To confuse matters even more, products can often be a combination of two of the above. In short … sanitizers reduce bacteria on a surface by at least Got it? Sanitizers and disinfectants are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency EPA and therefore, must be certified through a process that tests them to meet certain pre-defined criteria.
By law, a chemical product cannot be labeled as a sanitizer or a disinfectant unless and until it is EPA certified. A chemical company like Nyco might register a formula as both, enabling that product to be called a Disinfectant-Sanitizer. Both sanitizers and disinfectants must be tested against specific germs. Chemical labels must list out each of these germs individually. One disinfectant could kill germs X and Y while another disinfectant might kill germs Y and Z.
Sanitizers are certified for bacteria only, while disinfectants can also be certified to kill viruses, mold, mildew, and fungi. Some chemical formulas kill respective germs in 5 minutes and others in just one minute or less. If a surface is not visibly dirty, you can clean it with an EPA-registered product that both cleans removes germs and disinfects kills germs instead.
Be sure to read the label directions carefully, as there may be a separate procedure for using the product as a cleaner or as a disinfectant. Disinfection usually requires the product to remain on the surface for a certain period of time e. Use disinfecting wipes on electronic items that are touched often, such as phones and computers. Pay close attention to the directions for using disinfecting wipes.
It may be necessary to use more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the stated length of contact time. Make sure that the electronics can withstand the use of liquids for cleaning and disinfecting.
Pay close attention to hazard warnings and directions on product labels. Cleaning products and disinfectants often call for the use of gloves or eye protection.
For example, gloves should always be worn to protect your hands when working with bleach solutions. Do not mix cleaners and disinfectants unless the labels indicate it is safe to do so. Combining certain products such as chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners can result in serious injury or death. Ensure that custodial staff, teachers, and others who use cleaners and disinfectants read and understand all instruction labels and understand safe and appropriate use. This might require that instructional materials and training be provided in other languages.
Place no-touch waste baskets where they are easy to use. Throw disposable items used to clean surfaces and items in the trash immediately after use. Avoid touching used tissues and other waste when emptying waste baskets.
Wash your hands with soap and water after emptying waste baskets and touching used tissues and similar waste. To receive weekly email updates about Seasonal Flu, enter your email address:. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Although sanitizers are more frequently used on food contact surfaces, disinfectants can be used, but they must contain food safe chemicals.
Disinfecting is performed in a variety of circumstances, especially now as we battle COVID, but it is especially important in hospitals and other medical facilities. Sterilizing destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life, not just bacteria or viruses. It is most common in surgical rooms and laboratories. Products must be paired with the right methods. For example, the correct dwell time, the correct dilution and the appropriate equipment.
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