Do you disinfect surfaces? Make sure you’re doing it right
To ensure that disinfection has the desired germ-killing effect, it must be performed in accordance with the recommended guidelines. What should you pay particular attention to?
The most common mistake that can occur when disinfecting surfaces is insufficient contact time between the surface and the solution, which is necessary to achieve the bactericidal effect. Before proceeding with disinfection, you should therefore carefully review the instructions on the product label. The optimal duration for the surface to remain in contact with the solution is always specified—for professional disinfectants, this should be 30–60 seconds. The appropriate amount of liquid is also important. The surface should remain damp for the entire recommended duration of disinfection—afterward, it can be wiped dry or left to air dry.
Some disinfectants also have cleaning properties—they emulsify dirt and can be used for simultaneous cleaning and disinfection. Nevertheless, it is advisable to wash the countertop before disinfecting it, except in situations where the countertop is potentially contaminated, e.g., with eggs (i.e., Salmonella), or poultry meat (i.e., Campylobacter). In such cases, it is better to spray the surface, wait until the germs are neutralized, and then wash the countertop as usual.
The surface disinfectant should be applied with a clean sponge, cloth, or preferably a disposable paper towel. However, the best method of application is simply an aerosol—spray the surface as thoroughly as possible and wait for the substance to take effect. After disinfecting items such as cutting boards or other objects that come into contact with food, it is recommended to rinse them with drinking water.
