There are often a lot of questions and queries surrounding the processes of cleaning and disinfection; which products to use, how often it needs to be done, what areas require disinfection and the proper methods for disinfecting. To begin however, it is important to understand the differences between these two processes.
According to the USDA (2020), cleaning and disinfection involves the use of physical or chemical processes to reduce, remove, inactivate or destroy various pathogenic microorganisms. These processes are crucial in managing the spread or transfer of hazardous germs and bacteria.
Cleaning versus Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfecting achieve two distinct objectives; and each plays a fundamental role in providing your family, friends or clientele with a clean and safe environment to interact in. Cleaning refers to the process of removing all dirt and grime from a surface with the use of appropriate detergent chemicals. It is imperative that one conducts a thorough cleanse of a surface prior to disinfection as it removes all unwanted organic matter. This removal of all dust, dirt and debris prepares the relevant surfaces and equipment for disinfection. With this said however, most pathogens can survive or persist on surfaces and equipment for an extended period of time. These surfaces can thereby be a continuous source of transmission of harmful organisms if no regular surface disinfection is performed. This is where the process of disinfection comes into play.
Disinfection is the process of destroying or killing most disease-causing germs, microbes or bacteria that remain on a surface after cleaning. Disinfectant chemicals and products are therefore utilised in order to remove these excess microorganisms that are still present on the surface. Whether you are running a private household, or a full-functioning public establishment, the process of thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment will allow you to feel confident that they are offering a clean, and germ-free environment for others.
When should I perform disinfection?
When deciding where and when one should disinfect spaces, health regulations established by government, regulatory agencies or infection prevention teams should be considered. As Hicks (2012) explains, common sense dictates that high touch or high point surfaces should be routinely disinfected For example, tables, chairs, telephones, toilet seats, sink faucets, food preparation surfaces. This suggests that wherever there is high foot traffic, or a potential for infection due to blood or other bodily fluids, disinfection should be performed.
While generic household bleaches can be diluted with water, and are considered relatively inexpensive disinfectants, it is important to make use of the right products in order to achieve optimal hygiene and sanitation for your environment. Chemstrat offers a wide range of disinfectant products trusted for both private and commercial environments.
Disinfectants offered by Chemstrat
Bluey – an all-purpose disinfectant
Pinesuper – ideal for sanitising bathrooms, drains and change rooms
Germaway – powerful deodoriser for the effective use in hopstials, clinics and bathrooms
Blacksol – Deodorizer with a strong phenolic odour. Designed to eliminate odours in bins & drains.
Spray ‘n Wipe – spray n Wipe is a cleaner disinfect that removes grease, grime and dirt from tables, counters and kitchen equipment.
Pinegel – an excellent deodoriser and disinfectant with a strong pine odour
Porocid E – Highly concentrated deodoriser multi-purpose cleaner with a lasting fragrance. Ideal for removing lime scale in toilets, urinals, basins and showers.
Portaloo – a highly concentrated deodoriser used to disinfect portable toilet facilities