Proper disinfection is critical in helping prevent the spread of infection from employees, customers, or students in your facility.
Although it can be daunting to learn about product usage and information for several different disinfectants, it is an important task in making the right choice for your company’s unique needs.
In this blog post, Big Bend Water Technologies will explain how to choose the best cleaning disinfectant, so your company can thrive and remain healthy during this pandemic.
The Difference Between Disinfecting and Cleaning
COVID-19 has caused businesses everywhere to reevaluate their cleaning processes. Now, with flu season slowly approaching more people are asking – “Is there a difference between cleaning surfaces and disinfecting them?” The answer is, yes.
While cleaning is helpful in lowering the risk of infection, it only removes germs and dirt from surfaces. Proper disinfection is a practice that kills bacteria with chemicals.
To lower the risk of infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends both cleaning and disinfecting your facility regularly. This includes first washing your surfaces with water and soap, and then using disinfectants.
Keep in mind some surfaces are more commonly used than others. As a result, it is important to create sanitization stations around these areas for more frequent disinfecting.
Commonly used areas and surfaces include:
- Doorknobs
- Chairs
- Light switches
- Sinks
- Toilets
How to Choose the Right Disinfectant
There are several different types of disinfectants to consider for your facility. First and foremost, it is important the disinfectant is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
When a product is EPA-registered, it has been tested and qualified to use against the spread of COVID-19 and other hard-to-kill viruses. Using an EPA-registered disinfectant is the best layer of protection for your organization.
Next, when choosing the right disinfectant, think about the unique needs of your facility. For example, a hospital may require a disinfectant that kills germs in 30-seconds, while a school may be more focused on using products that are non-toxic. Each organization is different; therefore, it is helpful to assess what is most suitable for your type of employees, customers, or students.
Another factor for choosing the right disinfectant for your facility is its ease of use. For example, some disinfectants ask that people rinse or wipe down a surface after using the product. This can be more time-consuming compared to other disinfectants that do not require this additional step.
Pro Tip: Remember to take any necessary safety precautions!
Please remember to wear reusable or disposable gloves when disinfecting your facility with products that mostly contain bleach. Doing so helps protect your skin from harsh chemicals used in the products. When you are done disinfecting your surfaces, simply throw away the gloves (if disposable) and wash your hands.
Additionally, the CDC recommends proper ventilation when using any disinfectants containing bleach.