6 Steps on how to use disinfectants effectively

Surface disinfection is, along with good hand hygiene, one of the cornerstones of infection prevention. Keeping a surface clean and free from pathogens helps to break the chain of infection but, as with any cleaning process, it is important to plan and have all the necessary tools, equipment, and chemicals required before starting. Diversey, a leading provider of hygiene, infection prevention and cleaning solutions shares six specific recommendations for the use of disinfectants.

1. Only use registered products Each country will have a strict process to test, approve and register disinfectants. Using a disinfectant approved by the Government or its appointed agency will ensure the product meets specific criteria for effective performance in its designated settings and applications. For example, disinfectants that meet the requirements of the European EN 14476 standard (either fully virucidal or limited virucidal or effective against Vaccinia virus) are effective against enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

2. Consider one-step cleaner disinfectants With traditional two-step disinfection, staff must always clean the surface before they can use a disinfectant. Modern formulations now allow surfaces with light-to-moderate soiling to be cleaned and disinfected in a single pass. These combined cleaner disinfectants are known as one-step products and they are tested in the presence of organic soil to ensure that they will perform as expected. However, surfaces with heavy soiling must still be pre-cleaned before using any disinfectant.

3. Follow label directions All disinfectants must be used in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines and the directions on the label. These directions include approved application methods, the correct contact time, and correct dilution of concentrated products. Failing to follow these instructions is against the law in many countries.

4. Dilute accurately The product label on a dilutable product will specify how much water must be added to achieve the correct dilution for effective disinfection. Using the wrong dilution can make the disinfectant ineffective and increase health and safety risks associated with using it.

5. Ensure correct contact time The product label will specify how long the product must remain wet on the surface (known as the contact time) to ensure that disinfection is effective. If the surface dries sooner than the contact time, there is no guarantee that the product has killed the pathogens claimed on the label.

6. Follow health and safety considerations The product label and SDS (safety data sheet) always include relevant health and safety information on how to use the disinfectant. Staff should always read the label and the SDS before using the product and follow all the instructions. If any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required, this will be explained on the SDS and possibly the product label. When PPE is required, staff must use the appropriate items to comply with regulations and avoid the risk of personal injury.

Diversey’s mission is to protect and care forpeople through leading hygiene, infection prevention, and cleaning solutions. For more information, visit www.diversey.com