As the COVID-19 pandemic impacts us all, many businesses are scrambling to effectively disinfect their workplaces. Especially challenging is the disinfecting of soft goods such as chairs and carpets without causing fabric damage. Fortunately, not only is Fiber Protector by Mafi a recognized COVID-19 disinfectant (the carrying agent for Fiber Protector solvent base is 99.9% high grade isopropyl alcohol), but it is one of the only disinfectants that is also safe for use on all types of fibers, textiles and leather.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is a respiratory illness and is related to MERS and SARS, both coronaviruses.

The COVID-19 virus is now a named global pandemic. Its impact on both private and commercial indoor environments and the need to have them cleaned, disinfected and protected have become top of mind issues.

There is still much to learn about the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. What is currently known is that it is spread from person to person and happens most frequently from close contact. While the transmission of COVID-19 to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented, current evidence suggests that COVID-19 may remain viable for many hours on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in both private and commercial indoor environments.

The CDC’s recommended approach is a two-step process employing known, best practice cleaning systems and then the application of recognized disinfecting agent.

“Surfaces should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.” CDC website March 20th 2020.

While cleaning alone does not kill germs it does lower their number so any COVID-19 motivated response should start with the employment of a thorough cleaning process. Soft surfaces should be cleaned utilizing systems and techniques approved by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration as well as suggested procedures from manufacturers.

Disinfecting of surfaces can be accomplished using CDC recognized chemicals to kill germs. While this can be accomplished straightforwardly on hard surface areas, disinfecting soft goods without causing damage to them can be challenging. (Think spraying bleach on a silk sofa!) There are products specifically design for applying in a leave-behind application but the vast majority of these are water based and can cause damage to certain fabrics. (Especially natural textiles and leather.)

1. 1. The carrying agent for Fiber Protector solvent base (99.9% high grade isopropyl alcohol) is a Center for Disease Control recognized disinfectant. The Center for Disease Control suggests that surfaces be treated with a disinfectant containing at least 70% alcohol and allowed a dwell time of at least three minutes. Fiber protector solvent base is 91% alcohol and if applied following recommended application technique will result in a 4 to 8 minute dwell time.
   2. Fiber Protector solvent base is safe for use on all types of fibers, textiles and leather. (Again, most known disinfectant agents can cause damage to certain types of textiles and fibers.) Our WoolSafe and CleanSeal approved product will not change the look and feel of the surface it’s applied to. It has been used on the finest silk drapes, investment quality rugs and the most expensive leather furnishings in the world.
   3. Fiber Protector has been proven via third party testing to create a bacteriostatic environment on treated textile/fabric/leather surfaces. A bacteriostatic environment inhibits the growth or reproduction of bacteria, mold and viruses. The bacteriostatic environment benefit has a broader impact to overall healthy indoor environment above and beyond the immediate related COVID-19 cleaning/disinfecting.
      The following link will take you to our test results and documentation page where you can find verification for many of our unique performance characteristics: fpmafi.com/fiber-protector-test-results-and-documentation
   4. Unlike traditional disinfectant agents, Fiber Protector will provide superior stain and soil protection to the surfaces it is applied to. The added benefit of fabrics and textiles having a clean, unstained appearance will help project an overall feeling of cleanliness and wellbeing. No other disinfectant agent has the ability to provide this added level of performance that will pay tangible aesthetic value to your COVID_19 related cleaning disinfecting service for years to come.

   Click here to learn more about Fiber Protector by Mafi.