Surface disinfection

Differentiation between hygiene, cleaning, disinfection

By hygiene we mean all measures and behaviour that prevent the transmission of pathogens.
Cleaning is the removal of visible pollution and contamination as well as invisible organic material, which prevents the reproduction of microorganisms.
Disinfection we call the killing or inactivation of pathogens of any kind, to prevent infections.

Correct surface disinfection

Since there are pathogens that survive on surfaces for months and then can still be transmitted to humans, surface disinfection as an infection prophylaxis is an important measure to prevent exactly this.

For a functioning prophylaxis the surfaces must be disinfected routinely, i.e. continuously, e.g. according to a cleaning schedule. In case of the occurrence of specific pathogens or after obvious contamination, a surface is disinfected in a targeted manner.

The following areas should be disinfected continuously:

• Surfaces with frequent hand or skin contact (door handles, handrails, keyboards, etc.). In case of infection, it should be considered to keep doors open with a wedge if possible.
• Surfaces in communal sanitary areas (toilets, bathtubs, showers, washbasins, etc.)
• Work surfaces
• Floors

In hygienically sensitive areas or where infections occur, the surfaces and floors should be smooth, wipeable, joint-tight and disinfectable. Textile floor coverings are difficult to disinfect and should therefore not be laid in places where regular disinfection is required.

In general, the following should be considered when disinfecting surfaces:

• The surface must always be wiped with a sufficient amount of disinfectant under light pressure.
• Always follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the surface disinfectant used!
• Suitable safety gloves protect you from infections and are kind to the skin.

After the routine disinfection of surfaces such as floors, the surface can be used again or walked on as soon as it is visibly dry – regardless of the exposure time. The disinfecting effect is still given.

In some situations, however, the specified exposure time must be waited before the surface is used again for safety reasons, e.g:

• When disinfecting during an outbreak, i.e. during an epedemic/pandemic (formerly: plague).
• For the disinfection of (whirl) baths and washbasins, as the disinfection is terminated by the inflow of water
• For the targeted disinfection of contaminated surfaces
• When disinfecting surfaces that come into contact with food and must be rinsed with drinking water before reuse

We recommend for surfaces: Kemitron Pure Desino