Disinfection for commercial premises

Cleaning or disinfection: assess the need

Disinfection complements cleaning when an identified risk warrants it. It is not automatic and does not keep premises permanently sterile. Product selection depends on the target micro-organisms, surfaces and application method.

Prepare a useful quote request

Gather the following information to distinguish routine cleaning, a one-off intervention and a problem that needs a different response.

• Premises and activity: town, office or business use, approximate floor area and number of affected rooms.
• Observed situation: reason for the request, date noticed and affected areas. An odour alone does not identify contamination.
• Current condition: clutter, cleaning already completed, delicate materials and equipment to protect.
• Organisation: occupancy hours, access, available ventilation and an on-site contact.
• Expected scope: rooms included, cleaning requested, reopening constraints and documents needed.

Products, application and re-entry

Technical and safety data sheets specify operating conditions, including concentration, contact time, compatibility and precautions. Airborne surface disinfection is not air disinfection and does not replace surface preparation.

Inhaling ozone can be hazardous. Ventilation and re-entry conditions must be defined for the selected process before work starts. There is no universal two-hour reopening rule or guarantee that a room has been sterilised.

Price: compare the same scope

A price per square metre alone does not describe the service. Ask for a quote specifying the areas treated, whether cleaning is included, protection measures, access constraints, possible additional visits and the applicable total. No fixed price is quoted here without assessing the need.

Before accepting, clarify who prepares the rooms, who checks that they are ready for use after treatment and who receives the instructions. A record of intervention describes the work performed; it does not guarantee the absence of future contamination.

Frequently asked questions

Can people remain on the premises during treatment?

Do not assume so. Confirm which areas must be vacated, access conditions and when work can resume before arranging for employees or the public to be present.

Should every office automatically be disinfected?

No. The need depends on the situation and risk assessment. Routine cleaning still needs to be organised.

Technical reference: INRS, Cleaning in the workplace (French), updated 14 September 2023, consulted 12 October 2026.