Using disinfectants correctly to control cross-contamination

Disinfection, or the reduction and destruction of pathogens and microorganisms, is an important step in any cleaning program. However, cleaning and disinfection are two different processes. While common areas usually call for daily or regular cleaning, it is typically areas that pose more health risk — such as restrooms and cafeteria areas — that are also disinfected on a daily basis. However, recent superbug scares have reminded cleaning departments and companies how important disinfection of touch points such as door handles can be.

In order to disinfect, an area must first be cleaned properly. Most disinfectants carry a dwell time, allowing them to sit on surfaces and kill the microorganisms for a number of minutes before drying or being wiped off. This ensures that the product has a kill rate equal to what it claims.