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Tackling Facility Germ Hotspots




By Corinne Zudonyi, Editor-in-Chief

Speaking to facility managers and cleaning professionals, John LaRochelle, President of Lighthouse Environmental Infection Prevention, joins Corinne Zudonyi, Editor-in-Chief of CleanLink.com and its sister publications, to discuss hidden germ hotspots and floor hygiene in commercial facilities. An environmental infection prevention and facilities management expert, LaRochelle highlights how floors are among the most contaminated surfaces in buildings and play a major role in spreading pathogens throughout facilities.

Contaminants on floors quickly transfer to high-touch surfaces and occupants through airborne dust, foot traffic, personal items, and cleaning equipment and tools. Referencing research from Dr. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona and other studies, he notes that pathogens can spread to more than 60 percent of room surfaces and occupants within two days.

The main focus of the discussion was on the importance of proper floor care and cleaning procedures. LaRochelle stresses that cleaning must always occur before disinfecting because dirt and organic matter reduce disinfectant effectiveness. He warns that many facilities unintentionally spread contamination by skipping dry mopping, improperly laundering microfiber mops heads, or reusing contaminated cleaning equipment such as autoscrubbers and vacuum cleaners.

This session also explores disinfectant chemistry, including quat binding—where quaternary ammonium disinfectants lose effectiveness when absorbed into mops or cleaning cloths. LaRochelle advises cleaning teams to test disinfectant strength regularly and verify dwell times based on the targeted pathogens, like norovirus in schools or healthcare settings.

The conversation reinforces that floor care is not simply cosmetic but a critical component of infection prevention, occupant safety, and overall facility health. Listen to the full audio to learn more.

Corinne Zudonyi has been in the commercial cleaning industry for over 20 years and is proud to serve as Editor-in-Chief of Contracting Profits (the official publication of BSCAI), Facility Cleaning Decisions, and Sanitary Maintenance (the North American media partner of Interclean Amsterdam) magazines, publications that serve the professional cleaning industry. Additionally, Corinne manages CleanLink.com, the leading digital resource for the commercial cleaning industry, and she uses her industry knowledge to steer educational topics for Clean Buildings at NFMT East.
Corinne is the sole U.S. representative to serve on the international Interclean Amsterdam Innovation Jury, where she weighs in on product trends impacting commercial cleaning on a global scale. She also works closely with Healthy Green Schools & Colleges to advance healthy and sustainable cleaning in educational facilities. As a member of the CLEAN Awards Jury, through the Building Service Contractors Association International, Corinne also helps recognize cleaning contractors and their companies for outstanding service to the industry.
Corinne can commonly be found moderating industry panel discussions, presenting education, and focusing on bringing awareness and affirmation for the wonderful work that people do to keep facilities clean and building occupants safe and healthy.

Follow Corinne on LinkedIn here.


posted on 6/18/2026