tech tip Clean, Sanitize Or Disinfect? By: The Cleaning & Maintenance Management Staff All information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Clean Remove germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces and objects. Uses soap or detergent and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not kill germs, but it removes them, lowering their numbers and reducing the risk of spreading infection. Sanitize Lower the number of germs on surfaces and objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards. This process either cleans or disinfects surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection. Images courtesy of KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock/Thinkstock CDC Cleaning And Disinfection Process Disinfect Kill germs on surfaces or objects. These chemicals and processes do not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, they further lower the risk of spreading infection. Always follow the label directions on cleaning products and disinfectants. ■ Wash surfaces with a general cleaner to remove germs. ■ Rinse with water. ■ Use an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill germs. Image courtesy of KenChiu/iStock/Thinkstock Touchpoint Disinfection Common commercial building touchpoints that require regular disinfection: ■ Light switches ■ Phones ■ Computers ■ Door handles ■ Faucets ■ Soap dispensers ■ Toilet handles ■ Restroom stall latches. Disinfecting wipes may be used on touchpoints and electronic items. Follow the directions for using the disinfecting wipe, and remember it may require more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the neces-sary length of contact time. Disinfecting With Bleach If an EPA-registered disinfectant is not accessible, a cleaner may use a fresh chlorine bleach solution. The CDC recommends: ■ Add 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 quart (4 cups) of water. For a larger supply of dis-infectant, add ¼ cup of bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water. ■ Apply the solution to the surface with a cloth. ■ Let it stand for three to five minutes. ■ Rinse the surface with clean water. Image courtesy of JovicaAntoski/Hemera/Thinkstock Image courtesy of LanaLangolis/Hemera/Thinkstock www.cmmonline.com 15
CMM – Archives February 2014: 15
