallon of water or four teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Uniformly spray the solution as a mist and then wipe off the surface moisture to help spread the bleach solution. Always finish by rinsing with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Alternative approved disinfectants:
NOTE: For some healthcare-specific applications requiring a more concentrated bleach solution, a 10:1 water to bleach ratio can be used. |
Dry Erase Acrylic or Laminate
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Use a mild solution of water and detergent. Always rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth. Difficult stains can be removed with whiteboard-specific cleaners such as Quartet® and Expo®. |
The use of disinfectants may deteriorate the surface of markerboard, causing the marker ink to embed into the surface (known as ghosting). KI cannot warrant nor assume responsibility for surface degradation resulting from the use of cleaning agents. Cleaning with a mild detergent and water mixture, followed by a clean water rinse will help reduce germs, dirt and impurities. |
Soft Surface Materials
Woven
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Find your fabric’s cleaning code here. Follow cleaning instructions by cleaning code. |
KI Fabrics - Use Lysol® All-purpose Spray Cleaner (EPA 777-99). Uniformly apply the solution and wipe off the surface moisture to help spread the solution. Always finish by rinsing with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Pallas Fabrics - For disinfecting guidelines please refer to Pallas Textiles Disinfecting Guide. |
Vinyl, Polyurethane and Silicone
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Use a soft cloth with a 10:1 solution of water and household liquid dish soap, then clear water rinse with a dampened cloth. Moderate scrubbing with a soft brush will help loosen soiling materials from the depressions of embossed surfaces. |
KI Fabrics - Use a bleach solution with a ratio of five tablespoons bleach (1/3 cup) to one gallon of water or four teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Uniformly spray the solution as a mist and wipe off the surface moisture to help spread the bleach solution. Always finish by rinsing with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Alternative approved disinfectants:
NOTE: For some healthcare-specific applications requiring a more concentrated bleach solution, a 10:1 water to bleach ratio can be used. Pallas Fabrics - For disinfecting guidelines please refer to Pallas Textiles Disinfecting Guide. |
Mesh
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Use a soft bristle brush to loosen surface dirt then vacuum or use compressed air to remove loosened dirt and dust. Apply a mild detergent solution if needed. |
KI Fabrics - Use a bleach solution with a ratio of five tablespoons bleach (1/3 cup) to one gallon of water or four teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Uniformly spray the solution as a mist and wipe off the surface moisture to help spread the bleach solution. Always finish by rinsing with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Alternative approved disinfectants:
NOTE: For some healthcare-specific applications requiring a more concentrated bleach solution, a 10:1 water to bleach ratio can be used. Pallas Fabrics - For disinfecting guidelines please refer to Pallas Textiles Disinfecting Guide. |
Felt (PET)
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Regular vacuuming or light brushing is recommended to prevent dust and soil buildup. |
Use a bleach solution with a ratio of five tablespoons bleach (1/3 cup) to one gallon of water or four teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Uniformly spray the solution as a mist and wipe off the surface moisture to help spread the bleach solution. Always finish by rinsing with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. |
Leather
| Cleaning Guidelines | Disinfecting Guidelines |
|---|---|
|
Dust with a soft, clean cloth. Remove dirt by wiping with a clean dampened cloth, then dry with a soft wool cloth. Allow to dry thoroughly. Do not use Saddle soap or Ivory® soap and water solutions on leather. |
Not recommended. |
*Click here to read full care and maintenance guidelines.
Resources
The following resources are available if you need additional information regarding disinfecting or cleaning your products:
KI Customer Service 1.800.424.2432
Pallas Textiles Customer Service 1.800.472.5527